Don't Eat the Paste

Just like in grade school, my craft projects didnt involve eating the paste, as much as getting the paste everywhere! Even as I craft now, I usually have a "glue rag" close by...even if it is the leg of my ratty sweatpants I am probably wearing. {If you want to see anything closer, just click on the photo.}
This was an ultra simple card I did last night for friends, who sadly lost their sweet dog. The inside simply says "loved.". Having been through this heartbreaking situation recently, I hope they are as comforted by condolences as we were. So, please dont ever feel awkward about offering sympathy to your friends, who have lost their four-legged family members.
On to the next project:
I also kind of "do miniatures". Which means I make (mostly buy) stuff that is of a miniature scale. I work in 1 inch scale (1 inch = 1 foot). My mom has done this for years, and I recently got on the bandwagon, so that I can get a larger project done. I have a 4-room log cabin that I want to work very hard on this next year. However, these are little workshop projects that are being done by The Little Women Miniature Club that has let me join. I have added the quarter to show size reference.
The beach umbrella was a made out of an oversized cocktail umbrella. The paper was carefully removed, and fabric was glued back on. Then the thread like twine piping at the edge of the fabric. It actually works, too.

This Itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-yellow-polka-dot-bikini was a workshop the next month. It was made using 1-inch satin ribbon and 1/8 inch ribbon.

The beach totes below are for a workshop that I am "hosting" next week. Each tote is made of 1-inch ribbon, glued around the edge of a wooden disc. Once you get that to take hold (here is where getting the glue everywhere came in), you add the 1/8 inch grosgrain ribbon as the handles (more glue everywhere). All of these items will be assemble, with many more, to make a beach scene.

This is the stuff I do to keep out of trouble. After the holidays, I will keep a thread of getting the log cabin done.

Have a great weekend!!!

One ringy-dingy...

...two ringy-dingy. (If you're younger than 35, you wont understand why that is funny. ) Anyway, that's all the longer it took for my world to change...4,019 days ago! That's right, 11 years ago today, THE phone call came.

I'll start the story a little further back. My mom used to walk with a woman in her neighborhood, whose dad worked with the "nicest guy" ... That was sometime in July.

But on that cool night in late October, the phone rang. I just had new carpet laid in my kitchen - when I moved the refrigerator back, there must have been axle grease on the wheels, and I was left with two black grease marks in the middle of my new carpet. My mom had come over to help me, and when I went out to the car for some cardboard, the phone rang. She answered it - and came out to tell me "a guy with the nicest voice is on the phone for you".

Really? Now?

When I came to the phone, it truly was the nicest guy. I explained my predicament and asked if he could call back at 9pm. At 8:58pm, the phone rang again (extra point for promptness). He lived in Miamisburg (near Dayton), traveled alot with work, and I was working 2nd shift as a police dispatcher. We couldn't arrange our schedules for a First Date until November 8th, but talked every night until then. He still remembers what I was wearing when I opened the door. He still remembers what I ordered for dinner, and what booth we sat in. After our second date, I remember telling my girlfriend "he is The One". He told me he knew,,after the third date.

Next May 1st, we will be married 10 years. Sometimes, yes, sometimes those blind dates do end...happily ever after.

Woof or Treat !

See what happens when you dont have kids?

Do you think Gracie is really giving me the raspberry here? Nah, she is the most easy going dog! She is very tolerant. She loved being a cowgirl - yeehaw! The arms of the costume tend to flop around alot, so I tuck them in the belt. I got this for her more than 10 yrs ago - it wasnt as easy to find pet costumes back then. I had to tack up her pant legs, because they used to drag the ground - now they are highwaters. She would always sit out with me to hand out Beggar's candy. Quite this hit!

All the other pics I had of her, had me in them, too, so I reshot some - she is on our front porch.




This is a picture of our sweet boy, Pete.

We lost him in June, just a couple of months shy of 16 yrs old! You will see occasionally see some references on here about him - there was always something funny to share.

Oh, but...he hated his Superman outfit! He was tolerant of it, but just sat and pouted. So, he only wore it about 3 yrs. The dogs would sit out on the porch with me, handing out candy, and we would have "treat" biscuits for all the dogs walking with their families. People always took their pictures, and one year some folks came back with their video camera. The first year I just left the dogs in the house, people even asked about them. They were pretty cute, even if I say so myself.

