I don’t have much time to post anything much today. Just want you all to know you are loved and no one can take that love from you. Hope you are having a wonderful day and treating yourself well, because you are the only you in this whole universe and we need you and want you to be happy. I’ll be back with some interesting things to tell you. I’ve been reading some old diaries and I just might share some of the things I’ve read with you. If you want to read a long, happy blog go to Susan Branches’ blog. She illustrates all the books she writes and she’s written several besides cookbooks. She writes today about her and her husband’s long and happy marriage. Bye.

If this year is to be judged by just its beginning , it’s been a good year already. David and I started it out by going to a gospel sing at our church where a few different gospel singers sang and our preacher gave the sermon. The night was titled, “It’s twelve O’clock Somewhere,” because as the evening progressed and some people would leave we could vote whether we wanted the singing to go on. Several people left, here and there and it got to be ten o’clock and they were going to vote whether to keep on going, but David and I were tired and decided to leave before the vote so we don’t know how late the rest of them stayed. When we got home we watched a little tv and I went to bed before the New Year’s. I’m a real party animal. Poor David didn’t even get his New Year’s kiss like I usually give him. I was sawing logs when that ball came down. Oh, well. Anyway, Happy New Year to you all. Hope it is going well for you.

I had to get another shot in my eye this month which would not have been a good start, but Dr. Shah said my eye looked normal and I no longer needed any shots. I was so happy to hear that. I have to go back for a check up in a few weeks, but I am praying all will still be well with my eyes. At my age I don’t have cataracts like some people my age do. David had them and had to have surgery a few years ago.

David took a week off work at Ralph Lauren to celebrate his 75th birthday. I told him I never thought I would ever be married to someone so old, but then, I’m not far behind him. We celebrated by going to the ear doctor to have our hearing checked and one of my ears looked at that had been bothering me. The hearing specialist told David he was slightly hard of hearing, but not enough to need hearing aides. And then he checked my hearing. No one wants to hear these words about anything to do with you health or body. “I’ve got bad news for you,” the man said to me. I have 50% hearing loss and certain words I can hear with my ears do not compute in my brain. I’ve noticed that when talking to some people. They can be right next to me and I can hear what they say, but don’t know what they said, if that makes any sense. Then he gave me the choice of the cheap or the luxury hearing aides. I told David since he didn’t need any I was taking the luxury ones! I sure hope they work. I’m getting them this week.

After those fun times we spent the rest of the week having fun. We went out to eat three times, one time at IHOP with some loved ones. I love IHOP and usually get the classic french toast but I tried the bananas and strawberry french toast not knowing they pour strawberry syrup all over it also. I didn’t like it as well as the classic so I will stick with that next time. I love IHOP coffee. Usually I don’t like coffee anywhere, but at my house, but theirs is really good. I took David out to eat at Olive Garden where we love the Zuppa Toscana with breadsticks and salad, all you can eat which means I can usually get through one salad and one soup and maybe three breadsticks if I’m really hungry.

We took our Christmas tree down last Monday. We kept it up so long because our granddaughter and her husband were going to come down and get their Christmas presents last Sunday, but we had several inches of snow overnight and they couldn’t come so we will have to plan another time. Maybe go up to where they live and eat at a really great pancake house they have not far from their house. Always an excuse to go there. One of our favorite places and their coffee is pretty good, too.

Anyway, after the tree came down we cleaned our living room from top to bottom, washing windows, dusting the baseboards, putting away my collection of Santa Clauses and our nativity. And we moved furniture around which is something I love to do. When I was younger and stronger, I use to move furniture all by myself and I did it often. David said he never knew where the furniture would be when he got home from work.

I’ve typed all this time and not a single picture.

Here’s where the tree use to be.

Because I have NOTHING else to do, I ordered a couple of paint by number pictures to paint. The paint by numbers aren’t like they were when I was a girl where you got maybe ten paints and one brush and that was all you needed. Now the pictures are very intricate and I got 24 paints and five brushes with each picture. As you can see, there are a lot of parts to this painting. I really don’t know how a real artist figures out what and where to paint to paint a masterpiece.

