The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 12, 2020

For Today

Looking out my window

It is decidedly autumnish out there. Half the leaves have blown off the flowering plum and it's dark and raining out.

I am thinking

Summer went way too fast. It's just not long enough here. When we lived in the San Francisco bay area, the thing I loved the most was how long spring and summer were. Winter was so nice and short.

I am thankful

I don't live further north. I think I would be miserable in Alaska. I'm just not a winter kind of person. I've always dreamed of living in Hawaii. I've been there 3 times and I love it.

One of my favorite things

Garlic peeler. Unfortunately, mine is broken/torn. I found it that way in the kitchen drawer over the weekend. I shouldn't complain. It lasted way longer than the last one. I was amazed how well this thing works the first time I saw one. You put your cloves of unpeeled garlic inside, press down, and roll it on the counter. The peeling comes right off. It's made of silicone, so if there's a sharp edge nearby, it will probably end up sliced one way or another. I think that's what happened in the drawer. I need to get a new one.

I am creating

The cardigan for Layette set #49 is under way. I figured out how to deal with running out of black yarn.

I just put a little red in. I put red at the hem and neck so it looks like it's supposed to be this way. Then I put 4 rows of red garter stitch in where the held sts on stitch holders are put back on the needles. That way the color difference in black yarns doesn't show. I had to worry about shininess and thickness as well as color. The original black has little to no shine in it and is rather thick; more aran than knitting worsted weight. I found two leftover balls of yarn in the stash that will work. I think I am pretty lucky finding them.

I am wearing

Black pants and a black and red button down blouse with 3/4 length sleeves. The blouse is one of my favorites.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to

The Closer, on the television. I miss this show. Glad it's being played on one of the cable channels right now, though no new episodes are being made.

I am hoping

the new C-PAP machine works for me. I've had 4 nights with it now. It's going to take some time getting used to it. It's not the noise. The thing is surprisingly quiet. It's the apparatus itself, wrapped around my head and pressing against my face. It is uncomfortable.

I am learning

how to use the C-PAP machine. It's kind of a cool little gizmo. It has a built in humidifier, and a tube heater that warms the mist and tube attached to the mask. I learned what happens if it runs out of water during the night. Pretty much nothing but a funny smell. I woke up to use the bathroom and smelled a warm plastic smell. I checked the water tank and it was empty. It's easy to fell. It only holds about a cup of water. It lasted 2 nights the first time. Only 1 night the next time. Probably because I turned the humidity up one notch. My nose was feeling very dried out. Not enough humidity.

In my kitchen

it's been frustrating for me. Hubster was diagnosed with Diabetes a couple weeks ago. Figuring out meals has turned into a bit of a nightmare. Life without pasta and potatoes is no life in my opinion. Especially since I'm not the one with the problem. I've been making meals without them, and I'm feeling rather resentful about the whole thing. I have no idea how to deal with this situation. I also have no idea what I'm making for dinner tonight. He was given a booklet with meal plans but their suggestions were absolutely horrible, Blah, lifeless things. What about flavor?

In my garden

I've been trying to grow stuff in the flower bed across the front of the house ever since we moved here in 1992. The soil is gravel. I've not had much luck with it. Three years ago I read about Daylilies. Apparently they'll grow just about everywhere. I got a catalogue from a well recommended dealer, ordered a bunch of bulbs and planted them that fall. The next year nothing sprouted. Not one darn bulb. I planted some annuals for the year and went back to looking. I decided to try Peonies. I bought 3 and planted them. The next spring the Peonies sprouted and even had a couple flowers. Hurrah! Success! So this spring I purchased a package of Peony rhizomes. I went out to plant them and noticed ---- the Daylilies sprouted. All of them! The plants are small babies, but they're growing. One has actually bloomed. Behold!

Board room

This refers to Pinterest boards. We're to share one of our favorite pins. So, here's one. Cinderella Red.

This is a ball jointed doll that I want very much. I was just about to order it when husband lost his job. I was told no new dolls unless I earned the money for them. At the time I was teaching knitting at a local yarn shop. I started saving the money I was earning. Then, suddenly, the shop went out of business. I only had half the money saved up and no idea how I was gonna earn more. Then, to add salt to the wound, the doll sold out. So, even if I got the money, she's no longer available. I've been searching for a used one, but no luck so far.

Post Script

Supposed to share a link here. I'm sharing the one to my pattern blog. I have a bunch of free patterns I've written.

Beadknitter Patterns

Shared Quote

{share a favorite quote}
 

This is a quote I've found to be totally true from Elizabeth Zimmerman, a famous knitter. "Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either." 

