Friday, February 27, 2009

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's 81st birthday. I am six hours away with freezing weather between us. Since I can't be with her this weekend, I'd like to honor Mom on her special day.

Mom...loves flowers and plants and can make anything grow or bloom. Her green thumb is evident throughout her home. Her kitchen window sill often holds "starts" from plants in little jars of water. Her African Violets flourish. She has resuscitated dying plants and flowers that friends and neighbors have brought to her for help:)

On the front of her fridge is a photo gallery of her kids and grandkids and great-grandkids- and friends and magnets and scripture verses and sayings from her church bulletins! It is a collection of the faces of family and friends that she loves, but also a kind of prayer list for this prayer warrior. I know that we have been protected and blessed by those earnest petitions on our behalf.

She likes hymns and country music- mostly the old songs. She can do the two-step, and often dances in her kitchen with any grand kid who's available-- did I mention that mom has had two knee replacements?--Hasn't slowed her down! Any of her grandchildren, from age 33 right on down to the youngest, can tell you what a cookie from Grandma costs: 1 hug please:)

On Thursdays , she does her grocery shopping. She used to take two of her best friends with her each week, because they didn't drive. They would talk and laugh and eat lunch at Hardy's or KFC. (Mom got her first driver's license at age 49.)

On Monday, Wednesday or Friday she might just be visiting with her friends over lunch at the senior meal at the local cafe that serves home cooking.

Mom and Dad moved to town about 12 yrs. ago, after living in the country all of their lives. She misses that farmhouse and it's big rooms and the private backyard ... and the garden and her chickens...

...And her clothesline ...

...and especially Dad-- who went on ahead to Heaven two years ago.
In the summer, you will find her tending her small garden with it's tomatoes and corn and green beans and onions and lettuce. The Concord Grape vine gives her sweet grapes for the grape jelly that she preserves. She makes plenty to share with family and friends.

In the front yard she waters her rose moss in the tractor tire flower bed and the hanging plants and potted flowers placed around the back porch area. Some of those plants have lived on her three season porch all winter. Also on the wall of that porch is a "can crusher"where all of the grandchildren have waited for their turn to "smash" a pop can "as flat as a pancake":)

She watches the bird feeder outside her kitchen window, and taps on the window to chase the crows away.

If the church doors are open, Mom is there. She loves her church family and is always ready to help with anything she can do. She sends the church bulletin and Sunday School material to anyone on her list that wasn't there. Many names of adults and children of the congregation are noted on her calendar, and a birthday or anniversary card arrives right on time. Her chicken salad sandwiches, seven layer salad and deviled eggs are favorites at the monthly church fellowship dinners.

If your birthday card doesn't arrive right on your birthday or before, there are only two reasons possible-- the post office made a mistake, or Mom didn't have your current address and the card was returned. My sister and I have noted that this gene did not get passed on to us:) Last year for her 80th, she received over seventy cards!

Mom loves her family more than anything, and over the years has taught us about love and Jesus and how to stretch a penny, and raise children and cook and work hard and serve others...
...and have fun:)

This is mom a few months ago with one of her youngest grandchildren, Shiloh.

I love you, Mom! Happy Birthday and have a wonderful day:)

See you soon!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Works For Me Wednesday--Simple Solution



I recently found a simple solution to a problem I have when using my mixer that I honestly don't know why I haven't thought of before. When the beater and the scraper (ok, I grew up calling it a spatula- anyone with me here?) are gooped up (I think that is an official baking term- I'll check with Martha) from the mixing process, I would always be searching for a spot to put them so as not to make a mess on the counter.


This is usually where they ended up...

...making a mess on the counter. Cake mixes make an even bigger mess.

Oh, I tried this -even in larger measuring cups. But just as I reach for something behind it, I'd knock it off the measuring cup and have a mess again.

Several weeks ago, there was a salad/dessert plate sitting out and I grabbed it to use and WOW- what a difference it made-- just to have a flat surface to place the messy things.