I’ve rattled on long enough. Just didn’t want January to go by without checking in. If the rest of the months are like this one, it’s going to be a very busy year and for that, I am grateful. I hate being bored and I never am because I’m always looking for something to do and I’m thankful I have a man who tries to keep up with me and helps me in many of my endeavors.

Here’s to new years, things to do, and husbands to love. Bye.

Christmas came and went in a flurry of decorating, baking, gift buying, church services, family gatherings and I loved it all, but now it’s time to settle in for Winter. We have almost three months of it to go and no matter where you live, it’s time well spent if you will do it.

I use to really love Winter as a child because it brought Christmas and sledding and making snowmen and snow angels in the snow. The cold didn’t bother me hardly at all even with my stocking gloves(I had no others) and wearing my brothers’ old buckle artic boots. I didn’t care how I looked because I got to go outdoors with my older brothers and go sledding down the big hill just down the road from our house. Winter meant hot tea and cinnamon toast on snowy school day mornings, piles of blankets on the bed where my room was so cold frost formed on the inside. Winter was my daddy making popcorn balls and bringing armloads of wood inside to fuel the big stove in our kitchen. It was my mother’s delicious suppers eaten around the table with all my family, snug inside while the weather roared outside.

Now that I am an old lady( I don’t feel like one) the cold weather really bothers me. Right now I have three heavy blankets on our bed and a mattress pad that has duel heat controls and mine is always on the highest temperature these cold, Winter nights. Sometimes I think it would be grand to be like the bears and hibernate all Winter snug in my cave. But I would have books to read also so as not to be bored. I’d lose weight like the bears do and come out in the Spring slimmer and ready for the warmer seasons.

But, alas I must just settle into Winter and enjoy it the best I can. Hot baths, snug beds, lots of reading, sewing quilts, making hot soups and baking delicious things. Going out to care for the dogs and the chickens who have to endure this weather the same as I do. The cold weather doesn’t seem to bother the dogs or chickens at all as long as they have a warm place to sleep and they do. Feeding the birds and watching them flock to the bird feeders almost running over each other in their greed for the sunflower seeds and cracked corn I leave out for them. I love watching them from my big chair while I have a work in progress on my knitting needles.

I don’t hate Winter. I think it’s good we have a little time to slow down and adjust our bodies to a slower time table while we await Spring’s warm weather. Sometimes, when I have a lot of quilts I want to make, I feel like Winter isn’t long enough. And it’s good we have to slow down our driving and take care. It’s not always rush, rush, rush everywhere even though there are a few who still drive on ice like it was eighty degrees out and the roads are dry as the desert. I just hope they don’t hit anyone in their haste.

We can’t dodge Winter so we may as well enjoy it as much as possible. The one really good thing about this time of year is that the days are getting longer little by little. Soon we will notice it stays lighter much longer in the evenings again. We will stay up later. I don’t know about you, but in Winter I go to bed a lot earlier than I do at other times. Like as I write this it feels like it should be about 9:00 and it’s 7:00! A hot bath sounds good about now. Then warm pajamas and turn up the heat on the mattress pad and I’m ready to settle in for the night.

Just think of Winter as God’s gift to us telling us to slow down, watch the snow falling, give our loved ones some extra attention. I use to love having my children home from school during the Chrismas holidays. They would play games all day or play outside in the snow. Monopoly games could go on for days. I loved every minute of it. But I also was glad when they went back to school and I had the house all to myself for a few hours.

Here’s to lovely Winter. The snow, sleet, ice and all. It’s ours to settle with and we will. Bye.

Christmas has come and gone. Already a week ago and time marches on. I hope you had a very nice Christmas. We did at our house. Kind of lowkey, but pleasant and even though, for me, it’s not about the gifts, I did get some nice ones. I asked David for only one thing this year that I really, really wanted. I saw a dog table with a glass top and the dog’s nose pointing up to a butterfly that is on top of the table. It was a Lab and looked so much like Sugar. I knew I was getting it because of the big box that arrived soon after I asked for it, but I had to wait until Christmas morning to see it and it did not disappoint.