Closing Notes

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Live long and prosper. \\//

Simple Womans Daybook - March 13, 2020

Outside my window... is snow and wind. It was sunny out this morning, but now we're under a winter storm warning. I am so looking forward to spring.

I am thinking... this Corona 19 virus is a big pain in the butt. It's been handled so badly. I don't know whether to be scared or disgusted.

I am thankful for... my nice warm cozy house. It's keeping me well protected from the snow and wind raging outside.

From the kitchen... the dishwasher has just finished it's load. I made 15 Bean soup in the crock pot yesterday for our dinner. Instead of using the recipe on the bean bag - which I didn't really care for, I tried something new and it turned out so much better. I washed the beans, then put them in the crock pot. I added a small chopped onion and 2 cloves of chopped garlic. Also salt and pepper to taste. Poured 8 cups of water in and turned it on low for 8 hours or so. About 45 minutes before it was done I added some cubed cooked ham and the ham seasoning packet that came with the beans. Mmm. So simple, but it was sooooooo good.

I am wearing... black knit pants and a dark blue knit shirt with a purple and light blue print on it. I would describe the print, but I don't know what these things are. It has long sleeves.

I am creating... the pattern for the baby cardigan I designed. It's actually a whole set. Cardigan, hat, and booties. It's all written up and being test knitted now. I'm looking forward to having it done. I'm also done with chart 16 of the Crazed Cowl. Only 2 charts to go.

I am going... not far, I guess. The library has cancelled the Tuesday knitting group meetings until April. The NISS meeting for the month is cancelled too. I am planning to get to the Bi-mart membership sign up though, for sure. Bi-Mart is opening in 2 weeks in our little town. They have a tent outside that they're taking memberships at until then. I'm so excited. It will save me so many trips into Coeur d'Alene for things.

I am watching... Lots of Survivor. Since I now have CBS All Access, I decided to watch all the seasons of Survivor. I'm having a great time watching it while I knit.

I am reading... British Mysteries Boxed Set.

I got it for my Kindle for 99 cents. It's 350 classic British mysteries written by authors like Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Edgar Wallace, and whatnot. It's over 26,000 pages. I'm about a third done. I've read some authors I'd not heard of before. I'm enjoying it so much.

I am listening… to Josh Groban lately. I have a couple of his cd's that I play in the car. He has such a beautiful voice.

I am hoping… this virus thing doesn't last long and there's a minimal amount of death. I hope I don't get it. I have asthma and I'm already fighting a chronic cough as it is. I don't need more respiratory grief. It's going to have a devastating effect on our economy, which scares me.

Around the house... the husband is working on his thesis. All the fur kids are asleep. It's peaceful.

One of my favorite things... Purple.

I don't know what it is about the color purple, but when I see it I feel joy. I have a lot of it in my life. My bedroom and master bathroom are purple and green. I have purple clothes, purple purse, purple shoes, purple blankets, etc. If purple is a color choice when I am picking something out, invariable I will pick it. Bring on the purple joy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Finish the cowl. I'm also thinking about starting a new sweater for Zoey. She loves wearing them on cold cold days. I've got yarn picked out. Just need to cast on. I don't know if I'll be going to knitting on Thursday or not. It's held at a coffee shop in downtown Coeur d'Alene. I guess I'll call them and find out later. Gotta remember  to stop by Bi-mart too.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing... where I'm at on the cowl.

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Simple Womans Day Book June 24, 2019

The Simple Woman's Daybook June 24, 2019

Outside my window... It's dark because it's almost midnight as I write this.

I am thinking... about the coming weekend. It's going to be a busy one. I've got one nephew coming with his wife, kids, and "unknown number of teenagers" to visit for a couple nights. Another nephew and his significant other are moving out of their apartment  and all their things are going to be moved into our garage for storage (It's amazing how much stuff being stored in our garage doesn't belong to us). There's a family barbecue being planned, and then there's planning and getting ready to leave on a camping trip. We're leaving Tuesday, thankfully. All visitors will be gone by then.

I am thankful for... my Star Trek channel on Pandora. It's my favorite of all my channels. Besides playing Star Trek soundtracks, it also plays soundtracks from all kinds of other movies I like. Sometimes the music in a movie is just so magnificent. For instance the Tom Hanks movie Cast Away. The first time I heard the music played with the ending credits in that one, it brought me to tears it's so beautiful. Movie soundtracks are our generations Symphonies and Sonatas. There are some amazing composers doing work for movie soundtracks.

From the kitchen... it's quiet in there. The lights are off. It's been put to bed for the night.

I am wearing... bright berry colored knit pants and a striped t-shirt. It has green, blue, black, white, and purple stripes.

