I just finished listing 8 new dresses on Etsy. I think they are cute and fun.
Of course, not everyone has my tastes (thank goodness).

Worked myself into a very smooth rhythm on Invictus and kept on going, was great fun for me. It seems to have been a very long time since I have been able to do that.
Stupid thing, but it was great and very rewarding. Things were just smoooooth. My friend said to me, "how come you aren't doing other sizes?" Like I said, I was just into a rhythm. So maybe next time I will be making a different size.
Invictus just likes repetitive work. And everything I have asked him to do, he does. Doesn't squabble or fuss. Just does it!!! Yep, I love, really love my new machine...

Made it Better

Okay, Salsa...
I went to the cannery and helped bottle 158 cases of Salsa yesterday.
Now the shift supervisors said we completed 158,
but honestly, I think he just said that to keep me from asking any more questions (he was counting).
You know, make up a number and this lady will shut up.
So of those 158, 8 came home with me. A few for Chaser and one for Air.
I haven't heard from any other family about if they wanted some of my work or not. Also, I will be making a dry pack trip next week. So if you want, Tell me...

Now, on to make it better...a few days ago I was "grumpy", the home repair store had just made me mad. After canning the morning away... I went to the home repair store and "vented". I vented at the return clerk, she looked at me and asked,
"would you like to talk to a manager?"
"Yes!"
"Just a moment please, while I call a manager."
and just a moment later here came Josh, a manager, to make all things better.
I very calmly informed him I was unhappy and needed to vent for a few moments.
I explained I had been into his store several times,
had requested assistance almost every time (specifically in flooring),
and received assistance,
but never from someone who specialized in flooring.
He listened very politely and called his flooring manager over.
I explained again.
We then,
(Four of us, I think one was a bouncer disguised as an employee) went over to flooring where we discussed different things about thinset.
I showed the flooring manager what I had purchased,
she asked,"did you buy the additive?"

"of course not, it doesn't say on the label I have to purchase the additive, it says, 'for a stronger bond'" I replied.

All four of us looked at the package.
I was right, she said to me,
"Everyone buys the additive, except the pros who only need to guarantee it for a year. If you don't use the additive is kind of crumbles up in about a year."
I was thinking, "Duh!"
She then looked at me like I was as dumb as a box of rocks.
I looked at her manager and said,
"Hmmmm, seems to me I would have known everyone buys additive if someone from the flooring department had been here when asked to assist me."
The manager gathered up a couple of bags of thinset (with the additive already mixed in) and
dumped them into my cart.
We also added a box of glass tile adhesive...(this one does not need additive).
They, all three of them, walked me up front, the store "comped" my purchase and then walked me to my car and loaded it for me apologizing all of the way
.
Wow, what customer service.
Too bad I didn't have it when I first asked for it.
The project would have been finished by now.

The Great Egg Hunt!!!

Easter was busy this year with Hoperdoo being "princess"
and the car show
and the city egg hunt
and the DQ visit
and...you get the pix,
Hubby went out on a 4 wheeler ride in the morning. I was really happy
it was licensed, repaired and ready for him to take it.
I know he enjoyed "his" quiet time out south of town.
Sunday afternoon the family joined us for an egg hunt.
What fun the kids had gathering,
searching,
finding
and discovering all of the eggs
Marlo, Hoperdoo and Hiker hid for them.
Meanwhile, Ticklebug grilled chicken,
Brino made dutch oven potatoes,
Katie brought a pasta salad,
and April May brought over...you guessed it Deviled Eggs,
Marlo made cookie bars.
Yummy! for our Easter Feed.
Lovely, and wonderful to spend the early evening with the family.

Oh by the way...

If you were wondering what the bathroom aka "the project" looks like here is a pix of its current state. Yes everyone, that is Hoperdoo actually laboring on "the project". No complaints from her and she even cleaned up her mess.

Just for Tink...you wanted to know what the cabinets were looking like here is a pix for you...

And I finally had my camera with me while driving down our road. A pix of the Baby Goats (unfortunately, they aren't so "baby" anymore). But still are cute...

And, this big, old cow was just very unhappy he wasn't the focus of our attention. He was bellowing and snorting and was really letting us know he was important too.

Grumpy over business practices.

