Katidids

T-Shirt To Skirt Quick and Easy Make Over

2012-02-08T23:02:00.001-06:00

Thrifting with Evie the other day she nabbed up this “pink” t-shirt. She loved it, it met her highest criteria ….it was pink.

Never mind it wouldn’t fit her for another 8-10 years it was PINK! Pinterest has had quite a few photos of t-shirt skirts and I thought well for .89 cents I can’t go wrong.

With so many making do & wanting to learn basic sewing I thought I’d show exactly how I did this. So, dust off those sewing machines dig through your t-shirts and lets get busy.

For reference, Evie wears a size 3 or 4. The t shirt I’m using is a Junior large with a bit of a flare at the bottom (a ladies small would work also)

Measuring Evie, I knew I needed a finished length of 9-10 inches. Or, measure a skirt you know fits well) For the elastic I used a 3/4 inch. In my opinion anything wider would be to bulky for a toddler.

This t-shirt had a decent hem so I used it.

Lay your t-shirt flat ensuring the front and back hem is even & the shirt is not bunched in the back. Measure from the hem upward the length you need plus 1-1.5 inches. From the hem toward the arm I measured 11.5 inches on the side marked it, & did the same toward the other arm. Use a ruler or straight edge and draw a line between the 2 marks and cut. (make sure the shirt is not bunching underneath)

Turn the “skirt” part inside out and sew or pin about 1/4 inch. Pressing helps (please note I did not use the 4 letter word….. I R O N ) Once that is done, fold over 1 inch and stitch down all the way around creating a casing & leave a 1 inch opening.

Next measure your little one with the elastic around their waist making sure it will easily clear their hips. You want it snug but not tight. Use a safety pin to thread the elastic through the casing making sure it doesn’t twist. Once it’s all the way through overlap the ends of your elastic and stitch through both layers, slide the sewn ends inside the casing and sew the casing shut.

I forgot photos of that part but I‘ve another shirt I need to redo & can provide more photos if needed

Once it’s all the way through overlap the ends of your elastic and stitch through both layers, slide the sewn ends inside the casing and sew the casing shut.

Put on your little one and watch the twirling begin!

Look through your donate pile there is always a t shirt in there. Look for shirts that are straight and have kept their shape. Avoid plastic or vinyl prints as they tend to grab and skip stitches. Kids outgrow clothing so fast why not save where you can?

Happy sewing!

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,thrifting,repurposing,sewing,t-shirt skirt

Tuesday Make Over

2012-02-07T21:46:00.001-06:00

Thrift shopping yesterday you may remember I picked up this girls sundress…obviously way to big for Evie. But we liked the colors & the fabric was in fantastic condition

I removed the bodice leaving about an inch,

to fold over & create an elastic casing.

Erika and I were laughing because she was using Isaiah’s race car control as a walkie talkie to “call her plane to pick her up” have no idea where she got that one!

Perfect fit for a size 3/4. I left all the fullness in the skirt & she was twirling right away.

It took about 30 minutes from start to finish. Would have been much quicker but I now have a “helper” Evie is the official family “pin puller”. As she removed each pin she would say “careful, careful, gently, gently…She loves to stand at my side while I sew and is starting to understand the process of “what comes next”.

I think I’ll have a sewing buddy soon as she is now asking “where’s mine sewing machine”

Last week we made reversible tunics. ”

One for her and one for “Baby Alix,

Prints for St Patrick’s Day on one side and Valentines on another

Evie slipped hers on as soon as they were done, Erika’s had to hide them to save for Valentine’s I love this style for little girls, tunics in winter when an extra layer is nice and as a sun top with shorts or bloomers in the summer.

It looks like winter may actually be coming to our part of the world as snow is in the forecast!

Timer is going off which means the Bread is ready to come out of the oven & I need to actually do something productive today.

Have a good one and stay warm out there!

Katie

Monday’s Thrifty finds

2012-02-06T16:06:00.001-06:00

After running a few errands to today Evie & I stopped into our local thrift store.

I think Evie is going to be a another sewing nut. I’d seen the fabric in this sundress and was making plans in my head for it when Evie spotted it and shouted ”a Skirt Grandma a SKIRT FOR ME!!

I had already been planning to cut the top off and have a ruffled skirt for her & I think there may be enough left in the bodice for a skirt for Alix.

After looking closely I don’t think it was worn and washed but once. Not bad for 80 cents!

Evie’s no different most other 3yr old little girls, & holds the firm belief the color pink was created solely for her.

So, in Evies little world, in her mind anything pink is or should be hers.

Do you have any idea how many “pink” items there are in a thrift store?

I found this pink t-shirt still with tags that will soon become another skirt for her

At the check out I found a new Easter tablecloth, it’s 50X70 & perfect for the kitchen table. It was marked $3.50 with an additional 50% off. SCORE!

Since I already have a nice one I think it may become an apron and napkins….bread wrapper & dish towels, who knows!

Now to carve out the time to get it all sewn up.

What good thrifting deals have you found lately?

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,thrifting,frugal finds,sewing,Evie

Wedding dress shopping

2012-02-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

We’ve been dress shopping with my daughter Danielle. Keep in mind she’s 5’10 and has been dreading this part of the wedding planning knowing finding a dress wouldn’t be easy. It should be fun for her but wedding dress’ are designed for women 5’5-5’7. The waist hits her at the ribcage. It’s hard to even visualize what the style would look like altered. Not that we haven’t had a bit of fun with it…Erika, our “Bonus Daughter” Katie have brought Danielle some hideous dresses to try “just because”.

And why do designers think every bride wants to look like a fru fru ruffled 6 foot round puffy skirt Barbie?

Seriously the dresses we’ve seen all look like

a. you belong on a sugar crusted cupcake,

Doesn’t she look happy?

b. you stole the crown jewels and they’ve all been sewn on the bust and/or waist line,

c. “Art” dresses that looks as if they were made by crack addicts with scraps from the cutting room floor (seriously the entire cupcake skirt was covered with these funky swirls of raw edged fraying fabric!)

d. dresses with real cup sizes. There are many other letters past “C” and, not every bride is an emaciated model!

e. Sideways ruffles and pleats. Please there are are women with actual hips!

I tell you in every every shop we would tell them cup sizes and they would smile and say “sure you are” . Then she tried on the dresses….and would the girls come out to play!

Her frustration factor is growing.

Come on designers, she wants a simple elegant dress she won’t fall out of….

Is that to much to ask?

Technorati Tags: Katidids,wedding dress shopping

6 More weeks, Really?

2012-02-02T13:41:00.001-06:00

What crazy weather we’ve been having……a statement I’m hearing from everyone lately. We haven’t even had a winter. Areas that are generally mild are getting hit with lots of snow, others such as ours have simply had dustings. First time in years we didn’t have a white Christmas. Yesterday & today its low 60’s and the doors are open….not that I’m complaining I love the fresh air. But its like mother nature is teasing me.

I want so badly to get out and putter in the garden. At least I can use this mild weather to weed the strawberry bed and lessen the work in the spring. We’ve been the recipients of weekly loads of rabbit poo to be dumped in the garden. We’d had quite a bit to mulch with last year and the veggies loved it! I’m expecting this year to be even better as all we’ve received this winter will be tilled prior to planting. Never thought I’d be so excited about poo~

It’s been a while since I’ve updated here & there is a lot to catch up on.

The addition is pretty much done. We’ve yet to finish off the studio but, Larry (the most awesome husband) brought me home an 8 ft table so I can set up the sewing machines. The wool is all organized in bins & needless to say there is more than I thought. Translate that to mean I could have insulated the new addition with wool if I’d needed to! Yes, gathered all together there is A LOT more than I thought taking up much needed space…which means I need to get busy knitting. I could store some down in the ~~land from which people never return~~ basement but I know me and it would be out of sight out of mind.

I’ve photo’s aplenty on the lap top I’ll post once It gets home from the computer surgeon. Seems I had some nasty virus that was shutting everything down. It’s due to be done today but I’m not holding my breath.

We’ve had a few changes as I mentioned earlier. A new baby added to the family and a wedding in May OF THIS YEAR for our oldest daughter Danielle.

Which means there will be a lot of DIY projects to come

Stay tuned!

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,Updates,weather,family

Customs in progress, Mama update’s!

2011-11-09T15:52:00.001-06:00

A hooded Cardi in progress using handspun from Little Monkey’s Stitch & Spin. Wow, is it nice! Often handspun is overspun and kinks up while knitting with it…this is smooth and wonderful to work with. The sweater is knitting up quickly as I want to knit to the next color change!

Also on the needles are longies for Sara. Using Mosaic Moon Charlie” These longies are a fun knit as the colors are so bold they just pop !Friday I’ll be stocking again with Jenny on Little Trunks Knits, I’ll have a few Christmas items & if your looking for overalls you need to see the Bayside Britches she’s stocking

Tonight they are calling for snow so you can bet I’ll be inside knitting & venturing out as little as possible tomorrow

Have a great week!

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids Knits,custom Knits,Little Trunks Knits,Customs,handspun,Little Monkey's Stitch & Spin

Friday Finds Me..

2011-08-12T05:55:00.001-05:00

thankful for my garden & the time I can spend in it with the little’s in my life

From tiller to table, teaching them that the work we do pays off

sometimes it’s to the benefit of others & no matter what you do, once in a while thing just don’t work out

But that’s ok…you don’t give up, you try again.

Giving me the reminder that a garden is like children, it’s not just planting seeds,

but the seen and unseen they are exposed to

which form the strong vines of character they will develop & carry with them on the twisting paths life offers

& to live with purpose

Teaching them like the bloom, the heart is tender and life is fragile, and must be handled gently

What did you find in the garden today?

Technorati Tags: Gardening,life,random,Katidids

Projaholics…on the home stretch!

2011-08-11T15:04:00.001-05:00

It’s been a while but after a lot of thought,I’m sticking my toe back in the blogging waters. Thank you to those who emailed offering encouragement to start back up. Let see, where to start!

The addition is nearly done! We’re down to the finishing work.

My work room needs: the closet door track & doors installed and trim painted. It’s the only room that had unpainted trim. We got a little ahead of ourselves on that one. (yes, we were to excited to wait) After all the fussing I did about wanting color in my home, the paint color I chose is “Alpaca”. A neutral cream-ish. I thought I want a vibrant & bold color in here but after a lot of thought I went with something I could make bold and vibrant! I’ve yet to find cabinets & counters I want or, am willing to pay for. We’ve quite a few peddlers malls in the area I’ve been watching for counters & cabinets to repurpose. I think I’ll post on the local Free-cycle also. It’s the time of year when a lot of home remodeling is going on & with any luck someone will be redoing their kitchen!

The laundry room is done. The construction portion any way. Again I need to find a cabinet to go under the window. We have a repurposed counter stashed just waiting to be installed.

The Bathroom is painted (no trim yet) and has lights up. Larry just created this beautiful tile floor, pretty darn good for his first tile work I think! The shower needs tiled next & once that is complete the vanity, sink & commode can be installed.

