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In Florida the end of November means the end of hurricane season. I celebrated by cleaning out the pantry and gathering up the hurricane supplies to donate them to the food bank. I also breathed a sigh of relief that we survived another one, there were plenty of folks that weren’t so lucky.
It also means my final post for National Blog Writing Month. Sure, I screwed it up early with my forgotten post on the 5th, but I’ve not missed any since so I figure its a semi-success. I like the concept of NaBloWriMo, but not the number of half assed posts it produces. Next year I’ll either sit it out or challenge myself to a whole month of genuine posts. Or I might play with the NaNoWriMo crowd. D participated with the novel writing group this year and managed to finish a 50000 word book ... go D!
The end of November also means the end of BackTack. My project is nearly ready to go out the door and because my partner was evil enough to tease me last week I’m going to return the favor with a tease of my own. I cant wait until it gets where its going.
I’m writing from the party, because I totally forgot to post before we left the house. Food...awesome, friends...terrific, fun..having lots. Who could ask for more? D and his friends are playing a game that is not unlike Monopoly and I am sitting in the wings watching. I’m actually very entertained and quite content to sit on the sidelines. My only complaint would be that they have chosen a table in the garage for their game play and its freakin’ freezing. Thank goodness for my knitting friends who have outfitted me in a scarf and mitts...bless you ladies!
Tomorrow will be all about sewing, but tonight is about relaxing and I’m going to get back to it. How’s your weekend going?
"End of the month’ combined with beginning our ‘end of year’ inventories made for a very long day at work. I debated going home or making a run to the mall. I reasoned that all the big deal shoppers would already be home eating turkey by that time of day and I’d be able to breeze in and out. Since driving back into town over the weekend wasn’t all that attractive to me I gave it a shot. and to my amazement not only was I right but I found exactly what I was after. Its the first time in years I’ve participated in Black Friday; had I not needed a specific geegaw to complete my BackTack swap I would have avoided it like the plague...now all that’s left is the best part, the sewing.
Being in the midst of all that retail splendor reminded me of my promise to share some more gift ideas with you. You probably know someone that’s really pinched by the economy. Trust me when I say this isn’t the year to gift them with something they don’t need; instead consider what you go without when money is tight. I eliminate pedicures and magazine subscriptions, dinners out and movies....all easy gift card ideas. Perhaps they have kids; this year gift them instead with one more package ‘from Santa’ to tuck under the tree. Perhaps a themed gift basket...breakfast in bed for example. Pancake mix and syrup, scones and jam, hot cocoa, coffee or tea...a little indulgence that can go a long way toward making someone smile. Have you other suggestions? Share ‘em...those of us that aren’t finished with out Christmas shopping can use all the help we can get.
The food has been consumed, the dishes are done and if it wasn’s so early I’d probably be heading off to bed. Happily yesterday’s dazedness did not carry over to today and the food was enjoyed by all. I make turkey, dressing, ham, gravy and of course, pie. My uncle and cousin brought green bean casserole and a Jello salad that we refer to as simply ‘pink stuff’. My step mom brought mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a plate of deviled eggs. There were only six of us so you can imagine what we’ll be having for dinner tomorrow, and the night after and the night after that, lol.
The best part of the day is knowing that my chores are done, the house is clean and once I get through the work day tomorrow the weekend is mine all mine. Yes, the BackTack project is hovering over my head and must be in the mail Monday...but ohhh what a wonderful way to spend the weekend. There’s a party to go to as well, and I may have to brave the mall...heaven help me...but it should still be a relaxing weekend and after all this cooking and cleaning it will also be well earned.
I hope you all had a wonderful, safe, friend and family filled Thanksgiving!
You ever had one of those days when you think, “Maybe I shouldn’t be driving”? Not because you’ve been drinking or are all hopped up on Nyquil, but because you keep making little mistakes that you know could quickly turn into monumental ones. Well, thats how driving home was for me. My brain was occupied with with planning for tomorrow and keeping tabs on the running list of errands I had to complete on the way. More than once I told myself, “Worry about that later, drive now” and I still nearly ran a stop sign.