It was better than I expected and larger than I thought it would be.

As if my cup doesn’t already overflow, I bought myself something after Christmas that I have been saving for and looking for for a couple of years. I love Tiffany lamps. I have one hanging in my shop. It use to hang in our kitchen and then when we remodeled the kitchen,it was installed in our dining room and then when we bought a new lamp for the dining room it got put in my shop where it will stay. I have wanted a floor lamp and have been looking at them on Amazon. There are pages of them and they all are so pretty I was having a hard time choosing one. Then, the other day, after searching for a while I came upon a page that had the most wonderful lamp I have ever seen and I could afford it!! I didn’t waste time looking any further. I clicked on it and told David it was on its way and would need to be put together.

Here it is.

So wonderful in the window.

So the owl lamp sits next to my dog table and I am in bliss. I can look at them both as I knit or quilt or watch television and they will just make me happy. Almost like having the Christmas tree up all year with my new lamp. And I am feeling kind of sad the tree has to come down in the next week or so.

I wasn’t the only one who got what they wanted for Christmas. David wanted a new razor. Now weeks before Christmas David starts to let his beard grow. Now at his age it comes in snowy white so he kind of looks like Santa Claus. He enjoys taking peppermints to the store and handing them out to children, with their parents’ consent, of course. He has had children walk up to him and ask him if he’s Santa. He always tells them he’s Santa’s helper, but I don’t think some of them believe that and just know he’s the real one. I think it’s funny to see the looks on children’s faces when they see him. Oh, to be a child again and believe in the magic. I don’t think there is anything wrong with letting your children use their imaginations in believing there’s a Santa Claus, but I do believe children should know the real reason why we celebrate Christmas, also because without the birth of Jesus, none of us would be celebrating the holiday. It would not exist. Anyway, back to David’s razor. I took this picture of him Christmas Day.

So the holidays will be officially over tomorrow and then the stores will start pushing the next one on us. Valentine’s Day. But I’m way ahead of them on that.

Each heart is different.

So much fun that I have started another garland.

Happy New Year to you all. I wish you health, happiness, peace and joy in the next year. May God rest His hand on you and keep you safe. Bye.

We finally got out of town for the first time in ages. We have not spent an overnight since before Covid hit us two years ago! It’s not that we didn’t want to, but things as they were, it was difficult to get away. From my heart trouble to David’s shoulder injury, we have been kept close to home for far too long. And of course. there’s the animals that I, at least, hate to leave for long periods.

So last weekend we got into our trusty Jeep and off we went to Cincinnati where our son and his family live. We have not been down there since they got married so it was long overdue.

They also have this huge cat with batman like ears and another black and white long haired cat. They are both bigger than Annie.

We went down to Cincinnati to see family and to do some Christmas lights looking. Before we did they we went out to eat at an amazing restaurant, The Golden Lamb. It was built in the 1800’s and people like George H. Bush, Ronald Reagan and Charles Dickens have eaten there. Yes, Charles Dickens, the author of A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities. That Charles Dickens. His picture is on the wall with other dignitaries who have eaten there. We looked around at all the old furniture and books that lined the walls. It was a beautiful place to visit and I’m glad we did. It is still used for a bed and breakfast also. It would be fun to stay there.

After we ate a gigantic meal, I had their turkey dinner, we set off for Armco Park where there were lights to see. First we went through a neighborhood of large, older homes that were decorated for Christmas. These homes were three stories high and some had Christmas trees clear at the top window. They were all so beautiful. I’d like to see the houses in daylight.

Then we drove to the park and it was wonderful.

If pigs could fly!

And of course, the reason for the season.

I’ll be busy the next couple of days preparing a feast for Christmas day. We are expecting a huge ice storm and lots of snow and below 0 temperatures, so it may be just David and I here that day. Just so all my family and friends are safe and warm in their homes during this storm that is coming.

So wishing you all, wherever you are in the world, a blessed Christmas Day. God bless us, everyone! Bye.