The hall/entry area: As this is the main entry area to the other rooms we’ve already bumped & nicked the walls a few times carrying things in. For now It’s painted, the temporary flooring is in and the closet door is up but to avoid re-doing work, we will finish this area last.

It’s been a long road getting here but we’re on the home stretch now!

Technorati Tags: Katidids,projaholics,addition,do it your selfers

Taking a Break for a few weeks…….

2010-12-27T22:07:00.001-06:00

Knitting is on hold for a few weeks

Today my siblings and I had the honor of being home with my mother as she passed away. As with most things in her life, her passing was done with a quiet dignity, grace & quirky humor.

Yesterday 26 December would have been Mom and Dad’s 63rd wedding anniversary. We know Daddy was waiting for her with open arms & in true Cahoon fashion………………she was late. But, Daddy wouldn’t have minded.

So, I’m going to take a few weeks…to help take care of what ever needs done here & then go home & say hello to my husband again.

Any customs I have lined up will be a tad later than planned. I will be contacting each of you & if you choose to have your yarn returned or cancel an order I understand as growing babies can’t always wait.

Thank you for your patience, prayers & support

Katie

Technorati Tags: family

Finished Knits & Customs In The Mail

2010-12-21T00:23:00.001-06:00

Miss Gabby will be a warmly dressed baby in these longies!

Western Sky Knits, 3 Ply merino “Violets”

Super soft for those tiny noodles legs!

Using a new pattern by Raya Budrevich of Blissful Knits, I had just enough left over to make a matching Ruffled Hat.

Here at Mom’s I don’t have my ribbon stash (or better camera for good photo’s) to finish it off but, Gabby’s Mama assures me she has plenty on hand.

I have 5 other items in the works. OK, to be honest the knitting portion is done. I need to add buttons or a bit of seaming to finish them….the dirty details!

Off to sew on buttons & hopefully the rain will STOP! At least long enough for some photos or, I’ll be knitting an ark!

Technorati Tags: Custom Knits,Katidids Knits,longies,Ruffle hat,Blissful knits

Taking the Knitting on the Road or …er Plane

2010-12-14T18:50:00.001-06:00

I receive a call from my sisters that my mother’s health is rapidly failing. Tomorrow morning I’ll be flying out to California for an undetermined amount of time. Yes, I’ll be taking the knitting with me. I want and need to be there but, I know me and I’ll want and need to keep my hands busy.

I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone but it will be as long as need be. I’m very Blessed to have such a supportive husband! Letting go is never easy so your prayers and thoughts will be appreciated.

Right now the plan is……….

Any customs that are in line will still be completed, I’ll just ship from Calif.

For those of you who have wool in route…my family will send it to me as soon as it hits the mail box. Yes, it will create a day or 2 delay but, most had at least a week wait before I could start so…… at this point I really don’t anticipate any significant delays.

My awesome, super suitcase packers (THANK YOU Erika & Danielle!) will still ship orders for completed items in the Etsy Shop .

I’ll have my laptop with me so don’t hesitate to e-mail

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,etsy,customs

October Colors Available for customs

2010-10-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

Colors, colors Everywhere!

I have 3, possibly 4 openings for customs in October, to the first of November.

Colors I have available from the top of the wool bin……

Starting with “Boyish”

From “Stash up Yarns” 8oz Smudge Pot Blue! All shades of blue with grey, greens browns and a touch of copper. Great for boys by could be a gender neutral colorway

Next up the ever yummy Mosaic Moon. 8oz of Newgrange on MMR

Think all things chocolate with a touch of caramel and chestnut from Liberty Fibers 8 oz

Gender neutral and holiday colors are:

YUMMY Moonlight and Laughter, “Rainbow to the Stars” 7oz

Stitches Under the Sun

“Ice Skating “ BFL 7oz

Little Trunks Knits

“Santa’s Reindeer” Bulky Gaia 8 oz

And the Girly choices:

Wildflower Whimsy, “Autumnal Rainbow” 8oz Lily

One of my color-ways, 6 oz on heavy worsted

Inspired Mama Makes, “Earthy Rainbow” 6oz twist

Another of my color-ways, 4oz

Last but not least

Beautiful Nurturing Threads. Caramel Apple 4oz

First come first served! YYMN customs fall in order of date your yarn is received.

Longies, tunics’, baby-doll’s, overalls, hats…they are all open!

Technorati Tags: custom knits,babydolls,longies,elizabeth tunics,tickle hats,overalls,bayside britches,sweaters,katidids,etsy

I’ve a Guest Stocking on Hyena Cart with “Little Trunks Knits”!

2010-08-19T09:58:00.001-05:00

I’m so excited!

Jennifer has generously offered me a guest spot in her grand reopening of

“Little Trunks Knits”

Starting…..

TOMORROW!

I’ve offered 2 pair of “Bayside Britches” (Jennifer’s pattern)

And a longie & hat set

Be sure and come check it out! There are quite a few guests including:

Kristi of TFK-dyed yarn

Angela of Fairyblue-semi custom or custom slot

Heather of Dragonfly Graphics-a banner package

Sarah of Honeybee and small fry-gorgeous knits

Teresa of FCOL-advocacy shirts

Amy of Alligator Knits-dyed yarn

Stop in and say Hi!

Technorati Tags: hyena cart stocking,little trunks knits bayside britches,longies,guest stocking,katidids,hand knits

Here Fishy Fishy Wool Longies & Another Cutie!

2010-08-19T09:29:00.001-05:00

Just Listed to Katidids Etsy “Here Fishy, Fishy” Medium Longies with coordinating hat.

I can just visualize a little one with fingers swishing in a Koi pond saying here fishy fishy!

And, meet Miss Peyton!

Is she a doll or what?

What a sweet model in her custom knit Elizabeth Tunic & shorties

I love that red hair and such a sweet smile! Thank you Nicole for sharing the pictures!

Technorati Tags: custom knits,customer photo's,elizabeth Tunic,longies,etsy shop,katidids,handdyed,knitting,stocking

Problem Solving!

2010-08-16T12:30:00.001-05:00

Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, and alligators attacking people in Florida.

Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win- win situation…..

+ Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
+ Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
+ Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.
Any other problems you would like for me to solve today?

Yes!
Think about these:
1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

C O W S
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq .... Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

T H E TEN C O M M A N D M E N T S
The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this:
You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.
It is Time for America to speak up!

Gardening Must Have’s

2010-08-03T13:57:00.001-05:00

This morning while watching the morning news, a mention of gardening in the next segment perked my ears right up like little radars. Fresh cup of coffee in hand and notepad at the elbow I was ready to jot down notes for any new info that might piqué my interest. I was a bit disappointed to hear the segment was on gardening attire…thinking expensive wellies & what not.

Let me tell you, after I cleared the coffee from my sinus’s & key board I laughed so hard I woke Miss Evie

Attire shown was similar to this outfit, which is what we all wear right?

It included accessories such as

these which I’m sure are intended for soil aeration.

So, I Google searched gardening attire for fun…… to see what main stream America finds important

Hats and head covering of all types and style were deemed the #1 item

for protection from the sun.

Gloves to protect you hands were of course second on the list…

And proper tools for each task followed.

I’m sure my raggedy sundresses/cutoff shorts and tank tops are hopelessly out of fashion! And the gardening police would defiantly ticket me for my lack of head covering and gloves! And my baskets and plastic bowls to collect produce? A major gardening No No!

What are your gardening must haves?

Technorati Tags: gardening family,humor

You have to read

2010-08-02T10:49:00.001-05:00

Rural Revolutions. If you’ve not visited before, your in for a treat. Today’s post is a list of “Universal Laws”….so funny and so true!

Katie

Technorati Tags: Rural Revolution,humor

Nice & Lazy Morning

2010-08-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

2 bowls of tomato’s harvested yesterday. I’m becoming a bit tired of canning tomato’s but know we will really enjoy using them these next few months in soups, stews and on pasta’s Another 14 quarts and 5 more pints cooling on the table

Just to get out of the house I went for a drive yesterday & found a “new to me” road side market. Her tomato’s were $1.00 each! I maybe in the wrong business! I did purchase 3 lbs of onions, half yellow and half red to dehydrate for $2.00. The local grocery had 1 lb of either type for $3.99 this morning!

I also picked up more peaches. $10.00 for 1/2 a bushel. Again less than half the price at our local grocery. These will be halved and sliced for canning this afternoon.

Apple sauce and peaches I need to have a good stock of as they seem to be Isaiah & Mr.Fix-It’s favorite evening snack in the winter…that is unless there is pie or ice cream in the house!

It’s a beautiful morning, a nice breeze to keep the humidity down so far & mid 70’s. Coolest its been all month! I guess I can’t say that as its a new month but it the nicest morning in a month anyway. I’ve been enjoying my coffee outside pulling weeds here and there in the neglected flowerbeds. Larry is gone for the morning helping a friend so I’m in no rush to do anything with purpose

I think I’ve decided on a permanent area for an herb garden. This year I have them all in pots and they have done “OK” but, know they could do so much better in the ground not pots.

Well, the day’s a wasting so I need to get busy, more zucchini to shred and freeze…maybe even a peach pie for desert!

Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: canning,herbs,random

Harvest Time!

2010-07-30T23:49:00.001-05:00

This is is starting to be a daily haul. Tomato’s are so loaded the plants are starting to stress. I’m pulling them when they are mid orange and ripening on the tables to help the plants. We have pots of sauce going about every other day.

I think we have about 50 quarts of sauce put up so far & more to come. I wish I had kept track of the pounds as we have harvested. This is my first year with the Roma’s and it sure wont be the last! Those things are producers!

We’ve a pretty good system this past week. I’d have the sauce ready and after supper Larry would lid jars as I filled them and he’d load/unload the canner. It’s funny the simple things you find you can’t do but, I’m very blessed to have a husband that doesn’t hesitate to jump in without asking. I had intended on freezing the sauce until I could lift and twist. ( Canners, you know what I mean!) But, he said well, I can do that!

We had our first jar break ever in the canner. He was lifting the jars out and said “well, we have a floater”

OK, as a Mom a “floater” in the bath popped in my head and well…it went down hill from there!

The melons are going like gang busters. I think we have 6-8 off the vine so far. Saving seeds from this batch for sure as they have been great producers.

These are heritage seeds I received from Kat. I have plenty set aside and am willing to share…just shoot me a email! Same with the zuccs.

I was really disappointed in the onion harvest. These were all little fingerings basically the same size but look at the difference in growth! Sweet, yellow and red..the largest was palm sized. I just don’t know what I did wrong.

Wrong or not they are now dehydrated and in a pint jar waiting to be used! I’ll have to check the farmers market for more to dehydrate while they are fresh.

Zucchini’s are shredded and in the freezer and dehydrated…along with peppers. That dehydrator is working like a charm and is proving to be everything the reviews and recommendations have touted!

These were all last weeks photos, the tomato’s have continued but I’ve been banned from the garden until today. The day after surgery I felt soooo good…better than I had in weeks!