The plate is small, doesn't take up much space,- and you can have it close by.
Like I said, I don't know why I haven't thought of this before...
It's not rocket science, but it makes my life easier:)

Check out other tips and solutions to make your day run a little smoother over at Works for Me Wednesday.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook- Feb. 23

This is my first time joining in on Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook today.

.


For Today... Monday, February 23,2008

Outside my window...7 inches of new-fallen snow, cold, but sunny!

I am thinking... I have some deep cleaning to do this week.

I am thankful for...a cozy, warm home with much love all around. My miniature rose bush in a basket from my husband.-- Because he knows how tired I am of winter:)

From the kitchen... dishwasher running--thank you Lord for that machine!

I am wearing... pajamas and robe- blessing of having a 17 yr old drive herself to school:)

I am reading... my newest Simple Scrapbooking magazine.

I am hoping...to have a lot of our family together next weekend!

I am creating...some crafts from the new material I bought 2 wks. ago-soon- hopefully:)

I am hearing...birds outside my window chirping--love it!

Around the house... strip beds and get laundry going- fold towels in dryer.

One of my favorite things...hearing my husband whistle a tune as he gets ready for work:)

A few plans for the rest of the week... clean several rooms, purge some stuff, trip to Goodwill. Helping my daughter get ready for a weekend church trip to Minneapolis.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

...my three sets of twin fabrics for crafts.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Show and Tell Friday - Antique Pitcher and Bowl

Show and Tell I am joining in on Kelli's Show and Tell Friday. Visit Kelli and enjoy all the treasures being shared.

This is an antique pitcher and bowl that sits on the tea cart in my kitchen.

The pitcher came from my husband's grandmother's estate. The original bowl had many, many hairline cracks in it and I was always afraid that it would break.


I found this bowl that closely matches it at a garage sale just around the corner from our house. The older lady having the sale said that she didn't know how old it was, but that it had belonged to her mother.
At the top of the handle is a leaf. And the amazing thing is that there are leaves around the edge of the bowl. I was so thrilled to find it!
So I packed the original bowl away and set the pitcher in this bowl.

Here is the mark on the bottom of the pitcher. It says "Royal Ironstone China - Alfred Meakin England". From the little research that I have done, it could be dated in the late 1800's to the early 1900's.

The only word that I can read on the bottom of the bowl is "Laurel".
In the spring and summer, I will often fill it with tall cut flowers from the grocery store. I place a small glass down into the bottom of the pitcher to hold the water for the flowers.

What ever the pitcher's age or worth is not important to us. This is a treasure to us because of the many lovely memories of my husband's dear Christian grandmother Viola, who called our sons "little sugar man" when they were babies:)

I have teased you a little with glimpses of the picture on the wall behind the tea cart:) I will show you that treasure in one of the upcoming weeks;)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Wordless Wednesday-- Books


I am joining in Wordless Wednesday for the first time . The subject this week is BOOKS. Thanks to our hostess Dixie:) Please visit her and all of those participating today.


Books on my nightstand.



Author: Deniece Schofield






Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Receiving and Giving...Awards

I have been blessed this week to receive two awards from two blogging friends.


Lois at Walking on Sunshine was so sweet to send this award along to me.
I am really enjoying visiting blogs and getting to know the wonderful ladies in this blogging community! I have been encouraged by the comments left at my door as you have dropped by for a visit:)

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”


I am passing this award on to these ladies:

Divamom, Mrs. H , Lady Katherine, Mrs. T, Mama Bear, C C Catherine, Schotzy, and Yellow Rose Arbor.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Zaroga came by to visit me when I was brand new at blogging. She has been so sweet to visit often and leave a nice comment. Stop in and visit her and see her beautiful photos. Thank you, Zaroga for sharing this with me:)

This is an award for people who know how to make lemonade out of the lemons that Life sometimes hand you. It is also a award for blogs that have a good Attitude and plenty of Gratitude. Your attitude is not determined by circumstances, but by how you respond to your circumstances. It’s how you react to events, not the events themselves, that determines your attitude.