I am creating... not a whole lot, though there are lots of projects I should be working on and finishing. I have a singular focus, which is kind of unusual for me when it comes to crafting. It's all about Margaret Tudor for me. I've tried working on other things and then I start feeling guilty cuz I'm ignoring Margaret.

I am going...  camping. We're driving over to Whidbey Island in Washington and camping at Deception Pass State Park. It's been over 30 years since I've been there. We used to camp there a lot when I was a kid. In fact, we spent almost a whole summer there once while my dad worked on a construction job in Anacortes. I say almost cuz one day, after coming back from work for the day, he was running on one of the hiking trails with our dog and fell. Broke his ankle. That was the end of that trip. I have very very good memories from those summers though. So much fun there.

I am reading... some silly romance book I got on Amazon called Winter Nights: Ten Book Box Set. I got it for my Kindle for 99 cents, or something like that. I was going to link to it, but it's not on Amazon anymore. That's interesting. Hmmm... I'm not really enjoying it. I think I'll download my Jules Verne books and read them instead.

I am listening… nothing really. It's quiet in the house, except for the dryer working on a load of laundry. 

I am hoping… everything goes well for our coming camping trip.  I expect it's changed a lot at the park since the last time I was there.

Around the house... everybody but me is sleeping. So peaceful.

One of my favorite things... Peonies. They are so pretty and smell so good. Mine are blooming now.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Going many places this week. I've got knitting group at the Rathdrum Library tomorrow, for starters, On Thursday it's knitting group in Coeur d'Alene, Friday is lunch with some friends. There's grocery shopping, family barbecue, and a few other plans that don't immediately come to mind.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing... My set up today while I was deck knitting. I've blown up the stitch pattern charts and I keep track of where I am with those little post it note flag thingies. I've got fancy plaid ones. They were in my Christmas stocking a couple years ago. Very handy.

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

The Simple Woman's Daybook April 6, 2018

Outside my window... It's a gray, damp, cold, dreary day out there, but the birds are happily feasting at the Parkarosa Bird Buffet. Most of the snow had melted off. In fact, there isn't any on the back deck. Now, if temps would get above 50, I could start enjoying the deck again.

I am thinking... it was a very wise choice to hire an accountant to do our taxes this year. She just finished them this past week. She is awesome. She found ways to save money on our taxes that we would never have known about. Well worth the fee she charged. We'll have more of the severance pay left in the bank than we thought we would.

I am thankful for... the fact I got to go on that Star Trek cruise last year. I know I didn't blog much about it, but it was so much fun. Definitely something very special. We were fortunate to have William Shatner as our host. He just turned 87 a few days ago, so I know the days are numbered to see him.

From the kitchen... It's nice and clean in there right now. I am planning to make cube steak for dinner tonight. I haven't done cube steak since forever. Definitely since before we had kids.

I am wearing... blue jeans and a purple and pink print button down blouse that is super comfortable. It's made of that fabric that is wrinkled. When you wash it, you twist it real tight before hanging it on a hanger to dry. I forget what that fabric is called. Skirts made of it were super popular a couple decades ago.

I am creating... doll hats. I had 6 Ellowyne outfits that needed hats. I've knit 4 so far this week. Only have 2 more to make. I am taking a short break from the Entrelac project, for sanities sake.

I am going... nowhere today. I don't feel well. I had a very bad night last night and several nights before. My new asthma medication is making me cough, and cough, and cough and keeping me up at night. I cough up big huge globs of white goo. I've made an appointment to see my doctor next week and have stopped taking the medication, called Advair. I want my Pulmicort back. I had to stop taking it because the insurance wouldn't cover it anymore. It worked so well I hardly ever had to use my inhaler. With the Advair, I'm using the inhaler 2 or 3 times a DAY. I'm miserable too.

I am reading... Dorothy Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey novels. The Wimsey novels are some of the best detective mysteries ever written. I own them all, but hadn't read them all yet. I decided to read them in order from the first to the last, chronologically. I started about a month ago. I'm really enjoying them. I'm all the way up to Have His Carcase. When I can't sleep, I read.

I am listening… to the television. Shrek the Third is on.

I am hoping… my cough will go away. I've stopped taking the Advair in hopes that will help. I'm also hoping sweet hubby finds a job, though it's been pretty discouraging so far. It's turning out to be very difficult to find one because the application process is so designed against the applicant.

Around the house... all the fur kids are asleep. It's peaceful and quiet. Except the tv, of course.