I “just wanted to check out the garden” and found I could pull weeds and it didn’t even hurt. Well that must have been the meds talking as I paid for it 3 times over and I’m just now back to normal. “OK, define “normal”!

It’s been so crazy hot!!!! Yesterday I picked tomato’s and my feet were wet from dew in the shade…..and it was 2 pm and 93 degrees! That’s crazy humidity! So, I haven’t really minded being stuck at a slower pace.

Technorati Tags: Gardening,canning,recovery

Isaiah says He’s blogging today

2010-07-25T17:10:00.001-05:00

This is my sister, she is the best sister i have.

I have no brother only one sister. We will keep her

I love my gloves and my sister

My Grandma made my gloves, my Mama made my sister.

These are the vegetables my mama brought in from the garden for grandma

Grandpa is putting in the new window in the new bathroom that we are putting in my grandmas sewing & knitting studio.

The end.

Technorati Tags: isaiah,kids,gardening family

Blood Pressure Check!

2010-07-25T08:35:00.002-05:00

Our oldest daughter Danielle and bonus daughter Katie took off to St Louis last Friday for a extended girls weekend . They both needed a break and this was a perfect time. The goal was a spending free weekend other than hotel room and food. They had a blast!

They ran out of time and have a huge list of things to do next time but this is a short message & photo I received

“"I was in the drivers seat of that bus!!!! Almost ralphed and my knees were knocking!”

Now, to get the full effect of my blood pressure check…click on the photo to enlarge it……

As it turns out the zoo was offering free admission & this is a well known (by others) interactive display.

Technorati Tags: family,humor,random

I’m Just a little behind

2010-07-23T18:59:00.001-05:00

After battling and try to ignore a week long stomach pain I caved & drove to the emergency room Thursday ….which resulted in the removal of my Gall bladder (it even sounds nasty). How ever, as much as I hate taking medications I have come to realize staidol & dalaudid (and now percocet) are my friends.

Good friends that get you thru the rough time. I know I probably miss-spelled them but you know…. I don’t think i really care. Of course that could be the percocet talkin.

So for the next few days, customs are on hold…unless you don’t mind the chance of a leg hole in the back or a short row on a sleeve….possibly a combo of both!

I just need one more day & then I’ll be back

Technorati Tags: emergency surgery,medications,customs

Recently Overheard in a conversation

2010-07-22T06:37:00.001-05:00

A Man referring to his wife’s inner strength made the comment

“I’m so proud of her, she’s stronger than a woodpeckers lips”

Now that, in a twisted way is high praise!

Technorati Tags: humor,randomness

Sweltering Heat

2010-07-21T07:42:00.001-05:00

What a weekend! It’s been so hot! Mr Fix-It was out first thing in the morning working on the addition. He was able to place 2 headers and had to stop. We’ve not made a lot of progress on the addition as we’ve had various commitments and the heat it just to much to work in. The space is totally in-closed but not to the point we can move the outer door. So, the heat and humidity just hangs in there & fans don’t provide much/enough relief. After about an hour your so hot you can’t think straight. By noon it was over 90 and we still had dew on the grass…. in the sun..That’s a lot of humidity!

The tomato’ plants have been really producing & I’ve been canning sauce just about every-other day. The heat storms that have been blasting through knocked the tomato plants down again & I had a lot of tomato’s knocked off plants. We were able to get the plant’s back up using strips of t-shirt to help support the weight. The cotton cording was also cutting into the stems. I think next year we’ll need to come up with a different support system as stakes and cages are just not strong enough.

Sun set after the last storm

And guess what came Saturday morning! Tracking showed Friday deliver & I hung out all day waiting….Saturday I was cooking sauce and never even heard the delivery truck

I found it when I was heading out to the garden to weed. So far I’m lovin it! 5lbs of zucchini dehydrated fits in a quart jar with room to spare. I have to say I’m impressed with it so far. It’s quiet & has so much room. I think were going to pull some tenderloin out of the freezer for some venison jerky this week. Yum! Can’t wait.

Sunday we needed a sweet snack so I used a few overripe banana’s to make banana bread. Not wanting to have the oven heat I used the bread maker & a “new to me” recipe.

Instead of a heavy cake like loaf we’re used to, this loaf was light and airy more akin to sandwich bread. Judging by the remnants I think it was a hit and will go on the “make it again” list!

Technorati Tags: excalibur,gardening,baking,heat storms

'Middle Wife'

2010-07-21T06:40:00.001-05:00

My Best friend from high school Patti just sent this to me.

I thought it to cute not to pass on.

'Middle Wife' by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher

I've been teaching now for about fifteen
Years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth
Story I know is the one I saw in my own second
Grade classroom a few years back.

When I Was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always
have A few sessions with my students. It helps them get
Over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty
Tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes,
Pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And
I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations
On them. If they want to lug it into school and
Talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one Day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very
Outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the
Front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her Sweater.

She holds up a snapshot of an Infant.
'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm
Going to tell you about his birthday.'

'First, Mom and Dad made Him as a symbol of their love,
and then Dad put a Seed in my Mom's stomach, and
Luke grew in there.
He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.'

She's standing there with her hands on the
Pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I
Had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching
Her in amazement.

'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going,
'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her
Back and groans. 'She walked around the house for,
Like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' (Now this kid is doing
A hysterical duck walk and groaning.)

'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies,
But she doesn't have a sign on the car like the
Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed
Like this.' (Then Erica lies down with her back
Against the wall.)

'And then, pop! My Mom
Had this bag of water she kept in there in case
He got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled
All over the bed, like psshhheew!' (This kid has
Her legs spread with her little
Hands miming water flowing away. It
Was too much!)

'Then the middle wife starts
Saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe. They
Started counting, but never even got past ten.
Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He
Was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it
Was from Mom's play-center, (placenta) so there
Must be a lot of toys inside there. When he got
Out, the middle wife spanked him for crawling up
In there.'

Then Erica stood up, took a big
Theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure
I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when
it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just
In case another 'Middle Wife' comes along.

Technorati Tags: random humor

If I were a Giant

2010-07-19T09:04:00.001-05:00

I’d worry about stubbing my toe!

(Yes that is Buddy, he’s just had a summer buzz cut) A fellow business owner who knew we were looking for large stones to use as steps (because he sells them and we’ve been there numerous times looking and planning) called and said he was clearing out the large slabs…. we could have them…Free!

He even loaded them on the trailer for us & another pallet in the back of Mr. Fix-It’s truckOnce home, getting them unloaded called for a bit of creativity. The forklift was brought to the house and the 1-2 ton pallets were unloaded in a matter of minutes

For the next few months they will be “Yard Art” and play ground for the littles, until cooler weather..and the addition is completed

Some of the slabs are over 4 ft across and could be broken for 2 steps

When we move them to the back to place as steps up to the patio.

(and won’t that be a fun job!)

Other than about $10.00 in fuel we saved about $1,000.-1,500. in rock. Which in my book is pretty darn good frugal deal!

Technorati Tags: Frugal deals,yard art,free stuff

Oh NO!!

2010-07-16T10:38:00.001-05:00

The weeds are breeding right in front of me!

Those suckers have no shame!

This morning I pulled 10 and 20 more popped up, got those 20 and oh my goodness…

there was a party going on in the green beans!

Hello, who’s the chaperone here?

Oops, that’s me!

Where’s my ruler!

Technorati Tags: gardening

Did I tell you it was my Birthday?

2010-07-16T06:47:00.001-05:00

On the 8th! Celebrated with the best hubby in the world and children that are local. Wonderful phone calls from those that live out of town and other family. Boy was I spoiled I received some very thoughtful & useful/appreciated gifts. A pitch-in supper followed by homemade apple spice cake YUM!

There are no calories on your birthday!

Mr. Fix-It out did himself, He conspired with our LYS owner, Ann of Grinny Possum Fiber Arts and came up with the perfect gift.They have already been put to good use.

Hmm, I wonder if I could make a tool belt of my own for these!

Technorati Tags: celebrations,family,gifts

If I don’t see another Plum until next year

2010-07-14T22:46:00.001-05:00

It’s fine with me! A friend invited us to come pick plums off his tree as they don’t use them….imagine that!

Free fruit? Call me a fruit fly!

We went last night and took care of his “plum problem” Erika, Isaiah & I made quick work of it. The storms the night before had knocked them all down. So it was quick and easy …we just needed to clean the squished rotten plums off the bottom of our sandals after words.

This is the last of the harvest, a bit more than 5 gallons.

The sad part is only one other couple picks them. This is about 1/100th of what was spoiled on the ground.So this afternoon I stayed inside and started squishing plums …….about the size of my thumb.

and canning jam.

Yes that is the zucc’s still dehydrating in the background..and a stray dryer ball. computer, shopping bag, knitting needles, extra lids….I need to clean the table off.

Free fruit = 43 pints of Plum Jam.

Guess what will become Christmas Gifts….

for those who returned last years jars!

Technorati Tags: canning,free fruit,plums,frugal finds

You Say tomato….

2010-07-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

I say monster plants! This rough looking plant is in a cage and has 2 stakes…each over a foot in the ground. It’s been tied up in 4-5 places and still is falling over. These were taken Monday and with our heavy rains last night has gone down again. I think its staying there this time.

The Roma’s are starting to turn. Tonight I picked a full basket. Not enough to make it worth firing up the canner so they’re going in the freezer till I have enough for a few loads to do at once.

The grass and newspaper mulch has been a ~~back~~ life saver. There have been a few stray weeds popping through but not many at all.

This bit is what I found laying on the ground after the storm.

They can sun and finish ripening while the chair cushions & towels I forgot to bring in dry = D

Technorati Tags: Gardening

The Electric Meter is Spinning!

2010-07-13T19:32:00.001-05:00

OK, that’s It, Time for a cup of coffee!

The zucchini plants that were only blooming took off like crazy. I’d checked the plants on Thursday and this is what we (Larry) found on Monday

That’s a 4 person table they’re on..Those suckers took off! A bit to big so I’m dehydrating them….or trying to.

Speaking of dehydrating, I learned a few things this past week……

I had a good score of fresh celery and dehydrated a few bunches. Checking it after an hour or so I was totally grossed out. Celery partially dehydrated looks like big fat juicy tomato worms! I was gagging. A few I can handle but 4 trays YUCK! They were even a bit squishy….ANYWAY!

Zucchini is pretty good dehydrated. What I’ve done is plain & I’m going to try more seasoned.

I have a crappy dehydrator, $10.00 at a yard-sale along with a table and chairs I guess I can’t complain (but, I can whine )Right? It took 2.5 days to dehydrate 1 zucchini & 4 hours for 2 sprigs of basil, potato’s 2 days. At this rate it will be Christmas before I get to the last zucchini & I swear I could hear the electric meter spinning!

So, yesterday I ordered a Excalibur 3900. I’m so excited! I purchased it through the manufacturer with free shipping. I received the Fed Ex shipping notice this afternoon!!!!!

Any tips or advice will be greatly appreciated!

Technorati Tags: Gardening,Dehydrating,Excalibur

Heat Wave!

2010-07-07T14:12:00.001-05:00

Whew! Has it been HOT!!