I told the story on here last week of "how I got Gracie", so I will quick share about Pete. Since Gracie was an "only dog" , she tended to be kind of needy, so I thought it would be nice if she had a buddy (other than me, I was single then). While visiting a friend's farm (where there were new puppies), I saw this sweet little dog and said "I dont want another puppy, but I'll take him, any day". There were lots of dogs at the farm - he had the run of acres, but slept with two other big dogs on the garage floor. He was just so sweet, he would enjoy living in a home - and being spoiled, to boot. Off we went to our house. He and Gracie hit it off wonderfully - however, they were both needy dogs...haha. One on one side, one on the other! I always felt he was grateful for living like a King here. He slept between Steve and me, right between our pillows - many a night "kicking" Steve nearly out of bed. (Gracie slept between our legs at the bottom). He was 1/2 Jack Russel, and 1/2 Fox Terrier - and I swear, he was was smarter than me. What a Super-dog!

Steve is off golfing today. Yes, golfing. It's 47 deg with an imminent threat of rain. This is an annual outing that he and his friends always hold on the last Friday of October. It's called The Halloweenie Open. This year, its a week early due to Beggar's Night next Friday. I think they have done this about 20 years.

Have a great weekend. Go Bucks! We play Penn State at home on Saturday. Cross all those fingers and toes, again.

Can you see me now?

Good.
I might, or might not, be able to see you, depending on the exact alignment of the planets, and if I am holding my mouth right.
Maybe I should have given this post the title of "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie".

I have been very blessed with good vision. You know how perfect vision is 20/20? My vision can be calculated at 20/6, but normally 20/10. I am very grateful for this. It is very useful when I am co-piloting a road trip, and can see a road sign in the next state.

But then came 40. Actually, 41 was the real kicker. All of a sudden, when I tried to read something, I had to hold it further away. Then I couldnt see to thread a needle. Oh Crap - I was going to need some of those reading glasses. I break down and buy a pack of reader glasses from WalMart (3 for $10) - that way I can leave them in every room - for only times I really need to see something.
For three years I had been refusing to get real glasses. My eye doctor told me "you'll know when its time...". In September, it was finally that time.
So off I go to pick some lenses/frames that are nearly invisible. I didnt want them to be seen OR felt. They had some just like that. My cost was $290, and the insurance paid the remainder of the $980 bill. No, that was not a typo, but I think an important part of the story.

Two weeks later I happily went in to pick them up, excited that I was going to be able to see - conveniently. Holy Cow! They were blinding! When I looked out of the top part, they made me sick. Kinda like looking at a carnival mirror. When I looked out of the bottom part, I still couldnt read clearly. So, the eye technician tells me "just wear them for two weeks anyway, and your eyes will adjust". Adjust to what? Blindness?! I wore them for a day and a half and was miserable. Steve was looking through the sack I was given, for the insurance receipt, only to find another patient's paperwork! Maybe the mistake was bigger than just paperwork, and the reason I really couldnt see is because I had someone else's glasses, too! However, a call to their office only brought a denial, but they would be happy to see me. I had another evaluation from the Dr, and he made two prescription changes that should make things better. Come back in two weeks and we will have the lenses adjusted. Hmm, wonder what really happened?

Two weeks later...I'm back to pick them up. A little better - at least I dont want to vomit now when I have them on. I can read some things now, if I only move my head a certain way. The technician told me "cant you just hold whatever you are reading a little further away". Yeah, I laughed at that comment, too. The Dr and technician both advised us at different times that we had 60 days to decide on the glasses. That made me fell better - knowing that I could return them for a refund if they didnt work. However, it has been suggested that part of the problem is me. These are "graduated lenses" which is a fancy way of saying no-line bifocals, and I need to wear them for "weeks" to adjust to them. Maybe I need to take a "Learn how to wear glasses" course.

Still they arent working well. If I wear them ALL day, then one eye is blurry when I take them off. That didnt seem right. So...we call the office to see what to do about returning them. Nothing, since there is no such thing as "returning glasses". Steve takes charge of that, and the Dr calls us at home last night. He said they normally dont take glasses back, but for us, he will make an exception (hmm, wonder what thats about). He asks if I can come in today and reviews the fitting - again. I got alot of stories and discussion, mainly about my brain having to "retrain" itself. (yes, I can hear some of you chuckling that my brain needs training alright). I was assured I would not cause damage to my eyes. So, for the next three weeks...