One of my favorite things... animated movies. Especially the Shrek movies and the Disney Classics. We've got quite a collection of DVD's of animated movies.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Just get through the week. Sunday is the Inland Northwest Freethought Society meeting. Tuesday I have Rathdrum Knitalong-which reminds me, we have new members now. The group is growing again thanks to the library actually working to promote the group. Wednesday I see Dr. Lindford about the medication. Thursday is Yarnies. Friday I get to stay home. Somewhere in all that I'll fit the laundry, house cleaning, grocery shopping, etc, etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing... The newest outfit I've put in the shop, modeled by Ellowyne. Whatcha think?

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

The Simple Woman's Daybook for February 10, 2018

Outside my window...  Brilliant sunshine and blue sky. However, it's only 32F degrees out, so I won't be going out on the deck to knit for awhile.

I am thinking...  that I've not been very good at getting the doll outfits I've made into my Etsy store. My heart doesn't seem to be in it. Sigh.

I am thankful for...  our house being paid for. We'd be having a very hard time with Doug not working if it wasn't. So far we're managing okay.

From the kitchen... I made Spaghetti Pie for dinner last night. It was so good. I should make it more often. It's not difficult to make.

I am wearing... blue jeans and a navy blue and white print t-shirt. I've had the shirt for ages. It has a crochet lace embellishment around the neck.

I am creating...   the Entrelac baby cardigan. It's going very well. I forgot how fun Entrelac is, and it's knitting up fast too because I'm using worsted weight yarn. As i've been working on it, I've been thinking about ways to make it seamless. Might try it on the next one.

I am going... nowhere today. I was going to go to the drug store, but it isn't open today. Urg. It recently acquired a new owner and the place is in chaos now. The transition from the old owner to the new one is like watching a clown show. I've been down there 3 times this week in an attempt to get a refill and they've had 3 different excuses why they don't have it for me. I hope things get shaken out soon, or I'll have to find another pharmacy.

I am reading... Agatha Christie right now, A Pocket Full of Rye. I just started it a couple nights ago. I was reading a novel written by an acquaintenance before it. I've finish that and now I have to figure out what I'm going to tell her as to how I liked it, etc.

 

I am listening… to the television. Sweet hubby is watching a movie on Amazon Prime. One of those gratuitive violence movies with a lousy plot but lots of fighting and dead bodies.

I am hoping… we might get an early spring this year. It would be so nice if we do. Not counting on it though. The weather could change pretty drastically.

Around the house... the living room is a mess. I gave Zoey a new toy from the dollar store and now there's clumps of polyester fiberfill all over the place. Zoey is exhausted from doing the mayhem and is now sleeping on Sweet hubby's lap.

One of my favorite things...  Old Fred Astaire movies. He was a fantastic dancer. The way he moves makes it all look so easy. I especially love the movies he made with Ginger Rogers.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Just get through the week. Sunday is the Inland Northwest Freethought Society meeting. I'll try again at the drug store on Monday. Tuesday I have Rathdrum Knitalong. Wednesday I get to stay home so house cleaning. Thursday is Yarnies. Friday home again-so I'll probably get the grocery shopping done. But, mostly, I'm going to watch the Olympics this week.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...   A beaded bead I made years ago.

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

The Simple Woman's Daybook for November 6, 2017

Outside my window...

Snow. Tons and tons of snow! It started snowing on Friday and did not stop until this morning. We've got about 8 or 9 inches.

I am thinking...

It's too early to be getting this much snow. Winter is not fooling around. It came with a bang.

I am thankful for...

The new roof. The snow is sliding right off just like it's supposed to. Hopefully there will be no shoveling of snow off our roof ever again.

From the kitchen...

Making meatloaf tonight. Yum! My meatloaf recipe consists of ground beef, a package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix, an egg, a couple slices of stale bread crumbled, and ketchup. It's good. I can't decide if I want Potatoes Au Gratin, or baked potatoes, with it.

I am wearing...

Jeans and a black and red print button down blouse with 3/4 sleeves.

I am creating...

I had to accompany my husband to the North Idaho Dermatology for a small surgery to remove some skin cancer this morning. I took my knitting bag with me and started another doll skirt. Testing out a pattern I've written for my JID dolls. I'm using a lovely Aqua Cascade Sunseeker yarn. I really like this yarn. It's nice. Husbands surgery went fine and all the cancer is gone.

I am going...

to knitting at the Rathdrum Library tomorrow, and Yarnies on Thursday. That's assuming Runge's doesn't decide to deliver the new furniture during those times.

I am reading...

The Lost City by Clive Cussler.  I'm enjoying it very much. I've never read this guys stuff before. However, I've seen the movie Sahara starring Mathew McConaughey. It's one of my favorites. I did not know that story was written by Clive Cussler until my friend, Barb, told me last week. Our library is having a $1 a bag book sale. I filled my bag with several Clive Cussler novels, and an original edition of A Wrinkle In Time. As a side note- A Wrinkle in Time and it's sequels were my favorite scifi novels when I was in elementary school.