Why would a business readily sell a product they were aware had problems? What justification do they receive from an irate customer?
Needless to say, I am ticked. Now, I know I shouldn't get my heart rate up and I will need to be "ok" for when I go in to have my chat...but, good golly. If a particular business ever had a sales associate in the flooring/tiling department perhaps these things wouldn't happen. Not once have I actually chatted with an associate who belongs in the tile department. Does anyone (besides me) know how many hours I have invested in two aisles? Or how many trips?
After purchasing, then returning, and repurchasing thin set Tyler has spent "hours" getting ready to lay the tile. The result, a brittle, chalk like substance which is supposed to hold the tile in place until it is chiseled out. Nope, no way, the tile just "pops" right off. Grumpy you may ask? You bet, if the thin set I purchased needed an additive perhaps a sales associate should have said, "Oh, you need this with that", but no, the bag (which I read and so did Marlo) says if you want it stronger, why on earth would you want it stronger?, purchase an additive. The bag doesn't say "Will not work without additive", it says "for a stronger bond use this additive". Maybe if the tile were going on the ceiling or perhaps maybe even the wall... But the floor?
Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy...so now another trip to George after loading and unloading this lovely thin set which actually has to have an "additive" to work properly. If businesses had their "associates" knowledgeable life would be so much easier and
my project would be "done".

Lesson Learned...

When you purchase something at a yard sale...
do you check to be sure it works?
look and see if everything is there?
be certain it truly is Okay?
Obviously, you are understanding where I am going with this conversation. So...
when you go to the "Restore" you need to be sure to do all of the things above, even if the box is closed and appears to be brand new. Appearances can be deceiving you know.
Hence, the $23.00 bathroom exhaust fan. For $24.00 I could have purchased a new, quieter exhaust fan. However, what I did purchase was the "appearance" of a new exhaust fan, in a nice, new box. Which appeared to be the proper size and "perfect". Housing and cover included...no fan or motor.
Off to Hiker's favorite store...when I asked the salesperson if it all was there...he looked at me like I was stupid and opened the box...Yep, all there!
Lesson learned, "Ok, Pandora, look inside the box!"

the cats

For about 2 weeks, I haven't seen both of our cats...
I have seen Jax, the friendly, nice cat...
but not gus-gus.
Gus-gus is not so nice and very stand offish.
I think he used to be the alpha male here but something happened and he no longer is.
After a few weeks of not seeing him he shows up as we are taking Hoperdoo's pix
and was determined to twine around her legs and generally be a camera hog
"helped" spray paint (nose right in it),
and assisted the new CV Arms being put on the Durango.
He wanted "in", he wanted "out".
He cried for food, he didn't want any food.
He rubbed and marked everyone he could find (I think just to make a statement to Jax).
His hissed and spat at Jax, Jax spat back.
So when I was in the shed stealing some hinges I'll be danged if one didn't come in with me and decide that was the place to hiss and spit and growl and extend those claws...
cat fight with me in the middle, not fun.

the project continues along...

This morning after a lovely night with a fantastic thunder and lightning storm...I went into "the project" first thing and...
Applied a second coat of wall paint!
Varnished the backs of all of the doors/drawers...except for one (it received its second coat of varnish early). Just a few more items to check off of the list.
Last night I let Ticklebug know he was the electricity man. I am going to add new switches and outlets to my list. So, later today I plan on applying another coat of paint to the shelves and touching up the ceiling..
Why is it I manage to always get some extra paint on the ceiling? Or bump something and then need to get out the "other" paint?
Today, as I was pulling down the painting tape (protecting the ceiling)...it peeled the paint right on down the wall. This is where an angry face should appear...
Today is my "friend" day, I have no clue what we will be doing, I hope to go and put together a couple of peasant dresses on my new, super fast machine...Smiles.

the project continued

So how is "the project" going you ask...It sort of appears to be at a standstill...
But it isn't.
You just really can't tell that the ceiling has received a second coat of paint, or that the backs of all of the doors have been painted. Now, this is what is left:

Paint the walls a lovely shade of green (Me/Marlo)--done

• Glaze (Chaser please, Marlo is scared and so am I) and varnish (Me/Marlo) cabinets--Chaser taught, Marlo was brave...done and done.
  

• Install ceiling light, vanity light, and fart fan (All electricity belongs to Ticklebug)
  

• Install tile (Hiker, and I know it is much more)
  

• Set sink and faucet (Brino)
  

• Put in new toilet and seat (Any volunteers? Thank you Rosco)
  

• Install trim around the door (Chaser) and paint it (Me/Marlo)
  

• Fix the door (Chaser) now me...
  

• Paint the doorknob (Me)
  

• Install cabinet hardware (Chaser) Done...
  