Who says you cant teach an old brain new tricks? (let's hope its not Stevie Wonder)

Too good to pass by

I ran across this product at our Giant Eagle store a couple of months ago. Actually, Steve pointed it out to me , and we both laughed hysterically. Yeah, ok, we probably acted like we were 10 years old, but "What the hell is this stuff"? If anyone really knows, please leave a comment. (I am afraid to Google it, for fear of the spam email I will probably get). It is in the kosher section. It must be pretty tasty to sell for $5.99 a can. I had my camera in my purse today, so I thought this might give you a good laugh to start your week. I probably made the security people at the store laugh, while they watched me taking the picture...

Hopefully, your Monday does not find you with Spotted Dick Sponge Pudding on your menu!

Wooly Bully

...is the song I sang to Gracie, as I towel dried her after her bath on Sunday. She is so good about getting her baths - which we are smart enough to do outside - at least three times from spring to fall.
I was single when I got her, at 11 weeks old. I picked her out of a litter, on the floor of a truck, that someone was giving away. She was the quiet, shy female in the back. That should have been my first sign...hehe. Does anyone remember their moms telling them "I hope you grow up and have kids just like you". Believe me, I got that in Gracie. She is sassy and stubborn, but the most loving dog. I named her Gracie because she was SO clumsy and uncoordinated as that new puppy, I figured the only was she would have any "grace", is if it was in her name. She will be 14 in December (but I have made her promise that she will live forever).
Gracie's mother was full black lab, and the father was a 1/2 black lab and 1/2 "husky". The father's owner was the one finding homes for all the accidental litter with the neighbor's dog (mother). The father lived to 15+, so I am hoping she got some longevity genes. So, something in her coat makes her kink up when she is wet. Upon the suggestion of a dog groomer, I blew her dry-backwards- this time, and it got a ton of extra hair out. She looked like a big fluffy bear the rest of the day. These pics were taken while she was still wet and unbrushed.


The last pic is not of any purpose, just that I thought the moon was beautiful this week. It was full one of the nights (I think the night before this was taken), which explains the enhanced stupidity of people this week. While I dont believe in the supernatural, I do kinda feel that there is probably something to the theory of planetary alignments that affect peoples "sync". Of course, it doesnt make me stupid, only heightened to everyone else.............;)

Have a safe and happy weekend. Ohio State is in Michigan (State) this weekend - are you all crossing your fingers and toes? We've handled all of the other Big10 teams, so far, but these next two are gonna be tough! I have faith

Baskets of Life

Today's posting will be on a lighter side. You may have seen me mention the monthly charity program I am involved with, Baskets of Life. This program was started by my friend Chris nearly seven years ago. As a Christian women, she wanted to combine the need people may have to find the word of Christ, along with a need for personal items - creating the name, Baskets of Life. Once a month, the doors are opened for anyone to come and be able to listen to a non-denominational Christian message (music, a play, bible story, motivational speaker,etc), and then choose a basket they need. I have taken some pictures:

Here is the table we fill the baskets from. This is part of our inventory of personal hygiene items. The baskets are filled with taxable items that cant be purchased with food stamps, and are not available at a food pantry. But we all have a need for these items.
This is a partial shot of the Baskets. You will see that the "baskets" are a container that can be of future use. Men get a wastebasket (black/white to the left), and women often get a tote or carrier of some kind (yellow on the right).
In the personal baskets, there is hair product, brush, nail trimmer, soap, shaving items, deodorants, toothpaste/brush, lotion, and new attendees get a bible.
One option folks can choose is a laundry basket. Theses baskets include detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover/cleaner, toilet paper, and new baskets get a bible. The brown bags to the right are the refills.For returning visitors, there are basic item refills available. Most visitors are underprivileged, however, the economy has increased those in need. There are also two half-way houses that permit guests to attend.
Working in this program, has made me more grateful for my fortunate life, and sympathetic to different life situations. I take care of the shopping (with my helper, Mom), inventory, and basket assembly. I am also there with Chris, and a couple other ladies, who come to help hand out the baskets. There has been 30-70 people on any given month. Most amazing to me, is that Baskets of Life is not supported or underwritten by any large group or organization. Chris just gets donations and gifts from friends, associates, and anonymous donors. Although the cupboards have been nearly bare, on more than one occasion, we are always blessed with enough to provide for yet another month. Yes, truly blessed.