I am hearing...

the pitter patter of my husbands feet as he hobbles to the kitchen. Poor guy is feeling poorly. The anesthesia has worn off.

Around the house...

the lights are already on because it's dark and it's only 4:15 pm as I write this. I hate winter.

One of my favorite things...

Spring- which I am ready for.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

I hope to finish the little aqua skirt and get a couple new outfits up in my Etsy shop this week. I need something new for it. I haven't paid much attention to it during the fall.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

This morning.

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

The Simple Woman's Daybook for August 29, 2017

How about a Daybook post.

Outside my window...
The sun is shining, but the air is thick with smoke. Most of the smoke is coming from wild fires in Oregon.

I am thinking...
that it's been a very stressful month. My husband lost his job when we returned from our camping trip earlier this month. He's now looking for a new job, which is going to be difficult because of his age. He's home 24/7 now, which I am not used to. He's putting a cramp in my life style.

Added to that is the fact that my cat, Chenille, is seriously ill. I took her to the vet 2 weeks ago because she's lost an enormous amount of weight-for her, that is. She usually weighs around 10 pounds but she's only 6 pounds and looks so thin. She hasn't been eating hardly anything.The vet wasn't able to determine exactly what is wrong. Maybe cancer, or kidney problems? The blood tests don't say exactly. Just that something is seriously wrong, so we're kind of winging it as far as treatment goes. I now have to give her medicine every morning. She's on a steroid. I think it's working because she has started eating a little more. Sure wish we knew exactly what's wrong. She's 15 years old now.

I am thankful for...
the fair being over. It's a lot of work dealing with the KnitWits entries. We had 38 entries this year. Lots of ribbons were won.

From the kitchen...
the dishwasher is on. Other than that, nothing going on. I don't know what I'm making for dinner yet.

I am wearing...my black nightgown and leopard print furry robe. Haven't taken my shower and dressed yet.

I am creating...
doll clothes and baby layettes. Yesterday  I knit a sleeveless top with a lace collar for my JID dolls. This is the third one. The first two didn't fit right, so I frogged them and started over. Got it right this time. It fits Sierra perfectly. Yay!

I also have finished the knitting of the 24th layette set. Still need to do the blanket yet. That's two sets waiting for blankets.

I am going...
on another cruise in 2 weeks. We're cruising, via Princess Cruise's ship The Ruby, to Alaska for 7 days. I know. 2 cruises in one year! Life has been grand. We're going with Dan and Sue this time. I paid for the cruise before Doug became unemployed, thankfully. So we're going. We need to get away for a bit anyway.

I am reading...a rather fun series by Monique Martin. I'm on book 6, Sands of Time. A husband and wife team travel in time to 'fix' things. I've enjoyed it very much. In book 6 they find themselves in Cairo, Egypt during the 1920's. It's pure entertainment reading.

I am hearing...
train noises. They are putting in a second track and there's been the constant sound of heavy equipment as they bring in load after load of trucks filled with gravel and machines to flatten out those piles of gravel. Every train that goes by slows down and toots it's horn every 30 seconds as it goes by. It's been very noisy.

Around the house...
are bits of fluff and plastic. I got Zoey a new toy that has 9 squeekers in it. So far she's pulled 3 squeekers out. 6 more to go. She's a real mess maker. I use my new vacuum cleaner almost every day. If she isn't pulling apart a dog toy, then she's brought sticks or pine cones in to chew apart and spread all over the house.

One of my favorite things...Air conditioners. Thank you to the inventor. The weather has been hot and dry for weeks now. It's supposed to get up to 93 today. I could not stand it if we didn't have the air conditioner.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I've got Rathdrum Knitalong today. Yarnies on Thursday. I plan to get those 2 blankets done, and a new layette started.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
My Chenille. I think soon we will have to say goodbye to her.

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

The Simple Woman's Daybook for February 13, 2017

Outside my window...
The sun is shining and it's warm enough that it's melting the snow. Yay! In another hour or so it will start shining in the living room windows. I plan to sit in a sunbeam for a bit and soak it in.

I am thinking...
it was good that I took the trouble to refill the bird feeders at the Parkarosa Bird Buffet yesterday. They hadn't been refilled since before we went on our cruise. I didn't do much of anything when I was sick. I certainly didn't go outside any more than absolutely necessary. I did try about 5 days ago to do it, but the snow goes all the way up past my hips and I just couldn't walk through it to get to the tree. Sweet hubby used his tractor to dig the snow out for me. I was worried the birds had left my neighborhood, but they haven't. They are back at the feeders already entertaining us.