I grew up watching Perry Mason with my mother. He always won his cases. I watched People’s Court for years and saw how people reacted to a judge. I’ve seen countless court cases on tv at one time or another, but I never thought I’d take part in one until this week.

Last week I told you I got a call from a lady telling me to show up for court in a few days. I told her at the time that I was a little hard of hearing and found it hard to hear people from far away, but she would not accept that excuse and told me to show up for court.

So last Tuesday, David and I went downtown to our historic courthouse. We got into a line at the door where we were checked by security. Then upstairs to circuit court where people were lined up again to sign in. Then we all sat on benches in the courtroom and waited. And waited. And waited. Some lawyers came in. Then the person being judged and his lawyer came in. Finally, the judge came in. Not how I pictured a judge. She was pretty and young and didn’t look like a judge at all. But then, what do judges look like now? Times have changed. They are not all men anymore and that’s a good thing. Women were important judges in the Bible so there is no reason women should not be judges now.

Then the judge told us some rules, many of them I didn’t hear and had to ask David what she said. Then a video was shown about what to expect being a juror. Then the real process of choosing the jury began. First twelve people were called to come up and sit in the jury box. Then the judge said if anyone in the room had a reason they should not be on the jury to come forward and tell her now. I didn’t hear that part! David told me I better go up and tell her I could not hear everything that was being said. I was in a panic, really. So I got into the line. There were several people with excuses, but not all were excused. I didn’t know what I would do if I wasn’t. What if I sent an innocent person to jail because I didn’t hear all the information? Then it was my turn to go up to the judge. I was so terrified, but I took a deep breath, walked up there and she asked me what was my excuse. I told her I had been having trouble hearing all the talking in the courtroom and if I were put on the jury I may not hear everything I should hear. She then asked me, “Don’t you have hearing aids?” Ummmmm. Well, I have thought about getting some for a long time, but my pride has kept me from doing so and the prices are so high so I told her we could not afford hearing aids! For some reason, something I said or how terrified I looked made all the lawyers and the judge laugh and she leaned down and said, “You are excused.” I almost dropped right there, but I turned around went to get my coat and David and I left. David asked me what we were all laughing about. I wasn’t laughing so I don’t know.

I was a little disappointed and a lot grateful that I didn’t have to sit on the jury. It was a murder trial, too. One girl who was chosen was so elated she pumped her fist in the air.

All in all, in retrospect, it was very interesting to see how a jury is selected.. David is on the list now and we are wondering if he will get called. I will go with him and watch everything and if he should be chosen, I will stay for the trial. Maybe I will have hearing aids by then.

It’s almost Christmas and I am not ready. We did shopping for dinner today and wow was our list long. Next week will be busy, but this weekend we are doing something fun. I will tell you about it later.

Here’s to judges and juries and may they always make the right decisions. Bye.

You know how sometimes you plan something and look forward to it and wait and wait and suddenly it’s here and then….it’s all over? I don’t know about you, but when I’ve devoted my life the last year to making things for my sale and now I don’t have to make anything if I don’t want to, it kind of puts me in a spin of sorts. The couple of days after the sale I felt like I was on vacation with nothing to do, but exactly what I wanted to do. It was like I had put myself in sewing jail for a whole year. Don’t get me wrong, I love to sew, but my output this year was pretty amazing even to myself.

My sale went really well. I sold a lot of stuff. I was surprised at the things that didn’t sell. Isn’t that always the case? The very things you think everyone will love didn’t hardly get a second glance and other things went swiftly. But I made enough to buy either a new sewing machine or lots more fabric. We’ll wait a while and see what I decide. I thank everyone who came even if you bought or not. I enjoyed seeing some people I haven’t seen in years. Three of my very handsome grandsons came with their mothers and I had baked chocolate chip cookies the night before so I fixed bags of cookies for them to take home. My best friend from high school came with her husband and we had a good visit. They were doing a tour around the state going to different things and my shop was on their tour. I only see her every two or three years, if I’m lucky, so it was so nice to see her again. But, I’m glad it’s over. That’s not to say my life isn’t going to get more stressful because……