Now, I realize this is kind of a long list, but I have to appreciate everything which has already been done. And, not everyone's time schedule is the same as mine. Not to mention, if you want it done right, then you gotta take the time to do it right. So...I will be patient and I know it will be amazing when everyone is done!!!

Happy Day! Check.

It is a happy day today. I finished Hoperdoo's dress for prom, before noon.
Check.
It is wonderful.
I have made a hair flower for her as well.
Check.
I put a clear coat of paint on Hoperdoo's shoes for tonight and met her date.
Check, Check.
They are off on a 4-wheeling/rappelling adventure. And have taken some time to list a few items on Etsy.
Check x 4.
Remembered to pick up her flowers.
Check.
Hiker brought down the chairs from outside and I was able to tidy up the basement utility room.
Check.
Hooray!!! Something else off of my list, (actually, three). The bees are becoming quite interesting. I went to a website to find a few suggestions. So, off to the store for me. For the next few days, I think I will be on a "bee" quest.
Promised a pix, here it is.
Check.
I will be leaving the "fun" ones for Hoperdoo to share...

It occurred to Hiker yesterday...the tile is ready when he is...hmmmm.
Marlo and I made a trip into Georgetown to pick up a few more details.
A new light fixture cuz, if the vanity has a new light, the ceiling will get jealous and need a new one also.
Just think about it, you know I am right.
If we just let the vanity be new, the ceiling light would have a fit, quit working after it started a small fire.
So, I just saved myself the hassle...new light.

I was also informed the "fart" fan, must be replaced.
I ask myself "why?", all it ever does is make a bunch of noise and no one ever really turns it on.
Why bother?

Answer, No one turns it on, because it makes so much noise. The "fart" fan also happens to be on the ceiling... so I guess it just had a temper tantrum some time ago and I am just now finding out about it. New fan.

Did you know when the "boys" changed the cabinet plans for the bathroom,
this also changed how many door handles/pulls were needed?
I didn't really think about it until I noticed there were several more drawers/doors than I was planning on.
Consequently, more handles/pulls needed to be located.

And...if we are replacing all of the other things, might as well make both sides of the mirror slide easily, right?
Right.
However, that stuff only comes from the specialty glass store. And...
I forgot. Next trip perhaps?

Marlo has been painting, Chaser came and gave us a lesson on "glazing",
be careful when you sand or you have crap.
True statement.

This has been just a quick update on "the project".

Where does my time Go?

Here it is essentially the middle of April and where does my time go?
Does it just take me longer to do everything?
Am I having black out spells where I don't remember things?
Am I "phasing" into the computer and lost in cyber space?
Surely I must be completely and entirely lost in a day dream?
I chuckle at my mother and her "super woman" lists...
I believe I am becoming the same. It doesn't appear to take me any longer to make the bed, get dressed, or shower...so...
where does my time go?
I have list after list of things I want to accomplish and
if I get one checked off fifteen others replace it.
I think to myself, when school gets out, then I can do this...
then I think to myself when school gets back in I can do that...
Problem is school is only a deadline for a few more years.
Think back to when you were a kid...
it took forever for Christmas
or your birthday
or Summer Vacation to come.
Then, as you have children,
it feels as if you just zip through the year.
Now, I feel as if I go from one deadline/project/event
to another and to another.
And then,
it is Christmas again.
Do you realize Christmas was a third of a year ago?

It's here!

It is here!!!
Marlo came home early with it last night,
I just wanted to play...
but people wanted and needed to eat.
Then, I had to make a space for it. I can be soooo very creative.
Hoperdoo plugged it in and we turned it on. Noisy little bugger... for sure. Sews so very fast it uses lots of thread, kind of makes sense...sew faster, go farther, need more thread...

New Machine, oh yeah.

Today is the day...
I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming arrival of my "new" machine.
Marlo is bringing it home for me today...
I purchased it on line and I do hope it is everything and maybe more than I anticipated.
If not, I guess I can sell it "on line" and settle for something less.
Thanks to the pink flannel for making this one happen.
I have a spot all picked out for it, not that I have it ready for it.
I can't wait to see it, can't wait to use it. Please hurry home Marlo...
Missed you and want to see what is in your car!!!

the "project"--burial of the hideous light fixture

Chaser has been available the past few days and man is he meticulous. He measures and remeasures and levels, and then marks and nails and glues and putties ...and then, he sands. By hand he sanded, amazing. He dug around out in the back room for a bit and said, "this will work, it will look sweet". Me, I just have to have faith and trust. It looks like a wood cabinet to me. So, I now need a trip into Jones for a special kind of glaze/stain for the cabinets, while I am there I am supposed to get some more glides for the mirrors and some kind of special clips for the tops so they don't bang together. Maybe in a week or two, I will be able to paint. (Smile when you read that!) The hideous light fixture now resides in the trash! Chaser was brave about the electricity and pulled it down. We didn't even have a ceremonial burial for it. Just here, Hoperdoo, get rid of that...
End of an era...can't wait to see how it finishes out!