I am thankful for...
the new camera. At first, I wasn't real happy with it, but now that I'm getting to know it, I'm feeling better about it. Yesterdays pics were taken with it. I am also thankful that my blood test had good results this morning. My blood is back to the thickness it should be. Now it's just a matter of keeping it that way.

From the kitchen...
I'm planning to make meatloaf for dinner. I love my meatloaf. It will be accompanied by baked potatoes and a veggie. Probably cauliflower, since there is one in the refrigerator.

I am wearing...
blue jeans and a lavender t-shirt with crocheted lace trim around the neckline.

I am creating...
mittens, as I wrote yesterday. I am thinking about getting back into beading. I miss it. Haven't really been doing it because my eyes were giving me so much trouble with the dry eye thing. However, they are doing much better now that I've developed a care routine for them. I don't have problems with dry eyes nearly as much as I used to. I think I want to make a Christmas ornament cover.

I am going...
well, I'm not quite sure about tomorrow. Normally I would go to Rathdrum Knitalong, but I've got a crew coming to repair our heat pump tomorrow morning. I don't know how long it's going to take, so I won't know if I can go until the moment it's time for me to leave.

I am reading...
Sarek by A.C. Crispin. Last Tuesday, at Rathdrum Knitalong, one of the members gave the book to me. We meet at the library. They are having a sale on books they no longer need where you fill a bag with books and it costs a dollar. Barb bought a bag of books, including this book for me. I thought that was so sweet. She knows I'm a Trekkie. I am enjoying the book.

I am hearing...
the television. Sweet hubby is watching the movie 2012. He took the day off from work today because he had to move some snow so we can open the gate into the back yard so the repairmen will be able to get to the heat pump. The snow has become hard, like a rock, in that area. I can actually stand on top of it. He worked on it yesterday, but it turned out to be a much harder job than he thought it would, so he finished it today. It took a propane torch, a shovel, and a large pan of boiling water before he got all the snow out of the way of the gate. I am longing for spring.

By the way, did I mention our fence is done? They finished it while we were away on our cruise. I am so happy to have it now. We taught Zoey how to use the doggy door and now she takes herself outside to the back yard whenever she wants, and I don't have to worry about her.

Around the house...
there are fur kids laying around taking their naps. It's nice and peaceful. Zoey is sleeping on the chair, beside me, with her head on my legs.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
On Wednesday I have a North Idaho Secular Society meeting to go to, and on Thursday is Yarnies, as well as another blood test. It's going to be a busy week. I'm feeling up to it too. That is a good thing.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
On the cruise we often found towel animals in our cabin. Here's an alligator.

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

The Simple Woman's Daybook For October 4, 2016

Outside my window...
It's cold, dreary, and wet. Today starts a long line of days with rain expected.

I am thinking...
Autumn is here and winter can't be far behind. The flowering plum has lost at least half it's leaves on the ground. It's not as pretty this year as it's been in past years. Not as much of that wonderful bright red. In fact, in general, the leaves are not as colorful this year on everything.

I am thankful for...
the fact that I planted my Brecks order yesterday. I heard the weather prediction and realized I had to get them planted that day, or forget it. I planted 25 Grape Hyacinth bulbs, 8 Ice Cream Tulip bulbs, and 10 Reblooming Day Lilies.

It took my 4 hours of digging, and my back is killing me, but I got it done. This will be the first time I've grown Day Lilies. I've had Grape Hyacinth and Tulips before. I'm giving up on Dahlias. As much as I love them, I live in a spot where they don't get a long enough growing season. Day Lilies, on the other hand, are supposed to flourish in my private little growing zone.

From the kitchen...
It's a mess in there. I need to do the dishes. I hurt too much, but I will get it done before I make dinner.

I am wearing...
A short sleeved black pullover sweater and grey jeans. I was wearing a black bead knit amulet necklace too, but I've taken it off. I kind of dressed up a little bit because I had a beginning knitting class to teach this morning.

I am creating...
another layette set, as usual, in shades of blue this time. I also started reupholstering  the deck furniture. I got the seats done.

I was going to do the backs yesterday, but the bulbs became more urgent.

I am going...
to KnitWits tomorrow. I have one completed layette set to take. I will take photos in the morning for the blog before I leave.

I am reading...
Leonard: My 50 Year Friendship With A Remarkable Man by William Shatner. It's William Shatner's
story of his friendship with Leonard Nimoy. It's been very good so far. William Shatner is an excellent writer. I am enjoying the book.