Put the logo on your blog or post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs, which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love and link to this post, and to the person from whom you received your award.


I am sharing this award with:

Elena, CeeKay, Lisa, Donette,
Carla, LDH, Linda, Lady Katherine,
Belinda, Charlotte, LBP

Friday, February 6, 2009

Show and Tell Friday - February Centerpiece-Tea Anyone?

Show and Tell I am joining in on Kelli's Show and Tell Friday. Visit Kelli and enjoy all the treasures being shared.

Today I am showing the tea tray that I am using for my February centerpiece. This ceramic heart-shaped teapot goes well with February and Valentines Day. I purchased it years ago at our local cheese factory (we do live in Wisconsin!:) that has two great warehouse sales every year- at Christmas time and at Easter time.
If someone would like a nice cup of tea, I would gladly use this to serve them--it's ready to go- just heat up the water.
This milk glass sugar bowl and creamer were a Goodwill find about 30 years ago.


The spoon is from my husband's grandmother's wedding silver that we inherited. We use it for special holidays and special occasions.


I bought this teacup at Goodwill also with the intention of using it in a craft that I had seen. I recently pulled it out and served my daughter tea when she wasn't feeling well.

I read recently that you can repair little cracks like this by boiling the teacup in milk. The protein in the milk seals the crack.
Have you ever heard of that before? I hadn't, but I'm willing to try it!

I borrowed this little vase from my daughter, Amanda, who purchased it from Micheals. Just the right size for this rose. She had dried rose petals in the base, which I left in for color.




Let me tell you about my tray... It was given to me by our DIL, Jess. It is wood. She painted it white and added ivy leaves on the corners and inside...
...along with this Bible verse on the bottom of the tray. This reminds me, each time I use it, where the Source of life really is!



I'm so glad you stopped by to join me for tea time:) Come again anytime!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Happy Groundhog Day!---Jimmy the Groundhog

Good morning!

Did you know that here in Wisconsin we have the Groundhog Capital of the World? Yes! We have a Groundhog Day breakfast after the official prognostication by Jimmy the Groundhog AND the annual Groundhog Ball!

JIMMY THE GROUNDHOG



MAYOR JOE, JIMMY, JIMMY'S KEEPER
Isn't Jimmy handsome in his tux?:)

Punxatawney Who?

This was on the local news this morning---Monday, February 2, 2009~

Jimmy the Groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter

SUN PRAIRIE (WKOW) -- Who needs Punxatawney Phil in Pennsylvania when we have Jimmy the Groundhog right here in Wisconsin?

Monday morning around 7:15 a.m., Jimmy saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.

But before the forecast, Sun Prairie's mayor, Joe Chase, joined us on Wake Up Wisconsin.



Watch Mayor Joe on WKOW 27 (copy & paste:)

http://www.wkowtv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3401050&h1=Groundhog%20Day&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=160166&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=32811949

That's right! Big doin's in Sun Prairie this morning. If you want all the latest info you can check out Groundhog Central. Yes! Groundhog Central! Sun Prairie has been celebrating Groundhog Day for 50 years now with a LIVE groundhog. (For many years in Pennsylvania, they used a stuffed groundhog- now how weird is that?)-Sorry Pennsylvania:)

One of the most interesting things I found on the website were these vintage envelopes.

The following envelope designs were Ira Bennett's artwork:











Here's a Groundhog's Day toast to you (from the website:)

A Groundhog Day Toast!

"May the sun shine gently
on your prairie,
and may your groundhog
never see his shadow." *

*An ancient Groundhog Day toast we just made up

©kghoeppner, 1999 All rights reserved

I love it:)) Have a great day!