2 weeks, no rain and steady 90+ temps. I’m beginning to feel like I’m living in the garden with a hose.

To make things even more interesting our A/C went out Thursday night. I was up late knitting and heard the AC kick on for a second or 2 then shut off.

I thought well, maybe I’m having a “power surge” and it is cool enough. The next morning I’d forgotten and spent most of the day out side. I had a great system, I’d weed for a bit & hop in the pool, weed for a bit and hop back in. I never noticed the house wasn’t cooling. Friday night it was so stick hot (85% humidity) I assumed that was the problem…until we realized the AC wasn’t staying on. After a few hours of work Mr. Fix it deemed a part was needed…and we’d have to wait till the holiday weekend was over. I’d open the house up to capture the cool morning air and then close it up, pull the curtains, close closet doors& rooms not in use and turn on every fan we had.

We lived in bathing suits and in the pool every hour or so! The A/C guy came last night and we’re good to go! We were his last stop of the day & that was at 7 pm. His first call was at 7 am!

I could have kissed the man!

It really wasn’t that bad (until the AC was back on) as I could always hop in the pool.

One good thing, the heat & sunshine is great for the tomato’s, by the end of the week I should have a bunch ready to put up.

Technorati Tags: heat wave,weather,gardening

Who Says Girls Can’t wear Blue?

2010-07-02T12:06:00.001-05:00

Just listed to the Etsy Shop

Small Sky Blue Shorties. You know that nice clear blue that you can wear with anything. It even matches the Sumerset Tunic top!

Notice there’s not a draw string? Well, The buyer gets to select the color. White, Navy, Green …Pick a color from the rainbow and its yours or, you could just use the same blue!

Also listed today is a pair of medium shorties. These have a large hip so there is Plenty of room for pre-folds or super fluffy diapers.

These were knit with super soft Araucania Nature Wool in earthy shades of taupe, chocolate yellows and oranges

There are more Large Shorties & Sleep Sacks in the works but, I’ll also be starting Tunics & Longies for fall and winter. I just received a shipment from Wildflower Whimsy (formerly Zen) that I’m ready to dive into!

Technorati Tags: Katidids,Etsy,shorties,sleep sacks,Yarn Araucania Nature Wool,Wildflower Whimsey

Jam Anyone? The Marathon begins!

2010-06-30T22:06:00.001-05:00

Peaches! We have sliced, halved and Jam. As I slice and halve for jars, I have a bowl handy for the good left over chunks that come with trimming out the not so good spots and use that for my jam. I was saving all the skins separately to make Peach Honey but, towards the end of the bushel I ran out of steam and tossed them in with the jam. They cook down to nothing and add rich coloring to the jam.

Monday I made more Blackberry jam, so we’re up to 30 pints of it now. Isaiah labeling the lids for me, made the comment I needed bigger lids….because the word berry wouldn’t fit. He’s 6 I figure by next year it will!

Danielle, Isaiah & I spent a beautiful cool”ish” 80’s morning At Bryant’s Blueberries ~~eating~~ picking . OK, Mostly Danielle & I. Isaiah was busy helping older ladies carry berries to the check out & getting water for us. I’d like to think he has a heart of service but, I think it was more a 6yr old bored and helping was something better to do!

22 lbs in the freezer and 20 pints of jam this evening.

I think I’ll wait and let him mark these “blue”

Mr. Fix~It buzzed through the kitchen in time with each batch to wipe and lid jars for me. We had a nice system going. His pitching in allowed me to wash pots to start the next batch. REALLY saved me a lot of time! Another reason to keep him around for another 25 yrs!

More green beans to be canned tomorrow. The tomato’s are just starting to turn. They are turning the light green/gold right before the ripening reds show.

Knock on wood no deer or rabbits have found the melons yet. Although, they could just be waiting for them to fully ripen !

Technorati Tags: gardening,canning,jam

Watermelon A Multi Purpose Fruit

2010-06-28T05:57:00.000-05:00

Evie has been such a big help in the garden this year but, there are times when she needs to be corralled.

The swing has been great but she’s getting a bit weary of it.

I think I’ve found an alternative to keep us both happy

Think It’ll work?

Technorati Tags: Evie,watermelon

In the Garden

2010-06-27T21:12:00.001-05:00

89 degrees at 9 am and 89 at 9 pm but, much higher in between. First thing Evie & I picked more green beans while it was cool (not). 80 was the 6 am cool & no, I wasn’t up to see it!

But we did have a nice haul of green beans and dragon tongue beans

With plenty more to come in the next few days.

I love the thought of being as self reliant as possible, providing home-grown organic veggies for my family. Nutritious food that is free of chemicals & pesticides.

Food I can look at and say I know where this came from & how it was grown.

Yes it’s work but each step, from seed sprout to harvest is thrilling & well worth the effort. I’ve never seen bean blooms this thick on one plant

The tomato’s are coming along

thick and lush.

I love the smell of the plants and can’t wait to make sauce.

Zucchini nearly as tall as Isaiah. I’ve blooms galore but no fruit so pollinated by hand this morning.Remember the melon seeds that never germinated so I replanted?

They must have been “resting” as they’re out of control now. I started to pull some last week when I realized what happened but, they are all so twisted upon each other I was afraid I’d create more damage trying to thin them. In the 4 foot section above I could see 20 assorted baseball sized melons growing.

I need recipes quick! I’ve found recipes for watermelon jam so that is on the list but, If any one has other proven recipes…give me a holler!

Our 4 first year blackberries have given me enough for a pie so far. Not a lot I know but, I had read not to expect any the cane’s first season so we’re very pleased.

This evening with Erika’s help I have 10 quarts of green beans cooling on the counter along with

20 pints of blackberry jam.

Tomorrow the peaches!

Not a bad start to the canning season!

Technorati Tags: garden,veggies,berries

Sometimes Plans Change

2010-06-26T22:02:00.001-05:00

And you just have to roll with it.

This past Monday we had planned to fly to Chicago for a Jayco RV dealers conference. We’d had our tickets for over a month and an hour before we were to leave for the airport we had a call from the airlines….. the flight was cancelled. No specific explanation, but we were given the impression it was weather related.

OK, we have a dinner in Chicago at 6pm, its now 11 am……and a 7 hr drive….in an area of Chicago we’ve not been before …arriving just in time for rush hour traffic. Instead of driving Larry’s diesel dually he rented a Jetta. Kind of hoping it would help “speed” things up…although we both do tend to have a lead foot. Apparently car designer’s now cater to the 20-30 age group that drive with the seat half reclined. With the seat in a normal driving position it forces you to hunch your back with your shoulders forward.

We switched back and forth driving quite a bit and consoled ourselves with cappuccino's. 8D

Leaving home at 12:15 we made it by 6 pm our time, 5 pm Chicago time.

The last 28 miles? Took 2 HOURS!!

So uh, yeah we “flew”.

Turns out there was bad weather in Chicago. But, the flight delay was because Joe Biden was in town. They secured air space until he left. Another reason not to like him!

So the moral of the story?

Well, There really isn’t one but…

Don’t get a Jetta unless you like to lay down when you drive or..your 20 and daddy buys it for you.

But man can that car fly!

Technorati Tags: Chicago,jetta,Jayco

Container Gardening

2010-06-25T22:04:00.001-05:00

The Roma volunteers that I planted in last years “earth box” are doing “ok”. Just now a month old and have baby maters. Those in the main garden were planted mid April and are huge! Most are chest high on me & I’m 5’9! I’ll have to get photos as its our best year ever growing them Those I planted in the Up side down pots are doing well also. Although I’ve pruned them way back the stems are a bit spindly compared to the others. The one in the pot below (redneck drip system) is growing like gang busters. It’s weight has pulled out the stakes and fallen over. I stuck an old laundry basket under to help prop it up. Serves a duel purpose as it catches rain water in the bottom and is working as a hot house. The weight of the stems and blooms are going to break the plant unless I find alternative way to support it..maybe some plywood scraps?

And the squash in my Red Neck Earth box.

Its growing like crazy I’ve had hundreds of blooms…no squash. I was taking the watched pot never boils mentality and leaving it alone to do its thing. Well, its not doing its thing so I checked and all I see are female blooms. The squash in the main garden have the same issue only they have all male blooms. I’m sure going to feel like a perv pollinating these!

And, out of control bushes and volunteer shrubs that need cleared.

Its all fun and games till it comes to weeding!

Technorati Tags: Container gardening

Beauty & Grace

2010-06-17T21:13:00.001-05:00

Everyday we go about our work, busy, busy, busy. These are a few bits of beauty I almost missed …

My Mothers day gift 2 years ago

Squash in bloom, potato buckets, so far a minor success

Sunlight through the tomato’s thick on the vine

First blueberries ever ripening on the vine

Clear summer skies that turn to this taking tree branches and leaving little damage

In less than 5 minutes.

What beauty did you find today?

Technorati Tags: gardening,beauty,gifts

Billboards Found…..

2010-06-16T15:13:00.001-05:00

Just had to share……

Mr Fix~It would LOVE this one

They are catching ON!

California needs this one!

Love the Canadian humor!

Technorati Tags: random,humor

Lets keep it real!

2010-06-15T21:53:00.001-05:00

I was starting to write a post asking “How in the world do you get every thing done?” Lately every blog I read sounds as if they have 80 hours in a day. Gardening, cooking, cleaning school, kids activities, cooking, animals, laundry, cooking, mending, outdoor work, cooking, dishes…and laundry again because you have to fold and put those suckers away. No disrespect intended, but those of us that garden or live simply know the work can be never ending. Rewarding, fulfilling and gratifying and satisfying…. but never ending. Toss in a few (or many) children and a household to run…. something has to give!

I can’t keep up!

I was supposed to pick blueberries this morning but it was so nice and cool (low 80’s) I stayed home and worked in the garden. Started the laundry which is still piled up from 2 weeks ago. I could write a book in all the dust that is protecting the furniture, My ironing board is still up from a month ago and the pile on it just gets higher and higher. I missed strawberry season so no jam there, blueberries are in full swing, the garden will be producing heavily next week, I work from home and have orders out the ears…a living room full of yarn, an addition we are building ….and we will be out of town for 3 days next week. I have yet to prepare the jars for canning & my fridge has a few science projects if any one needs one.

I’m not complaining, we have been very blessed but it always seems as if something is left un-done! Last year I beautiful flower beds this year?Weed Beds!

I started through my blog roll this morning (yes, I could have been out in the garden instead but, without a few cups of coffee I can hardly walk) and read this post from '>Lanna and another from Not Dabbling in Normal & I have to tell ya, its nice knowing everyone struggles with it. Makes me normal.

Kinda.

How do you prioritize & keep balance?

Technorati Tags: gardening,family,random

Framing Is

2010-06-15T00:37:00.002-05:00

Progressing! As of tonight, We have the 2 main interior walls framed!