I am hearing...
the television. It's playing The Equalizer starring Denzel Washington. I really wanted to watch it, but I've missed so much puttering in the house I have no idea what's going on, so now it's just background noise.

Around the house...
there is an inordinate amount of cat toys laying around. The cats are not going outside for as long each day because it's getting colder.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
KnitWits tomorrow, Yarnies on Thursday. My friend Judy is going with me to Yarnies. That will be fun. Saturday I have the first session of a Sock class to teach. I have 2 students signed up so far. I hope it fills up between now and then.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
I can park in my new garage now. Yay!

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Simple Woman's Daybook for February 12, 2016

Good grief, time flies by lately. Can't believe it's been 12 days since I've posted. How about a Simple Woman's Daybook entry?

Outside my window... Clouds. It was a little bit sunny earlier, but now the sky is getting thick with rain clouds. A few chickadees are munching at the bird buffet.

I am thinking... I am glad the Sears guys are here. They are working on my stove. I have a ceramic top range. The large double burner will only cook on high. Makes it hard when I want to simmer something. They are installing a new switch. It will be so nice to be able to use my burner again.

I am thankful for... Chenille, who is snoozing in my lap next to the laptop. She can be kind of grumpy at times, but I think she's a sweetie anyway.

From the kitchen... the sound of 2 Sears guys discussing how the new parts are installed in my stove. Sounds like one is training the other how to do it.

I am wearing... Blue jeans and a purple t-shirt that says "Stand back! I'm going to have to science the shit out of this." This is a saying from the movie The Martian starring Matt Damon. It's a very good movie, if you haven't seen it yet.

I am creating... baby booties. I'm trying a different pattern I've not done before. I made a baby sweater and hat with 3 colors of stripes and I want the booties to be striped too. So far, so good.

I am going... nowhere today. I've been waiting for the Sears guys to come fix my stove. After they leave, I'm going to bake a cake. I got a new bundt pan and I want to try it out. I threw my old bundt pan in the garbage after a terrible  cake disaster last week. It was my turn to take a dessert to Knitwits. I usually bake a bundt cake that is very popular with the ladies. Well, the darn cake would not come out of the pan this time. When it finally did, I had a crumbled mess. It was quite upsetting. I can remember only once when I didn't have a problem getting a cake out of that pan. I started wondering why I've kept the dang thing, and then tossed it in the garbage can. I have bought a new pan made by the company that invented bundt pans, Nordic Ware. I got the Platinum Collection Non-Stick Cast Aluminum Anniversary pan. If that doesn't let go of cakes, nothing will.

I am reading... Blood Moon by Ed Gorman. It's a murder mystery.

I am hearing... already answered this question above.

Around the house... it's looking good. I got the housecleaning done early today.

A few plans for the rest of the week... not much of this week left. Tomorrow I am teaching the second session of a beginning knitting class. It started last week. I have 3 students and the first session went very well. All 3 caught on very quickly.

I am also hoping we might be able to go see a dog. I found one on Craigslist that I'm very interested in. I've emailed the owner. I sure hope it's still available. We're missing having a dog. If it's not available, I will keep looking.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

While digging around I found this pic from the past of a necklace I made 7 years ago. More info here.

If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 4, 2016

Outside my window...

Snow, snow, and more snow. There is also a large quantity of birds hanging out at the Parkarosa Bird Buffet. We've got Crossbills this year. Yay!

I am thinking...

that I am glad my cold is finally getting better. Another Yay! I can actually breath through my nose today, and the coughing has decreased considerably. Now, if only the energy would come back.

I am thankful for...

My daughters, Ruth and Sarah. They bring much joy to my life. I am very proud of them. They turned out to be good, kind, responsible adults.  Ruth heads off to the University of Idaho in less than two weeks. I am both excited, and sad. I will miss her, but I'm also glad she's setting out on a new life adventure.

From the kitchen...

Blech. I do not feel like cooking anything. So I prefer not to even think about the kitchen right now, though I do hear the hum of the refrigerator coming from there.

I am wearing...

Night gown and my fuzzy purple robe. I intend to continue the resting and recovery from the cold today, so I'm being slow and lazy about getting dressed. I do have to go out later though. Rats.

I am creating...

Worked on the baby cardigan last night. Got the body done. Sleeve next!

I am going...

To the post office and the drug store today. I sold a doll outfit on Etsy over the weekend. Hurray! (Warrents more than just a Yay) I am also picking up a prescription for Sweet Hubby.

I am reading...

Until Proven Guilty by J.A. Jance. It's a murder mystery. A little girl is found murdered and Detective J.P. Beaumont is trying to find out who did it. It's one of my Nook books. I think I've read it before though. It's sounding somewhat familiar, though I can't remember who the criminal is.