My dottiness carried over into to my evening project of pie making. Chocolate-caramel-pecan pie to be exact. Its a somewhat elaborate recipe that puts you through the paces of making ganache, caramel and custard. I’ve made caramel dozens of times, but tonight I ruined the first batch....my water boiled off long before my sugar began to brown...and I let the second batch get one step too dark before stopping the cooking process. There is pie, it’s resting in the fridge, but there is a faint bitterness to the custard caused by the overcooked caramel and it annoys me to no end to have spent so much time on it and have it not be right. I’m not used to kitchen disasters; I can count on one hand the things I’ve burned (if you dont count the last batch of cookies). Outright yuck meals...I can only think of two. Since tomorrow centers around kitchen activities from turkey to tofu how about sharing your worst kitchen disaster? Maybe it will make me feel better about my slightly bungled pie.
I’ve been dabbling in Facebook lately; most of my contacts being people I already know. Sometime last week someone from high school ‘found’ me and I had to think about whether or not to accept the ‘friend request’. It had nothing to do with the person making the request, in fact I was happy to hear from her, it had more to do with my own insecurities and fears. I wasn’t sure I wanted these people to know who I’ve become, or rather who I didn’t become. I looked at the reunion photos and at the friends of my friend. There were names that I recognized and in a few of their faces I could see the kids I remembered but most were strangers to me...twenty years is a long time. Looking at their faces and perfectly coiffed hair I saw soccer moms, and professionals, people with style and class and a group I no more belong to now than I did when I was in high school. I’m not professional, I’m not a mom and my hair is only perfectly coiffed on rare special occasions. I’m still the fashion challenged, lame, geek loner I always was...and I think I’m good with that.
I suppose it wouldn’t count as a post if I just said ‘got nothing’, would it? No...didn’t think so. Honestly there isn’t much to tell that you don’t already know. BackTack is coming to an end this week and I’m hustling to get my project out the door. Thanksgiving is upon us...who knows where the year went? We’ve a party to go to...another multi-day thing but we’ll probably just attend Saturday night. Its really just the same old story, we’re busy and somewhat behind, yet we keep adding things to our plate. Tis the season...lol.
I made a terrible mistake yesterday. I stopped at the fabric store to pick up some buttons and while I was there I wandered into the sewing machine dealer area. Its a small part of the store that is leased to another company for the sole purpose of selling sewing machines. I’d heard that Husqvarna had come out with a new quilting machine called the Sapphire and I wanted to take a peek. As you might imagine peeking quickly became fondling and it is quite possible that the salesperson considered asking me to leave. Surprisingly I didn’t leave with a new machine...but ohhh it wouldn’t take much to get me to go back. Well, not much over $1300...and that’s the bottom of the line. Eeeeouch!
The closet is cleared...three bags of clothes and one of shoes have gone to Goodwill. I also accumulated a big box of items that I tried to take to consignment only to learn that they aren’t taking any new clothes until January and everything must be on hangers. Grrr. So there’s some to go back in the closet...disappointing but not tragic. The good news is there’s lots of room for it now.
The closet took longer than I expected so other than washing a few windows (yes, really) and mounds of laundry not much else got done. Even my errands sorta failed. I shopped for a purse...no luck. Picked up my ring...its good, not great. Searched for Christmas lights...nope. It wasn’t a bad day, it just wasn’t all it should have been. Hopefully I can knock more of it out tomorrow. For now I’m giving up, finding a comfy chair and reading my book until bed. I’m thinking that not much can go wrong with that - heh.