The phone rang today. Now I don’t answer the phone often during the day because it’s always a robot call or a salesman or someone from medicare thinking I need to change something or someone telling me someone is using my credit card and things like that. I figure if it’s an emergency or one of my kids or friends they will leave a short message and I will get back with them. Well, I answered the phone today and it was a lady calling me for circuit court duty. I told her I didn’t hear very well, but she said they had devices people could use to hear. I told her it was awfully short notice, next Tuesday when I am supposed to show up, but I said I’d be there. Since that call I have felt so tense and worried. I love to watch court shows and murder shows, but I’ve never wanted to serve on a jury. It’s a Big responsibility and what if I get it wrong? I read up on court duty and it said it could last for two weeks sometimes. Just what I need right before Christmas! And it said there is a lot of waiting. I’m not good at waiting. I’m an impatient person. They said to bring a book and snacks(not to be read or to be eaten in court, of course.) I will fill up my Kindle and charge it well and hope that will keep me entertained while I wait. That’s what I get for answering the phone!

I’ve got most of my Christmas shopping done. The kids are too old for toys so it’s clothes and giftcards this year although I always find a fun gift that no one expects that I give to the younger kids. Plus I have a lot of things left over from my sale I can give as gifts, too.

Today I did go out in my shop and sew a little. I got some new fabric in the mail this week which I had forgotten I ordered so my mind is working on what to make with it.

I ordered a big box of Tootsie Roll pops. They are larger than the ones you usually get in the store. A big box of 72. I hope I will pace myself and only eat one a day. I love Tootsie Roll Pops better than any other candy. I also ordered a bag of all chocolate Tootsie Roll Pops. There are never enough chocolate ones in the bag so this will really be a treat. They all came today and I’ve already eaten one. David may have to hide them from me so I don’t go overboard with the candy! And I’d like to share them with the grandkids.

So much to do and so little time and court duty. Bah, Humbug. If you love court duty, please let me know why you do and help me out a little. Bye.

The day of my Christmas sale is almost here. I’ve been working and dreaming of the day for an entire year. Right after last Christmas I started sewing things for it and have sewn almost every single day since until this past week when it was time to set up my shop for the sale. Here are some views of my shop.

Ready for the big day. In other news…..

We spent Thanksgiving with some family and then went to our daughter’s house for some games. I took my camera with every intention of taking pictures of my grandsons but…..

I’m looking forward to Saturday and my sale. I had two dreams. One, nobody showed up for the sale and I sat there all day by myself. The other dream I had there were so many people showing up they would not fit into my shop and they were lined up all down the street. Let’s hope it’s a happy medium between these two dreams! Bye.

I am still making things for my sale. I can’t seem to stop even though the sale is only two weeks from next Saturday and I have so many things to get set up.

Here’s my cutting table piled with things to mark. Just the tip of the iceberg.

This is just a few things I will have for sale on December 3rd. It’s coming fast and I have so much to do.

Next week is Thanksgiving already. I can’t believe it. I’m looking forward to having dinner with some of my family. I wish we could all be together, but we are all so spread out and some have other family obligations so we enjoy the ones we can be with. Then the next week I have to go get another shot in my eye. Hopefully I won’t have to go again until after Christmas. David went to his final doctor’s appointment about his shoulder tpday. The doctor told him he was amazing because he healed so rapidly. Usually takes four to six months after the operation he had to get back to normal and it hasn’t even been four months and the doctor said he was good to go. Still needs to watch heavy lifting for a while longer, but other than that, he’s fine.

If I don’t get here until after Thankgiving, many blessings to you all and may you have a very thankful Thanksgiving. We all have something to be thankful to God for. Bye.

As I continue to sew for my Christmas sale on December 3rd, I came across this old pattern that belonged to my mother years ago. I don’t believe she ever made any Humpty Dumpties from it, but she might have and I just didn’t know it. The pattern has to be about forty or fifty years old.

Anyway, as I was going through my patterns I found it and decided to make a Humpty Dumpty. Little did I realize at the time you can’t just make one Humpty Dumpty. They are so darn cute, you want to make more and more. I ended up making six and I still would love to make more. Here are a few I have made.