I am hearing...

The washing machine on spin cycle. Also the tv is on. An episode of CSI:Crime Scene is on. I'm not really watching it. Just have it on for background noise.

Around the house...

Just a few Christmas decorations left to put away. I was working on it yesterday and ran out of energy before I got done. I'll finish up today. Probably won't take more than 20 minutes.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

I've got a Knitwits meeting this week. Looking forward to it. I also hope to get out some beads. I haven't done any beading in ages. I've got some projects I want to do.

I also plan to work on photographing some new doll outfits for the Etsy shop. I'm anxious to try out my tripod and lighting kit that I got for Christmas.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

This is my daughter Sarah with a Hibiscus flower she grew. It's an old picture, but I ran across it the other day while cleaning out some files on the 'puter. I love this picture.

If you want to join the Simple Womans Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 11, 2015

I haven't done a Simple Woman's Daybook post in ages. In fact, it's been more than 2 years. Time to get that back into my life!

FOR TODAY

November 11, 2015

Outside my window...
The sun is shining low in the sky as fluffy clouds float by. It will be setting in just a couple hours even though it's only just after 3pm here. I can see Rathdrum Bald mountain with it's first snow cap of the season.

I am thinking...
that I am proud of my daughter Ruth. She has decided she wants to go back to college and get a degree in Computer Science. She made this announcement after we got back from our trip to Michigan. I was totally bowled over with surprise! She is serious too. She applied to return to the University of Idaho for the spring semester. They have accepted her and she's been working on everything she needs to do to get ready. She registered for some of her classes, and finding out how to register for the rest (special circumstances apply) from her faculty adviser. I hope she finishes this time. I have a feeling she will because this time she really wants to do it.

I am thankful for...
the sun. Without it there could be no life on this beautiful planet we call our home.

From the kitchen...
silence. No one is in there right now.

I am wearing...
Blue jeans and a collared polo shirt with a bright hawaiian print on it of blue and teal tropical flowers. The shirt cheers me.

I am creating...
doll clothes. I am determined to make some new things for my Etsy store. I dragged out my fabric cutting tools, and cleaned off the dining room table so I can set things up to start cutting fabric. Along with the doll clothes, I'm also going to cut the fabric for a Christmas present I'm making for someone. I'm in the mood for making aprons!

I am going...
on our cruise in less than a month! I can hardly wait! I need to start thinking about what I am going to pack, including knitting.

I am reading...two books, actually. I'm about halfway through the 5th tome of the Game of Thrones collection, A Dance With Dragons. I'm having a hard time keeping at it. The books have several very interesting story threads going through them but they are moving along so slowly that I'm losing interest. The writer puts so much tedious unnecessary detail into the writing that it slows everything down to a crawl. I know the stories don't end with this book, that there will be another one after it. 5 huge thick books so far, and nowhere near an end. You know, if this author wasn't such a wordy guy, the books would be about a 5th the size they are and I'd know what happened by now.

The second book I'm reading is The Martian by Andy Weir. I started reading it before we went to the movie. It's a very very good book. I think I will set aside A Dance With Dragons, and finish The Martian first.

I am hearing...
The theme music to Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. I have Pandora playing on the Roku. Listening to my Sci Fi movie channel.

Around the house...
are definite signs I have fur kids. Bones and toys lying all over, blankets covering every chair and the couch. Fur balls drifting across the bamboo floor. Cable is asleep on her big huge bed I got at Costco. I've got a dryer full of fur kid blankets drying right now.

One of my favorite things...is movie soundtracks. Being a formally taught violinist who has played in several orchestras in my past, I really enjoy classical orchestra music. I've found movie soundtracks to be our modern orchestral music. They have a lot of similar characteristics as symphonies, concertos and sonatas can have. I love listening to the harmonies and the blending of the instruments, and how each one contributes not only to the melodies and harmonies but to the rhythms as well. Music is used to generate emotions in us. Some of my most favorite composers, besides Beethoven, Mahler, Respighi, Handel, Mozart, and all the other 'greats', are John Williams, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith, and Hans Zimmer. These are our generations classical composers. Listening to their music makes my soul sing.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I have Yarnies tomorrow, and lunch with some friends on Friday. Somewhere in there I hope to get some sewing done, as well as getting some little sweaters knit. Come the weekend I will probably work on these things.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
Today is Veterans Day.Thank you to all the veterans who have served our country. This is a picture of my father when he was in the Army. If I remember correctly, it was taken in 1957. 

  

Live long and prosper. \\//

If you want to join the Simple Womans Daybook, click here.