Today my desk, normally awash in paper, is awash in things that make me smile. Just look at all that birthday goodness. Tulips from my step-mom, roses and daisies from Rox, a bead book from Laurie and tons of cards. Believe it or not there are things that didn’t make the photo, namely a gift basket from Kim filled with Wolferman’s English Muffins, jam and coffee. They didn’t make it because if I brought them to work I’d have to share – lol. Even though there were lots of nice gifts they aren’t what made it a special day. You guys made it special and I really, really appreciate all your kind wishes. Thank-you.
There are no weekend plans of any consequence, but it will be plenty busy. There is much undone from last weekend, and much to do to prepare for Thanksgiving. There is also a great deal of sewing to get started because I’m determined to supplement Christmas shopping with handmade to help keep expenses more manageable. As I told D, I can’t avoid spending money on Christmas but I can spend less and still feel like I’m giving appreciated gifts. At the same time I always wonder if handmade counts. Some people seem to love it, and others seem to look down their nose at it. I’ll just have to be selective of who gets what and hope for the best. I did do a little Christmas crafting this week. I had a Christmas Cookie recipe swap and I made little felt gingerbread men to tuck in the packages with the recipes (you can see them here). I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out and there is something relaxing to hand stitching that edge; I think there will be more of these.
Besides the cleaning and prep my weekend list also includes cleaning out the master closet and taking things to Goodwill and the consignment shop. I’m actually torn over this. I feel like I’m not being a very good Samaritan by not donating it all. Especially now, when I know there are lots of folks out there who have it really rough and rely on those donations. I don’t have it rough, things are just a little tight and I’m down to two pairs of jeans and three long sleeve shirts…nothing else fits…so there are a few expensive items that I just cant seem to give away, not that I’ll get much from a consignment shop but every little bit – ya know?
I’ve survived another year and let me tell you there were times when I though I wouldn’t. I can’t say it has been the best of years; in some instances it was pretty darn tough and continues to be. But in others it’s been nice and I’m constantly endeavoring to concentrate on those. The day has passed quietly with cards from family and lots of well wishes on facebook, Friendfeed and here. D and Mackie sang me ‘happy birthday’ this morning and there have been a smattering of gifts that support my current insatiable need for glass, as well as flowers, alcohol (1/2 pint of rum and 12oz of coke – someone knows me too well – heh), and a ‘no-fee’ gift of the best kind…cash. All that’s missing is cake, or crème brule but I don’t think either of those is going to appear before the day is out so I’ll just be content with what I’ve got…and ya know…I’ve got a lot. Thanks everyone for everything!
My mail box has begun its annual list to the left caused by an over abundance of holiday catalogs. Several of them I really enjoy looking at but they are also a little annoying and they seem terribly wasteful to me (all that paper). This year they are also a little depressing, for two reasons. First, it’s too darn early for them to be arriving and screaming Christmas! at me. Second, who can afford what they are selling? For me it’s no so much that money is tight (and it is), it’s more that as far as the debacle we call the economy is concerned there is only one piece of it that I can control. Where I spend my money.
Of late the basis for that choice has changed. Normally I’m more about price and convenience. I had no qualms about ordering online, figuring that the freight cost was more than offset by my time and gas expense. But I’ve been rethinking that. The online giants and the big box stores may offer me better value because of their prices but they don’t offer better Karma. If my money helps keep a struggling business open isn’t’ that the better place to spend it, even if it is a few dollars more? I think so. And if my money goes to a private individual; someone who actually appreciates it…well then all the better.
I realize that I can’t do Christmas without the big boys, but they don’t have to get the lion’s share. So this year I’m shopping at small, privately owned stores, at Etsy.com, and trading friends sewing for knitting. My budget may be smaller but the gifts feel nicer. I challenge you to do the same and to get you started here are some of my favorite folks who sell on Etsy, plus my favorite soap company on the planet (all natural / made by hand). In the coming weeks I’ll be posting some more gift ideas that I think are karma-rific!
Artsy Crafty Babe - pretty handmade purses, totes and sewing patterns
Rancho de Perro - beautiful, original jewelry, beads and buttons
Lima Pop Shoppe - sparkely stitch markers for the knitter in your life
Old School Acres - darling ‘stuffies’ plus she sells the cutest baby items at The Baby Gardner
The Fearless Knitter - snuggly warm knit items for the one you love.