Not only that but we found the top of the concrete basement wall so we were able to plan the exact floor level to allow plumbing & heat ducting. Sounds as if were going about this bas-akward I know. The prior owner had at one time a basement leak so, he dug out all around and poured a second basement wall, then re-walled the main floor….so from the exterior, you couldn’t tell where the floor we are joining to was located. We could have just cut the new entry but, we don’t have the exterior door on yet…..we needed to set the darn floor level! But, we have it now so we can move forward! He didn’t say it but, I think Larry was worried we would end up needing to punch through to the existing living space.

We’re at that awkward point, the exterior is up & painted, the interior is framed but it also cuts out a lot of natural light. We have one light fixture in…kind of a redneck porch light inside the addition (so we don’t trip over anything) as the evening wears on we will have to set up the big glaring work lights.

Chris & Erika came over Sunday and said “can we help?” A resounding YES! and they were handed paint brushes and put to work applying the first coat to the exterior & working on the tan This supervisor took her job seriously!Until she was caught napping on the job!

I think we all envied her …shade and a breeze.

Erika had the stitches removed. It’s healing pretty well but, she will need repair to the interior of her lip. She has large knots of tissue that will need to be minimized or they will cause problems down the road. 90+ degrees meant mandatory pool breaks were in order Compost boy looks heartbroken right?

Such a tough life!

Technorati Tags: constuction,kids

Where did last Week Go?

2010-06-13T11:49:00.001-05:00

I have vague memories of knitting and gardening…the days are getting so darn hot its early morning or late evenings for the garden. I walked down to the mail box yesterday and was drenched at the half way point. A stop in the shade of the garden felt good but then I saw a few few weeds, then a few more…. and by the time Larry came home 20 minutes later I was overheated and dizzy. I know better! The heat index had us over 100 degrees with 92% humidity. It would have been cooler if it had rained again.

All the rain has been a major blessing for the garden though. I’ll have tomato’s by the end of the week, everything else is blooming and fruiting out. I have beans ready to pick but that will have to wait until its cooler tonight. If the growth of the greens in my my potato buckets are any indication of potato’s forming, they will be a success! I’ve hilled them twice with room for once more, which I’ll do this afternoon. 4 Buckets won’t cover us for all we will use but, it was a great first time test. Next year I’ll be doing much more & intend to dehydrate them.

Oh, and I had such a newbie gardener brain burp.

I’ve been after Isaiah not to kill any bees or butterflies in the garden explaining how they pollinate etc. Well, we had these beautiful greenish white spotted butterflies/moths all over by the beautiful, huge lets wait 1 more day to pick because they are not as big as I remembered broccoli…the next night when we checked them? Less than 1/2 the size and covered with WORMS!!!! I mean covered we stopped counting at 20 on one plant. there was 10-15 on one stalk. Infested! They had eaten so much all that’s left is enough for one meal ONE stinkin meal. We were advised to spray them with a mix of olive oil & water with a touch of dish soap. It helped some but the plants were so far gone there was no chance of recovery & we had to pull them. I’ll plant them again but boy howdy will I be on the lookout for those “pretty white butterflies” next time. Guess my learning curve has a pretty high arc!

And a shout out for some advice! Again

Mr. Fix~It has mentioned he just might like to have fresh eggs around here Could have to do with all hints I’ve been dropping ….or the magazines and articles about natural pest control I’ve left laying around or, he just wants to shut me up …. either way I need some guidance. I’ve read so many articles and forums on care and maintenance of chooks and they seem to contradict each other. I have yet to find a “Raising Chickens for Dummies” book..any pointers would be appreciated!

Garden Update…Evie’s version…kinda

2010-06-10T23:09:00.001-05:00

Want to see what’s growing (besides me) ?

You have to go over that way, but if you pull up plants they put you in the swing… so watch out!Zucchini bigger than I am! But don’t pull off those pretty flowers or you get fussed at. Even these are bigger than I am

Hey, its supposed to be my turn!

Sometimes its hard being the baby,

Now, that’s more like it!

Bye! Can you come play again tomorrow?

Technorati Tags: garden,kids

Flotilla Choir

2010-06-09T14:59:00.001-05:00

Hot and Healing

2010-06-05T18:38:00.001-05:00

Did I say its Hot? 7pm & its still 88 degrees, 92% humidity. I weeded for about an hour and am ready to fall over. Its so sticky & humid you feel like your breathing in air mud. I came inside…call me a wimp if you want. The tomato plants are LOVING the humidity. Some are waist high others are thigh high & I’m 5’9. Loads of blossoms so we should have plenty of tomato sauce this year. I made spaghetti for supper and noticed I only have 4 quarts left on the shelf so its just in time.

The green beans I replanted are also loaded with blooms and others have beans growing. The weeds had been trying to take over so, when the neighbor was kind enough to mow the kneed high grass in his field….. I was kind enough to rake a bunch of it & do a bit of lasagna mulching. We won’t talk about the 2 ft snake I killed. Not sure what kind, black with silver stripes…I wouldn’t have killed him if he hadn’t of startled me enough I almost wet my pants. Taught me to look at what I’m raking a bit more closely thought!

Mr Fix~It and his Dad are outside hanging more siding. We decided to save the last few pieces we’d removed for repairs in other parts of the house. We can’t purchase the exact same pattern any more. I’d rather have one wall a tad different & use the salvaged for repairs that will match.

Erika had a visit with a plastic surgeon yesterday (Friday). She’s not vain but neither does she want a huge scar on her face. He said she’s healing nicely (which we knew) but there is no damage to her gums or jaw. The swelling has gone down considerably, her lips are a wonderful shade of green, lime green, pink, blue & purple…..I told her I wanted the photo to create a new colorway….she didn’t think it was very funny. Well, you have to make lemonade right?

Isn’t that a lovely shade of green? Almost matches her eyes.

The puncture marks show on her bottom lip now, she’s lucky the teeth did not go all the way through or her bottom lip would look like her top lip. But inside? Its all still mush. She’s eating with a straw & cant move her top lip. The looks people give her are something. Much rather they came up and asked instead of staring. She said the surgeon made comment this is the type of injury he see’s with abused women & if he hadn’t seen the puncture wounds they would be having a looooong talk…Now, she wants to carry a sign that’s says, “No, My husband didn’t beat me, it’s a dog bite!”

OK, I’ve stalled long enough, back outside & breathing air mud.

Technorati Tags: Garden,healing,dog bite,construction

We’re getting there!

2010-06-05T12:54:00.001-05:00

Progress little bits at a time. We had all the windows in when Rachel Adam & Hayden came up to help last weekend. Building inspector said we’re good to go!

Besides having a great visit it was wonderful having the extra hands to help/do the grunt work. So, while Mr.Fix~It was at work, we pulled the exterior siding that was now “inside”. It would have been nice to have it all pulled prior to placing the exterior walls but, we knew they would be exposed longer than would be wise.

This is the exterior wall to the family room….the coldest room in the house. Even though there are plenty of heat/air ducts we’ve always needed little electric heaters to not freeze. The computer is in this corner and your fingers would be numb before long so, I was anxious to see what was behind this wall.

Will you look at that! No weather board. Interior drywall insulation & exterior siding is all there was! Look at the coldest corner…it was full of birds nests. The insulation only went up the bottom half. The brown spot in the top of that section is the interior paneling! Darn birds had nearly eaten through the wall.

By the end of the weekend, we had the exterior finished on the front of the house

We have yet to find the window we want for the bathroom but know we have to do something to balance out that big blah spot on the front.

Monday we had the first section of the side covered & needed to stop for yard & garden work.

I’m not at all frustrated with our progress, we’ve been working our rears off with a “gotta do” list that seems to grow every day. I know we’ve made a LOT of progress. I’m looking forward to get to the point where the list of “what’s next” is smaller than what’s been done. But that will be a while yet I know having only a few hours through the week and Sundays to work at this point. 80+ temps with 80-90% humidity sure doesn't help any!

My Father in Law has been cleaning out the barn & look what he found! A big lot of canning jars. They need a good cleaning and will be put to good use!

There is even an old blue jar. I’ll be saving that one for sure!

Technorati Tags: Addition,construction,family

Its All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Hurt

2010-06-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

Erika, Chris, Isaiah & Evelyn had a few days away at Patoka Lake with Chris’s family. They were having a great time swimming

& playing

A bit of napping

And preparing to go home….

Chris’s parents dog for some reason “snapped” when she pet it good bye

This is the result……

Don’t look if you have a bad tummy

He tore her lip half off and it was hanging!

They immediately left for the hospital, & got lost in the dark.. They were able to flag down a state trouper or hwy patrol (we’re trying to find out who it was to thank him!) who escorted them to waiting staff & plastic surgeon at the hospital in Jasper Indiana

The E.R. staff was fantastic, helped them with the kids and could not have provided better assistance

This is the next morning…her entire face is swollen, puncture/tear through the top lip into the inside bottom lip. Her gums are purple….her nose they thought was broken but its not….she’s a mess…kids scared. Chris, bless his heart held it together and did what was needed…. stayed calm on the outside and freaking out on the inside.

Me? I want to shoot the dog.

She sees a local plastic surgeon tomorrow.

Yes, it was a Memorial Day Weekend to remember

Technorati Tags: Injury,dog bite

Garden Seating

2010-05-27T23:25:00.001-05:00

I love my flower gardens, the weeding mulching and separating. So rewarding to watch them mature year by year. I keep promising myself a bench of some sort but have yet to make the purchase. I generally have them under control by the time the veggie garden is started but, This year with our early spring they’ve gotten out of control.

So, as an incentive for myself to get them cleaned up I’m making that frivolous purchase!

As I’ve been working I’ve been trying to define exactly what I want because ….well, I’m going to have to look at it for years….

This is my list of “must’s”…

1. Portable so it can easily be moved about…nothing to heavy

2. a classic style

3. sturdy enough to hold up for years

4. a style that will be fun and functional …one I have the option of painting bright and bold or, soft and elegant…( *snort* elegant…as if in my garden)

I’ve found concrete, wood, iron, stone and plastic seating with prices from the flimsy $30.00 to sticker shock of $3,000. 00

But, I’ve found my seating, one that fits all my requirements

Want to see a photo of it?

Are you sure?

You know your going to want one too…

I might even pick up 2-3 to have on hand when you stop by!

Technorati Tags: gardening,humor

We have a Window..and Maybe more

2010-05-27T11:06:00.001-05:00

More progress! The vapor barrier is up on part of the addition. We’re had intended to do it all but wanted to get windows placed in my room tonight and that called for a trip to Lowes. Hardware/home stores/feed stores in this family are second only to the Holy Land….(OK, possibly an archery store, craft store and yarn shop are some where in-between but you know what I mean). If the sales staff didn’t have such a high turnover we would be on first name basis, planning BBQ’s and swapping kid photos. Anyway, watching for sales and deals we’ve slowly been buying what we need for the addition. Other than that purchasing only when we need it. Its saved us bundles, not just the sales we have found but storing the materials during construction.