CSI: Newark {w/update}*

When I first started this blog, I made a promise to myself that I would "never blog angry". Although, I wouldnt describe my mood as "angry", I will provide a "Strong Opinion to Follow" warning:
Because of the nature of Steve's work with the State, he drives a State car. With only 50 days to go, the car got hit. Steve went to get newspapers this morning, and when he came back, he noticed the front corner had been hit. For comedic purposes, let's just say "my inner Horatio" kicked in. (if you dont watch csi: miami, that joke wont make sense). This is Sunday morning at 9 a.m. - we call the police. What can they be busy doing at 9am? In this town? {yes, I am sure you are all mumbling exactly what I am thinking}. In the mean time, I am out in the street, with my little digital camera taking pictures, and "reviewing" the scene...hehe. In my defense, the insurance Co will probably like the photos.........since the worthless cop couldnt bother himself to take pictures!!! It took them 40 mins to show up, then 30 more minutes to be annoyed with having to show up! Here are my snaps (further rant will follow)

I took this picture to show that the incident happened after the sun came up. Notice all the heavy dew on/around the light? There isnt any inside the light. hmmm

This is just light debris
Hmmm, this looks like paint transfer on the glass. There was also a chunk of red paint stuck down lower in the scratches.

The most irritating part about this whole situation isnt that the car even got hit. It was the way
Newark Police handled it. Or should I say DIDNT handle it. Every question was met with a sharp annoyed response. Steve asked if he was going to take pictures. No! I commented "wonder what the State will think about that". Only then, did he fling open his car door, drag his fat ass out, to even look at the damage. Steve mentioned we saw paint transfer. He said he couldnt see it - probably because he didnt even bother to bend at the waist to look. I had to show him BOTH spots where transfer was present. Buuuuut, I guess there was no need for pictures, was there? We asked him for his business card. No! He said "it would all be in the report". When asked if the incident report would be online later this week (for printing), he angrily answered "I dont know nothing about that system. I am a computer dinosaur. I lost the report when I had it half-way entered, so it look me longer. If they would let me fill it out on paper, we would have been done a long time ago". Are you kidding me? I'm not sure if he was proud of that fact, or using it as an excuse. Maybe he can write in long-hand....r-e-t-i-r-e-m-e-n-t.

In my career, I have worked in the Courts, for judges, and dispatched police. I always had a high respect for the law. Dont get me wrong, I still have a respect for the law itself (meaning that I dont break it), but not its officers. I never used to understand citizens' general discontent for police - if you werent breaking the law, why would you have a beef with them? Now, I know. Especially in this cesspool-of-a-town! Our town's law is lazy! If an event doesnt get their picture on the front page of the paper, then they dont care! Its all about absence of personal ethics. If you are getting paid to do a job, then do it to the best of your ability. If you dont like your job, then find another one. Earn your pay - even when is doesnt land in the paper, or with a commendation and accolades. Have personal pride!
I just checked their websiste and didnt see anything in their Mission Statement about "pride".

Maybe this blog title should have been: Reno, 911

*the handling of this really bothered Steve, so he went to NPD to speak with the officer's Sgt. Wow, cant believe it, but they took the complaint seriously. Made the Off. come back and get pictures. The Sgt. even hand delivered the pictures and completed report to our door the next day - and asked if I would give a written statement, too.
Brrrr......isnt it chilly in here? Must be the freezing over of hell.

like a moth to flame

This is my new toy...the label maker. The P-touch 1280. For someone as anal retentive as I am, this is like giving an addict some heroin. The labels shown are my first examples, that I will use for my card stock hanging folder system (see, told you) . My friend, Ann, flaunted the fun she was having with hers (plus it was on sale @ Staples), so I had her order me one. This one is SO simple to use, and very portable. Runs on DC or batteries. Woo Hoo, guess what I'm doing this weekend?

The real treat will be taking it to the area where my charity products are housed, and getting some organizing done. Next time I go there, I am taking my camera to show you this project.