Pinks and Needles - super cute pins and pincushions for your favorite sewest.
Indigo Wild
Wow...what a weekend! I remember rolling over in the night and thinking ‘jeez I wish I’d fall asleep’...thirty seconds later the alarm went off. I sure was worn out, even with all the relaxing. Tonight was bead class, the last one until January. Luckily there is one open day in December; six hours of molten glass fun. Tonight we worked on blown vessels. Yep, I attempted to blow glass. What I ended up with was frit....in lampworking terms frit is bits of broken glass. Such fun frustration. After class I went to the grocery store and dropped some books at the library. A very full day after a very full weekend means you get a very short post, but tomorrow I should be rested and raring to go with a rant. Stay tuned.
Yesterday I borrowed a tortilla to wear on my head only at the time I had no idea it looked like a tortilla. Thank goodness for photographs, huh? I did practically no gaming yesterday and was content to take photos, chat and spend some time in the shade with a book. It was relaxing, but there should have been a nap in there somewhere because by the time I served dinner (from a local BBQ joint) and sat through the awards ceremony I was done and it was only 10pm. I found a semi quiet spot and rested for an hour. I cant say I was exactly recovered but my mood was greatly improved. We still cut out of there fairly early...well early for the event...but we’re getting old and need our sleep.
There are a couple of photo’s I’d like to share. The first...the obligatory dog photo.
Miss Mac was stellar over the weekend and everyone commented on what a good dog she is. It just makes a mama proud.
Secondly: Taken just after the game ended....the A & D Chippendale review (bwahahahaha)
Today is the final day. There is no schedule and no urgency. It’s a day of board games and laughter, a day of quite breezes through the Spanish Moss covered trees, a day of do nothing. My favorite day of the event. Enjoy your Sunday, I know I’ll enjoy mine.
Well here she is, Clara Dupree, manager of Rick’s casino. I tossed on my $5.99-to-darn-small dress, added a bit of vintage bling and failed miserably at putting finger waves in my hair. I wouldn’t even show you but I knew you needed a good laugh. The food was mostly a hit and that’s what I expected. My other menu items were too ‘far-out’ for some of the event goers, but dont worry, they didn’t go hungry they just had to forage in the kitchen. The menu? Grilled garlic chicken, spiced wild & white rice with dried apricots, chickpea salad, grilled lemons and pita bread. My first few hours at last year’s party were wholly consumed with the food and this year was no different. Luckily the host caught on and Clara had no obligations until later.
When that ‘later’ arrived I sat down with my packet and learned about Clara. It seems I’m from Boston (Bahhhs-ton) and I’m touring Africa spending my poor dear, dead Monty’s (or was that Morty?) money. Monty - Morty died by falling from his polo pony and bursting into flames. I’m fairly certain they stuck that in there to make sure I was reading my whole sheet - heh. I’m not all that fond of the native Moroccan rabble, or the members of the French resistance, but I do like those sharply dressed German Officers. I’m easily impressed with money and swayed with a well timed compliment. One of my ‘special abilities’ is that I can receive a wire transfer from home once each of the game periords - there are three all together. Did you notice that there is no mention of the casino? Me too...it would seem that I received the wrong packet...there were two for Clara thought I couldnt say why. So my attempt at dressing like a hard working pit boss was rather wasted.
Today is the long day. We start around 10am - or those that have worked off their hangovers do - and we go until one faction or another has come out on top. Don’t misunderstand...I truly have no clue what’s going on or how to ‘play’ my character. In fact the whole thing really isn’t my bag, but watching everyone else is great fun and I really cannot explain how much I love our host’s house and property (omg you should see the sewing room!) But I do know how to ask for that wire transfer so I suppose if nothing else I can try to finish wealthier than I started.