Well, Last night we hooked up the trailer & went for windows, we’d priced everything, we knew what we wanted & knew they were in stock…WRONG! Indiana has just joined the energy conservation rebate system and there is a a change over in the “quality” of windows (as in changed the wording on the packaging and UPC code )….so contractors have bought out the existing windows at a reduced price. We were able to get 2 of the 6 needed. By the time we got home after hunting down more windows, it was much later than intended but, we did install one window. We just had to! I’m going to love having the windows in my work space! The $30.00 rebate per window won’t upset us either!

At this point were hoping to locate more windows, get them installed tonight & have the building inspector here tomorrow. Other than that, we’re looking ahead for a 3 day weekend and at a standstill to move forward in construction.

While at Lowes I picked up a bag of potting soil…we’ve used all the good soil we have in the garden & my compost isn’t quite ready to use so of course I had to enter the “Garden Center” (insert theatrical music here)…and headed to the back where the clearance section ie. half dead plants are. Or ,the unloved, un-watered and abused plants are ………..right away, 2 berry plants jumped on my trolley. A Black and Blueberry both with good strong stems & full foliage but drooping badly I brought them home and set them in a shallow tray of water and they were fine this morning. Both even have blooms starting & will be planted this evening when it cools off.

and my $7.00 tray of flowers,(retail over $50.00) Calla Lilies that are to be separated, and about a dozen other plants for potting. Everything looked half dead & was laying over drooping simply from lack of water.

Weeded all morning and having a cool drink (darn, the wine coolers are warm) & lunch before I melt.

Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: gardening,construction

In the Garden

2010-05-25T22:29:00.001-05:00

It’s the time of year where you feel as though you live in the garden.

I’m finding new shoots of plants I thought were rained out! Carrots so delicate and fragile in appearance are sprouting and looking good. I thought I would need to re sew them! Planting more peas today as nearly all was lost in the last flood of rain. These 2 little clumps are all that made it

Container potatoes have been planted (late I know) and are sprouting! My first time with containers and potato’s so I’m very pleased to see the tips of green. One more bucket to plant today.

The squash I planted in my version on the Earth box’s are about 4 inches tall and look thick & lush, the tomatoes are……..getting there.

The potted & hanging tomato’s are taking off like gang busters, double the size of those in the garden and planed 2 weeks after! I’ll need to put some lattice behind the potted plant to support the fruit weight.

18 Tomato plants in the garden recovering from all the rain, just starting to take off. Mostly Roma’s…I can smell the sauce now! They’ve nearly doubled in size with all the heat in the past 3-4 days.

I have melon coming up in my green beans. Although the garden doesn’t hold water, all I can figure is we had so much rain in such a short period of time it floated the seeds over. Transplanted they seem to be doing well.

Although there is a bit (quite a bit) of replanting to be done, I’m pleased with the growth so far.

I wrote most of this this morning. 2 more buckets with potato’s are done & chives are replanted. After spending quite a bit of time weeding today, I found 3 more melons growing amid the beans along with my missing tomato plants! I thought they had withered away or rotted with all the rain. Nope, they were cuddling with the green beans! The Hussy’s!

Have to transplant them tomorrow & replant the peas…so now what do I do with all the seeds I have starting in pots to replace them! I think Mr Fix~it would have a cow if I even mention more garden space. Think I’ll look into more tubs!

Gotta love it!

Technorati Tags: Gardening

Busy weekend

2010-05-25T07:39:00.001-05:00

The outer walls are up! DH had one or 2 boards on before I was even up. He’s an early riser, as in “Oh God thirty” in the morning.

I was sucking down my first cup of coffee trying to figure how he handled the heavy weather boards on his own, when he came be-boppin out with another

In my fuzzy morning brain I thought he’s pretty smart!With new construction you can just place your boards & screw them on. Since nothing is square its not that easy. Each board needed cut and lifted in place. Instead of the “arm-strong” method he placed each board and set mini lifts to step on to wedge them in place.

This area seen will be my work space!

I have windows! OK, window holes at this point.

It was sooo hot! All week prior it had been 50-60‘s and rain. Friday temps were in the mid 80’s and stayed there till Sunday when we were working on this…then it hit 92!

By day’s end, all the exterior walls were up and windows cut out, and we made a trip to the local home centers for flashing & moisture wrap.

The flashing he had up last night and the moisture barrier will be up in the next day or so. Then we can have the inspector back out to approve the progress!

In my head I can see it done.

Now we just have the wiring, plumbing, flooring….

Technorati Tags: construction,addition

Another 1st to Celebrate!

2010-05-22T21:25:00.001-05:00

Some of you know our family went thru some challenges these past 3 years that changed our perspective of what is really important. I’ve shared fears & tears, asked for prayers and you’ve celebrated each milestone with me. So I felt it only fitting to share a major reason to celebrate.

But, so you understand the changes….

Rachel Adam & Hayden

Christmas 2008, When out middle daughter Rachel was diagnosed with Cancer.

She found out 2 days before Christmas

Christmas 2009 Christmas Card

Last Chemo Surprise Party

I’ve posted a few photos of the odd hair growth she’s had…

or not had.

But Yesterday I received this photo….and I sat down and cried like a big baby

A major milestone!

Her first hair cut!

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your prayers and good wishes & support…I can’t begin to tell you what they have meant to us all.

But to one family You made a difference.

Thank you! God Bless

Technorati Tags: Family,cancer,chemo,rachel

First Strawberries!

2010-05-22T19:29:00.001-05:00

Mr. Fix~It checked his small strawberry bed this afternoon and look at what he found!

A few were quarter size the others were tiny

And mutant shaped! The berry on the far right is shaped like a chili pepper & less than an inch long. Any ideas what were doing wrong?

Help!

I Should Have “Listened”

2010-05-21T00:33:00.001-05:00

Mothers Day eve, we had a call from Erika, she’s bringing Isaiah to us as she needs to take Evie to the immediate care center….spiked a fever, barky breathing and lethargic….go, go go!

Turns out the little lady had/has RSV, pneumonia & bronchitis! She’d been a bit clingy through the week, needing more sleep but nothing else to raise alarms. We thought teething or a growth spurt. Then another (scary) trip to the ER 4 am Monday as she was really struggling to breathe. They ended up with a bag of Meds and a nebulizer. Boy was she a trouper about the nebulizer. I think it only took one treatment for her to realize it helped & she didn’t fight it at all.

They say hind sight is 20/20 & we should have known something was up because Buddy is pretty good with the kids but not this good! He had stayed with her & followed her through out the house all day.

The kids pet & love on him & he’s pretty patient with them but, he’s 13. He generally hides under the table when Evie’s here…unless she is eating…then he’s under the highchair mooching.

So, when he was actually staying with her it was odd, this shocked me…I grabbed the camera as I wasn’t sure the others would believe me. They say animals sence more than we do….I guess I should have “listened” Evie’s doing much better, 4.5 lbs lighter but much better!

Technorati Tags: Family,illness,pets

Crazy Wet Days

2010-05-19T11:36:00.001-05:00

It been crazy busy here but, I think it’s that time of the year for everyone. All those projects & activities we couldn’t start until season change have been calling to us.
The addition has been moving along. With constant rain,

Sunday and a evening or 2 through the week to work on it, progress is not as far as Mr. Fix~It would like. The outer walls are framed, windows framed on the courtyard wall but, were having problems finding windows to match those on the front of the house. Sure, we can special order them but at $300-$500. EACH? I don’t think so!

The building inspector came by this morning to approve the framing so we can move on to enclosing it all the way. I’m excited but sad also. As excited as I am to have the space, I’ll miss morning coffee out here & it’s been nice to have a covered area when its storming or as a sunshade.

The garden is a bit of sad shape right now. I’m getting discouraged. We’ve had so much rain things have washed out. I’m on my 3rd planting of the pinto’s. It dry’s a day or 2, I replant and it pours again. Each time its rained so hard I’ve found the beans above ground. This last time I was so disgusted I ignored that end of the garden for over a week (so mature I know). I went back to replant and I have beans growing like mad. Who’d a thought they would sprout and grow so well on the soil! Only 2 melon and 1 cucumber & 3 peas plants have survived the flooding rain. So, it’s almost a total replant. It’s to wet to go in and weed with out pulling up what plants I do have so the weeds are winning at this point! This weekend the weather man is calling for mid 80’s so that will help. Guess I know what I’ll be spending my mornings doing…replanting!

And there is always knitting! I’ve been keeping busy with customs (updates and photos on the Katidids Knits Blog this afternoon) and let the Etsy Shop empty some…. so I need to get busy or, busier!

Technorati Tags: Gardening,construction

Black Rainbow Skirties

2010-05-10T18:16:00.001-05:00

The twins skirts are done! Lanolized and drying right now. Lots of ends to weave with these but I think they turned out cute!

“Mixed Blues” Shorties,knit on a Cascade 220 base is another custom ready for tomorrow mail.

I think I have enough left for a small to medium pair of longies

And a pair of small shorties with a soft ruffle cuff.

Shades of purples and greens. I dyed this yarn last summer and just got a chance to use it.

These should be listed in the Etsy shop this evening.

Currently on the needles is a tunic for Marguerita I should have finished in the next day or so.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day!

Technorati Tags: custom knits,shorties,rainbow skirties,Etsy,Katidids,tunics

Starting Over!

2010-05-07T21:39:00.001-05:00

AHHH! (Insert a mental photo of me ripping my hair out)

The garden is so torn up after all the rain.

Out of 5 rows of pinto beans, i have 6 plants…peas? gone. Everything is washed out but, I have an excellent crop of weeds! Oh, God has a since of humor. This is what I get for being prideful of having it planted early!

My tomato plants survived but have rust spots on the leaves? Help! The lone pepper plant has buds of about 6 peppers forming.

The onions are a mess, 3 rows and a few are 2-3 times the size of others. Makes no since at all! out of 3 garden plots I have enough growing to fill one. Everything else needs replanted. Oh, the broccoli is growing like gang busters.

We have been under a severe storm & tornado watch all evening. Looks like were going to have another big dump of rain when today it’s just been dry enough to work in there.

Tonight while Mr. Fix~It mowed the field, I got the onions weeded and had enough compost ready to mulch around them. I left about 3 inches clearance between the mulch & onions is that enough? I’ve read on different gardening sites to mulch right over the bulb but others say leave a 3 inch space. I’m mulching to keep the weeds down. If it smothers the weeds, wouldn’t that smother the onions?

Mr. Fix~It gifted me with 2 5 gallon buckets so once I have holes drilled I’ll get my potato’s planted. Late I know!

The blackberries are covered in blooms! The blueberries blooms have dropped and I see berries forming. The strawberries (if they survive this next storm) will be the best season yet!

Mr. Fix~it cut the concrete at the end of the carport where the driveway overlaps leveling it to accommodate the next wall to be framed. Sunday, if the weather is nice will be the next day we can work on it.

I spent the morning wrapping and shipping packages, spent the afternoon with Evie, and worked outside in the afternoon. When we were done with our work, I let Mr. Fix~It to take me to the local Ice Cream shop for supper!

Better get some knitting done!

Technorati Tags: Gardening,weather

Floating Away Derby Weekend

2010-05-06T10:16:00.001-05:00

Ok, so we didn’t really float away, we ran away! The weekend of the Kentucky Derby can get a bit crazy around here and its become our annual camping getaway.