April Snow!

Yes, it rained all night...
but then,
I think everyone was tired of the rain so....
you guessed it
SNOW!!!
Yep, it really is snowing and it seems to be continuing
we were about an hour or so into it
when I took this pix.

Itchy

Hubby and I were watching a movie the other night while Hoperdoo was taking her shower. We listened to her sneeze and sneeze and sneeze...it is allergy season you know. Then she coughed and snorted and coughed and starting sneezing again. Hubby and I looked at each other and said, "Man, her allergies are really bugging her today." and went on with our movie. Another batch of coughing, sneezing (we actually lost count) and snorting and she came out.

"I am allergic to this shower, how long before the other one is fixed?" First statement out of the shower. We looked up at her-- beet red she was and kind of blotchy. My immediate response was "Bring me the stuff you just used and go take a Benadryl!"

So I am reading over the shampoo, conditioner and new body wash. Apple Walnut ...hmmmm..... does any one else see maybe a problem here? Oh my, the ingredients list lovely walnut oil as one of the key ingredients, you know soft and supple, moisturizing and enriching.
Hoperdoo, I really think you shouldn't use "nut" based anything unless you want to be all red and blotchy. And please be sure to have Benadryl available when you do.

Ugly!

Wow, would you look at that? That is truly ugly. I know there is a way to say ugly all stretched out in writing, but I don't know what it is...so ug-ly.



I plan on pulling that lovely green contact paper out, lightly scuffing the shelving and its "box" and painting it a bright white.


The light fixture from Grandma is going also, I think we have gotten our twenty years of use from it, and the lovely green back splash went with the trash man last week!


The sink was definitely a "Malcolm" challenge ...all the way to the wall, bright, shiny and new. And, can you believe it Brino and Hiker found a leak in the wall...Funny thing after they repaired the leak in the wall.

Brino came over last night and was reframing the shelving box. He said he would be continuing tonight.

Rosco also came over last night to take care of this gizmo in the basement that isn't working right, it likes to leak a gallon of water a day down there. He unhooked it, cleaned it, checked it, and rehooked it at a different location. Then said, "I think that should do it!" Great thing about "it" is most likely we won't know if it did "it" till next winter!!! He also was looking around in the lovely spider heaven room and said "Hey, I think this leak must be stopped, it looks like the water is drying up!" Thank you Rosco and lovely repair upstairs Brino and Hiker!

I just "love" projects which are slowly coming together...

Cheer for Me!!!

Let's hear it for me!!!
Finally, I have finished the pink nightgowns. I did not think I ever would. They have been hanging over my head for what seems like forever, but when you think about a couple hundred yards of lace and ruffles and more than 30 yards of pink flannel, it is going to take some time.

Yippee!!! They are done, and the owner has been contacted. I am so very excited all I need to do now is find a box big enough to put them into. Hooray!!! I am done.

Crazy, Lazy Weekend

Crazy weekend, not really. Crazy because I just plan to be amazing and end up not being amazing. I think to myself, "O.K. I want to do this and this and this". And actually, I don't do any of it. Sometimes, I feel I just must be lazy, and then sometimes I feel old. And my time just doesn't "spend" like I want it to. And then I think to the times when I did this and this and this...then I realize my mind wants me to do all of these things still, but...my body just doesn't. Very frustrating, being lazy and not accomplishing the things I want. I look back in years...twenty will do...(about where some of my children are now)... and think to myself...I remember when I could do that. Not necessarily a matter of wanting to do that, just that I could. And then, I think to my mother twenty years ago and her being frustrated because she was in the same boat I am in now. I feel I have more empathy. More understanding. More patience now... than I did then...

So, I guess it is O.K. feeling the way I do. Be thankful for what I have learned and learn to deal with where I am at... And don't give myself such a hard time about it. I will eventually get to "this and this and this" just probably not in the time frame I want.