Yesterday, Ann and I met in Wooster, Ohio. Ann drove an hour east, from Galion... and I drove about three days. At least it felt that way. It took me 1hr 45 mins to get to Wooster! It rained the whoooooole way. Those conditions made I-71 a real treat. But, what a great day we had. We went to a papier/scrap store, called The Pink Tomato. Excellent store! After crafting and some lunch, we went into a store called The Bead Cafe. They have all the beads, stones, etc. for making jewelry. Its a beautiful store...and I have always wanted to learn to make jewelry. Here is my very first project (click pic for larger view). Can you guess what my big love is? (aside from Steve and Gracie). That's right! I will wear this proudly while waving and cheering the Basketball Buckeyes on! Practice starts next Wednesday. Only 42 days until the first game.

watering hole

So, do you think there is some kind of signal in the bird world, when someone lets out a chirp "Hey, party at the birdbath"? There are five here, but I saw eight in there yesterday.I find it funny that they drink, bath, and potty in there. They must be third-world birds. I am now stalking a Hairy Woodpecker (yeah, I chuckled when I typed it, too). I think she hears me turn on the camera and flies away before I can click. There should be more around when I put the suet cakes out.
Also today, while animal watching, I saw these two shiny eyes peeking around the deck at me. The stray black field cat was in our yard, and ready to go under the deck. Oh, hell no! She spent the summer out in the 12-acre field behind us...raising four kittens. She doesnt need to live here! So, out comes my box of mothballs! I spread them out under the deck, just inside the lattice work, so Gracie cant get any. I drop in 3-4 every foot or so. I think I might have overdone it a little - now when you walk out onto the deck, it smells like a "grandma's closet". Oh yeah, does anyone know how to get that smell off of my hands?
I have a new favorite lunch! This is veggie sushi. I always walk past it in the Giant Eagle case, and think how orderly and pretty it looks. I dont enjoy raw meat, so I was excited to find they have a veggie option. Now its my new addiction! These are slightly bigger than a quarter, and I only let myself eat six of them. Is that alot? To my friend, Paula,please email me your expert dietitian opinion. These had carrot, cucumber and avocado in them. Here is my lesson learned, as well: the green condiment stuff on the left is NOT pureed avocado.....blak! Its wasabi - and is next to pickled ginger, which I did know.

How often do you see people fall down? Today, I backed out of the drive, turned my head to look for traffic, and saw this man. I think I spotted him right after "the trip", because I just saw all the flailing about, and then fall. He was about seven houses away, so I couldnt just jump out to help. I'm leery of that scenario, in case its an ambush set up to steal a car or rob you. (see, something to think about) Anyway, in this case, I did watch him get up and continue down the street - unharmed. I continued on my way, and just thought "you dont see people fall down much".

I was on my way to pick up new glasses. It really is as simple as "I only need them to read". My regular vision is 20/10 - that good. But this process has been a nightmare, and I still cant see with them. Originally picked them up two weeks ago - not good. Not good, at all. It was like looking through a fun-house mirror. They made me sick. So I saw the doctor again, and he changed the prescription on them. Hmm, maybe they werent done right to begin with. Two weeks later - today - I picked them up. The sickening vision is fixed, but apparently lineless bifocals have only a small center area that is really clear. Ya know, I would have been better off leaving my $2 reader glasses lay everywhere. Which is what made me finally breakdown and just get these permanent ones. Grrr

Steve's glass coccoon

Hi Everyone,
No picture, and not much else either. I have been so very busy this week. I have had alot of stuff to do in my craft room. Also had Miniature Club meeting and lunch/shopping with my friend and mom today. What an absolute superb day!
Steve was gone to Cleveland all week working. He was at The Federal Reserve during this tumultuous week of government finance. Entertainment at its best. Funny enough (because this didnt happen to me), today he got locked in a revolving door! Their security has been ratcheted down, so when he surrendered his credentials (which the door sensors read), the security guard didnt push the sensor bypass. As he entered the revolving door and passed slightly forward, the door jammed shut and pinned him in the glass!!! He was holding computer bags and briefcase - while alarms and voice tones screeched out "Security Breach, Security Breach"! Oh yeah, people standing around looking at him, etc. He said it took about 10 mins for the guard to reprogram the door to release. Everyone else who thinks they would have "sh*t a brick", raise your hands.

More later. Enjoy the coming weekend!