We started a few years ago meeting up with our friends Kenny & Joyce. It also happens to be the weekend about 15 families from our old church camp together. Its great as the kids can just run & we all keep an eye on them. So between us we take up just about half the campground. Despite the 10 inches of rain between Thursday & Sunday(per our local weather man) we had a blast! We left Thursday evening and came home Sunday morning. In between that time I think we consumed a million s’mores & Fire Pies, checked for ticks, fought off invading ants (from the 3 ft ant hill behind our site), checked for ticks, watched Isaiah put about 200 miles on his bike with the “big boys” (8 & 9 yr olds), checked for ticks, consumed more snacks than I should have. We were able to get home and unpacked thankfully during a brief non raining period but, everything was still wet and needed drying out in the garage…or in a pile in front of the washer.

Mooched $5.00 off Mr. Fix~It to place a bet on a horse…..#4

And WON!

$45 isn’t a huge windfall but, I gave Mr. Fix~It his $5.00 back and had a free $40.00! Not bad for a once a year gamble.

It will pay the water bill…….or buy more wool!

No pictures from the weekend, it was either raining, blowing rain, about to rain or misting. didn’t want to take the chance.
What the rain did to the garden?

Well, that’s another story!

Technorati Tags: Derby Weekend,camping,family

Mr. UPS Man, We have to Stop Meeting Like This!

2010-05-04T23:33:00.001-05:00

More Fluffy Mail today!

Technorati Tags: Custom knits,customers,etsy,katidids,Grinny Possum Fiber Arts,longies,wool,alpaca,yarn shipments

Another Wall Framed!

2010-04-29T10:18:00.001-05:00

When we started this project we knew it was going to be a rather lengthy process. Mr. Fix~It only has a few hours in the evening after work (if he does nothing else) and Sundays but we rather jokingly agreed if you need a flash light to read the measurements its time to stop!

We all know when you ”just finish this last little bit” Someone’s gonna get hurt.

Well we’ve been lucky, so far very little blood has been shed. Tuesday, Chris stayed to help get this section up We found out the carport original beans weren't even (surprise surprise) Instead of sliding the top in place and bumping the bottom in, it involved using a sledge hammer at the top and bottom…. When that didn’t work we grabbed a floor jack and a 4x4 post and jacked that beam up just enough to tap the wall in place. It was a good test of faith and trust in each other…. swinging the sledge hammer above each others heads. Well, after I swung it a time or two up high they quickly switched out with me. Chickens

Living in a tornado part of the country we had intended on leaving the original metal support poles in place just as added protection. But last night after a supper of stir-fry we/Larry, removed the middle pole (in the center of the photo) as it was becoming a ~~Pain in the arse~~ headache to work around for the door frame.

The most frustrating part is if they had built this space correctly in the first place we would be done framing & working on other parts by now…..like pluming and heat ducting *sigh* Its a process right?

Isaiah, the Mr Fix~It in training ….

Made himself a Blackberry Phone! Complete with keyboard, camera lens and upper screen….now he’s trying to figure where & how to attach the batteries. I have no doubts he’ll work it out!

We are running away for the weekend to go camping…with rain scheduled the entire time!

Technorati Tags: renovations,addition,construction,Isaiah

Coffee Please…. Just give me coffee!

2010-04-28T08:23:00.001-05:00

This morning, I tried to pour coffee and poured the fresh pot in the sink, because I forgot it was a fresh pot… I’d just made. So I put another fresh pot on. Dumped the dregs of last nights cup on the kitchen floor missing the sink by a good foot. By now, I’m getting desperate & quickly put another pot on (LOVE THE BUNN).

So, right now while I have my coffee, there is a bath towel on the counter soaking up the 2nd pot of coffee overflowing from the pot. It’s not like its going anywhere…..just , the counters, floor…..The day can only go up from here…

anyone for a refill?

Technorati Tags: mishaps,coffee,mornings

Projaholics Are Back!

2010-04-26T09:47:00.002-05:00

We started the addition!

And it’s been….. interesting . We found out the hard way a few years ago the original owner took all kinds of short cuts when he built the house. Minor details (not)little things like water pipes plumed straight through without emergency shut off valves..you know **ahem** minor details…. So I’m not sure why I was so surprised when we started construction that NOTHING in the space where we are working in is square. Not the floor to the walls, not the outer edge, the support poles? Bah Not even the existing walls or ceiling!! So it’s been a challenge for Mr. Fix~It framing. He had the first section done (the longest area) completed last night.

This first photo is for my children, for posterity sake…I don’t think they have EVER seen this momentous event…Your Dad is actually READING THE DIRECTIONS for the new tool!!!

He claims he was just looking at photosThe wall was done & ready to go up. We hoisted it on the pulley we rigged, were tapping it into place….& the pulley broke and down the wall went…over Mr. Fix~It! Thankfully he was able to quickly turn to have his feet turned the length of the wall. As it was going down I had these visions of an emergency room visit with 2 crushed feet….. Rebuilt, we called Danielle and she came over to help support the wall as we wedged it in. This section with the framing up will be my STUDIO!!!!!!

RAHHHH! The crowd roars!!!!

Or, is that my family happy knowing the yarn will be out of the living room soon?

Technorati Tags: Projaholics,construction

Storms are a Comin!

2010-04-24T20:29:00.001-05:00

One thing about the weather in So Indiana, if you don’t like it..wait an hour or so & it will change. It stormed with a good soaking rain last night, sunny and warm this morning and now severe storm with tornado warnings.

Nice green sky.

I spent the morning completing a bit of knitting and the rest of the afternoon weeding and planting more veggies & re-potting flowers before the storm. But, I’m out of garden space. Since I have tomatoes left I decided to use 1 of the 2 up-side down planters from last year. I wasn’t very pleased with the results but realized to late in the season it was my own fault. I wasn’t watering them enough. Part of the draw of these is you can’t over water as the excess runs out. But, the dryer it gets even more runs out. Now that I have my brain engaged I’m trying it again.

Since we don’t have water access to the back deck & have to haul jugs, this time I’m placing another tomato plant underneath in a pot…one will water the other with out waste…I hope.

The back side of the garage has a huge flowerbed…it got weeded and a few veggies and more loufahs planted. I just feel the urgency to plant more and more so I think a few additional tomatoes and beans will be replacing what is back there.

In the summer mosquitoes are a constant problem for us…with the pond, we can’t get rid of them & the sprays are just poison that make Mr. Fix~It & I sick . Headaches, our lips burn & it’s hard to think straight when we’ve had to use it. With the addition we’re building I know they are going to be a problem so I’ve been trying to find natural alternatives. I’ve been reading that basil is a natural repellant..so I replanted a large pot to keep in the courtyard

I’ll let you know if it works

Technorati Tags: gardening,natural repellant,natural resourses

Composting Question, Coffee Ground Score?

2010-04-24T10:34:00.001-05:00

I stopped in at a local coffee shop yesterday and asked about the used coffee grounds for my compost. Unfortunately they no longer save them as so many ask but no one comes back to get them. Luckily I asked as they were hauling a load out to the trash …. You guessed it! I came home with a huge bag (about 40 lbs) of used coffee grounds.

So here is my question for my composting friends how much is to much? Is this a score or not? My composting pile is about 6 ft X 6ft and only about 3 ft deep. Could damage the good stuff going on in there if I add all of this? If so, will it hurt to sparingly spread some of it out in the garden?

HELP!

Technorati Tags: composting,coffee Grounds

Green Things

2010-04-22T21:09:00.002-05:00

Well, it is Earth Day Right? Lets talk green!

I worked in the garden for most of the morning, weeding is starting to become a morning ritual already. I only hope the veggies grow as well as the weeds seem to be.

I do have bits of green poking throughRight now I honestly can’t say if these are the Dragon Tongue beans or regular bush beans because…I just knew I would remember exactly what was planted where….right.

That worked out well! So, I may or may not have room for 2-3 rows more of something but since Buddy ate my row markers I’m stuck until everything starts sprouting. But the good news is things are sprouting, I’m seeing tiny bits of green poking through. I know its going to happen, but every day (2-3 times) I step out to the garden excitedly checking the progress. The tomato seedlings , Roma, Celebrity & Better Boys 20 in all went in today along with a few rows of pinto beans. Thanks Kat for the seed source! Loofah & white scalloped squash I planted in the earth boxes on the back deck. This is the first time I’ve planted loofah so any growing/tending pointers you could send my way will be appreciated. I want to soak them in home made soap and use for gifts this Christmas.

Rain is called for tonight so it looks like I got everything in just in time.
My compost bin/pile was not “composting”. I realized I was way off on ratio of greens to browns and it was not moist enough. With that adjusted I’m hoping things will now start breaking down.

Isaiah’s daily chore is to take the house scraps out to the compost bin. This past winter it was fun to play in the snow on the way down. Now that its nice there are dirt piles and wood piles and roads to build that distract him. The other day I said “I need you to take the compost out”…he came in and took the can with a disgruntled sigh and said…”just call me compost boy”…..so who am I to disappoint….

”Oh, Compost Boy”

Technorati Tags: gardening,composting,earthday,green things

Who would have thought

2010-04-19T21:36:00.001-05:00

A tractor ride would calm a cranky baby.

Poor little thing has been battling a ear infection, sinus infection and nose infection. Her moods (understandably) have been like the pollen count, extremely high or low. But from day one she has loved the sound & vibrations of the tractor. It only took 2-3 rounds the field for her to conk out.

And it was time to switch passengers

Technorati Tags: cranky baby

We’ve been Playing in the Dirt

2010-04-18T21:17:00.001-05:00

The garden areas have all been tilled 2x and quite a bit has been planted. At least for us its quite a bit. Last year I had 2 smallish areas, this year each plot was nearly doubled & a third added. Using this last year as a gauge of what (veggies) we go through I think we are more in line with what we actually use. Each year we’ve added a bit here and there trying not to over do. Last year there was quite a few echo’s of “I wish we had planted ____” so, this year we did. Or will. There are 2 large garden areas in front of the trellis and another beyond. It sounds silly in a way but, its easier for me to weed 3 areas rather than 1 large plot. At least this way I can say “this area is done”…for a few days at least! This last week we built the support trellis for the blackberries & just in time. They are taking off like gang busters. I did lose one of the new blueberry bushes planted last fall. I figure 3 out of 4 isn’t to bad! I’ll pick up another this week to replace it. I’m already seeing green sprouts showing. When we started seriously gardening (and I realize it is on a much smaller scale and many) I knew it was going to be a lot of work but I never realized how rewarding and satisfying it would continue to be. Smelling the fresh tilled earth, cutting the rows & planting the seeds. Watching and waiting for tender shoots of green to push through the soil. Yes its work, but I’m finding it’s peaceful, calming & joyful.

That is, until I walked to the other side of the garage & found a flowerbed I forgot. Full of weeds and out of control butterfly bush

Guess I know what I’ll be working on tomorrow morning.

What are your plans for the week?

Technorati Tags: Gardening

I think We took “Go Green” A Little To Far…..

2010-04-13T08:32:00.001-05:00

My kitchen has been cream forever.

As in cream walls, cream ceiling..blech cream/ I’ve been wanting/needing to repaint & update in here for ages. Other things were priorities & with all the wood trim, neither of us wanted to mess with it. Scrubbing the walls last month I realized I was taking paint so, it needed to be done. I wanted COLOR this time

We chose “Herb Cornucopia” (Valspar) I’d hook up the link but its nothing like the actual color on their site. On the color card it was a soft herbal green…On my walls it’s

HELLO !

I’m GREEN !

All the drop cloths were still at Erika’s, so we used newspaper

It looks like a print shop blew up…a green one The color changes depending on where you are in the room.

I think I like it…once the trim is back up that will break up the green & white. Maybe new curtain’s will help. I think I want an herb print. I can visualize it I just have to find the curtain’s or fabric to make them.. but then I wanted green walls!

Technorati Tags: Kitchen updates,painting,going green

The Gardens Going In!

2010-04-11T23:10:00.001-05:00

2 weeks ago (in between rain storms) & as soon as it was dry enough Mr Fix~It & the boys tilled the garden for me. We wanted a 3rd area and almost killed the tiller trying to break ground.

Not to be defeated……………… he broke out the Big Boy Toys

Every job needs a foreman & supervisor right?Onions I planted last week, today the salad portion and beans went in…tomorrow I put my kitchen back together. After years of cream ceilings and walls we repainted today. Green…….I think I like it. It’s a much bolder color than I envisioned but, with new curtains up I think it will be fine… I hope!

And can some on PLEASE tell me what it is about Golden Retriever’s and sticks? The bigger the better!

He steals my row markers in the garden, walk the yard before mowing to collect branches & he steals them from the pile and we never lack for kindling for the fire pit with Buddy around. Its all fun & games until he tries to bring them in the house!

How was your weekend?

Technorati Tags: family Humor,gardening,critters

What I’ve been up to!

2010-04-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

Finishing up custom shorties

Babydoll Dress’, Prima & Cascade 220 Superwash

Wonderful soft cotton

Purewool for infants

Earth Day shorties & playin in the dye pots!

It’s been a busy week!

Technorati Tags: Katidids,Etsy,handknits

SPRING!!!!!

2010-04-10T16:28:00.001-05:00

Wow! Spring has started off with a bang! Sunshine & 40 degrees one day, 80 degrees the next!

The trees are budding And Blooming! We had everyone here for Easter eve & Easter morning for breakfast after church. Both days were beautiful! We ate outside and enjoyed spring and each other.

Burgers on the grill & kids playin in the yard…I love it!

Your right Hayden, he should be in the car not ON it!

Not quite what I had in mind but at least they are sharing right?

Big Kids & littles

Sharing the chocolate bounty

& playing with Eggs We have so much to be thankful for this year!

Technorati Tags: Easter 2010,family,kids

.: Welcome to Katidids Knits!

2010-04-06T16:11:00.001-05:00

.: Welcome to Katidids Knits!

Anger Management Lesson from Erika

2010-04-04T22:23:00.001-05:00

A husband asks his wife, 'You never argue when I get mad at you. How do you always control your anger?'

'I clean the toilet,' she replies.

'How does that help?' he asks

'I use your toothbrush.'

Chris, Hide your toothbrush!

Technorati Tags: Humor

Celebrate!

2010-04-03T22:50:00.001-05:00

AMEN!

Technorati Tags: Faith,Easter

I’ve been Knitting Longies, Shorties & the tiKKi Rainbow Dress!

2010-04-02T22:49:00.001-05:00

The Rainbow Dress by Georgie Hallam

I’ve been a license holder for a while but have just started making them. This one was sold before I had it 1/3 completed! The pink is not really that PINK, it’s bold but….I used Cascade Luna & LOVE it! Super soft, holds its shape but has a nice drape. It will become a cotton go to yarn for sure!On the needles now is a YYMN (your yarn my needles)custom pair of Sheepy Shorties using Doodlebirds Creations Beautiful Blue Faced Leicester. The colorway is Sailors Dread. Super soft and a wonderful sheen. These should be ready for the mail Monday!

Sheepy shorties using Purewool in the colorway Praia. Super soft for newborns

Casting on for a Kaia Summer Baby doll dress using Cascade superwash Tropical SeaYes, for some reason I’m on a Lime kick. It’s not normally a color I’d use but it seems to be popping up in all my work these past few weeks

A pair of large shorties I just listed in the shop

A custom set of small longies & hats….TWINS!

I’m pretty sick of GREEN right now!

Using up bits & pieces here and there

Girls Medium shorties & 3 other customs waiting in line.

I was able to get some time in the garden today, not much but the onions are planted at least. Rain is called for tomorrow so Isaiah & Hayden supervised tilling & planting this afternoon.

Are you ready for Easter?

Don’t forget to give thanks for the greatest gift of all!

Technorati Tags: Katidids,Etsy,Knitting,custom knits,longies,Georgie Hallam

Not Goin to Town

2010-04-02T20:14:00.001-05:00

Mr. Fix-It had an early morning appointment in Indy the other day so he went up the night before and visited with Adam & Rachel. When he came home he brought Hayden with him!

Little Man just crack me up. Everything has to be in a certain order & just so. We spent the afternoon outside enjoying the warm sunny day…. playing in the sand pile.

He had a children’s hoe & was working the sand “just like you do” for his garden. He worked that sand for a good 30 minutes. At one point I said “ Little Man, you’re just goin to town on that sand. ” He stopped, turned, looked at me and dead serious said…..”I’m not goin to town, I’m working right here!” I couldn’t laugh he was so serious….

but I almost wet my pants!

Technorati Tags: Hayden,Family Humor

Freecycle Finds!

2010-04-02T07:15:00.001-05:00

Have you joined Free-Cycle Yet? If not your missing out!

Free-Cycle is a wonderful program similar to Craig’s list but, Its FREE!

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,775 groups with 7,090,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.Items you no longer need you post and someone will pick up. Ours covers 4-5 counties.

We’ve cleared out clothing, toys, furniture you name it. We’ve also gained a camp stove, gardening tools, veggies, fruit and many other things. You need to give away before you get so I keeps some from being “getters” only. Need something? Just post! When Erika & Danielle moved out I posted we were looking for yard & gardening tools, fencing etc & we had numerous responses to come and pick up!

This past fall and through the winter I was posting looking for canning jars as the girls are gardening and want to can & getting started can be expensive…..there were no offers until last week.

This is what I picked up to share with them…..

Water bath canner, tongs &….

7 cases of quart jars and a few boxes of new lids & rings!

Wooot!

After cleaning out “stuff” the last thing I want to do is haul it all to the thrift store. I end up with bags to donate by the door or, in my car for a week. Freecycle takes care of that problem!

What are you waiting for?

Freecycle!

Technorati Tags: Freecycle,frugal canning

Ceilings A Frugal Fix!

2010-04-01T12:10:00.001-05:00

One of the things we loved about this house when we found it was the full basement. The walls are double thickness. At one time the prior owner had a leak so, he dug around the outer perimeter and poured a 2nd wall! It gives us a nice safe space for tornado season. We also loved the huge open semi finished spaces & through the years the basement has gone through a lot of changes adapting to the needs at that time. A Bedroom walled off , we added a playroom with storage closets. I had a sewing room but now use it strictly for fabric stash as ~~I have to much fabric to actually sew in there~~ we used the space for other things. But no finished ceiling.

The ceiling always stumped us. Neither of us like a drop ceiling & we would be working around vents & pipes that would need to be accessible so that knocked out wall board or sheetrock.

Our solution? A fabric ceiling! Muslin to be accurate. I worked at a fabric store at the time and ladies were purchasing a lot of muslin to create the tent effect in rooms…..

not what we wanted but it gave me an idea. I bought seconds of muslin 45 inches wide (the little fiber slubs that made it 2nds for quilting didn’t matter for our use), it fit the studs with room to overlap, we could trim off excess to make it fit what ever shape or size.

Watching sales I would buy a bolt or yardage in lengths we needed and add as the budget allowed! It’s been up about 15 yrs. We can pull it down to fix leaks or work on heat ducts with out the normal mess you have of wall board or mud & tape! Makes for easy& quick home maintenance. It catches dust from the floor above and can be vacuumed gently with a brush & really lightens the room.

Perfect? No, but it’s served its purpose thru the years and we have no plans to replace it! To many other projects to work on!

Like those purple & lavender doors in the train room!

Technorati Tags: Frugal solutions,ceilings,making do,home maintenance,projects

Boy Toys & Grown-up Joys

2010-03-29T09:30:00.001-05:00

This past winter when we were clearing ~~all~~ some of the “stuff” that had accumulated in the basemen through the years, Mr. Fix~It’ found his old Lionel train set. He’d always wanted to set up a semi permanent train set for our son Aaron but time, space, money and life just got in the way. He regrets that. A lot!

It sparked an idea of an activity that he can do with both Hayden & Isaiah, no matter what age or ability & that train set was the answer! What started out as “just a 4x8 sheet of plywood table” became…a on going work in progress…

Hayden’s reaction?

Priceless!

all the other photos are semi blurry as he was twisting this way & that

Running the trains

As you can see its a work in progress & has gone through numerous updates even since last week. Every “Train Room” needs a lavender doors and butterflies on the wall! Right? It was the old play room. Our friend Kent of “Top of the Hill 3d Archery” was happy to clear his old huge train tables out of his barn! They were set up with N gauge (tiny trains) that go over & under the tables.

Larry’s been gifted with H, HO, N, & another size trains, track, accessories since he’s started. Every night & often with his Dad, they work for hours trying to get everything up and running by the family gathering at Easter. This was last weekend when Rachel & Hayden came down from Indy…the boy is in for a few surprises as the lay-out has gone through more than a few changes since then.

I’m learning train setups are never…ever done

Guess I better get the rest of the “stuff cleared out so he has more room to grow!

Technorati Tags: Mr. Fix~It,toys,boys,trains

Dusting things Off a Bit

2010-03-26T22:00:00.001-05:00

I was getting a bit tired of the “face” and decided to make some changes. Still playing with it so let me know if it takes a bit to load.

I updated the Etsy shop with this logo..and something similar for my Garment tags also. I had a few other more elaborate designs but, I kept coming back to this one & I’m glad I did. They stand out nicely against the colorful hats and garments.

Simple but, its all there. That’s a little Dragonfly carrying the strand of yarn off…doesn’t show up to well reduced for sizing here!

Erika & Chris are off to Indy for the weekend so we have the kidlets! Miss Evie keeps you hopping & is STUBBORN as a mule! Of course she gets it from Mr. Fix~It’s side of the family!

A few months ago I mentioned my daughter Danielle was in the cake business. Here is the latest & greatest. A grooms cake

Real traditional Right? I LOVE IT!

Technorati Tags: katidids,etsy. danielle,sweet comforts,cakes,Logo