In Memory

Today I had a few tears in memory of my Dad - but then I remember how fortunate I was to have him in my life for 55 years. He is missed by many.

Carol Ann gave me this book for Christmas - a true gift from the heart. The pictures and the writings are of memories I will cherish always, Thank you.

Fabric

I asked for fabric for Christmas and that is certainly what I got. Already sorting for a red and green quilt to be made out of fat quarters and I think there is enough to make a "little boy" quilt. 2009 is fresh with projects!

'Twas the night before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.


The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads,
And Mamma in her kerchief and I in my cap
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.


The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave a luster of midday to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer;
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer! and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!


As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew
With a sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.


And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof
prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from this head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow,
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plumb, a right jolly old elf.
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I hear him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."

Isn't this a great yarn shop? The whole place is stark white (not as cozy as some others, but good looking from the outside and perfect for picking colors). I may start knitting more...

My Favorite Things

Two of my favorite things are two Baby's First Christmas ornaments,

they are always in a prominent spot on our tree.

Is a "pink slip" really pink?

It doesnt seem fair that Kelly should lose her job, after just getting comfortable in her new career.
I dont think that young people in my generation knew about recessions and economic hard times.
Kelly comes from a line of strong women, who were not afraid of challenges and change. We can only imagine how my grandmother felt as she boarded the ship to America. Then, she made her way to Walker, Mn. which is amazing, as she spoke no English, and I am sure had very little money.
Facing the unknown is always stressful and unsettling.
Often, the things we wish for, or wish would not happen, turn out to be a better deal in the long run.
Like the Garth Brooks song, "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers"
Good Luck, Kelly

I am a Minnesota girl

Yah - i wore snow pants to work today!

a few of my favorite things

The tree went up yesterday. The twinkling lights , the perching birds , and This special little nest, that someone made for me, nestles deep within the branches. O Tannenbaum!

Can this week be over?

Seriously...I got home from Grand Marais on Sunday with a terrible headache that lasted into the next day. I went to the gym without my shoes (twice). Tonight was a night on the town, dinner and a concert. Somehow I showed up at the micro-brewery without a license, we almost got swiped by a car sliding down that twisty parking ramp exit and finally, didn't have enough cash at the booth to get out. I kindof feel like I'm on a treadmill that keeps switching directions and now things are being thrown at me.

Shop 'till you drop

Christmas shopping has definitely changed over the past years for me.

Years ago it was an annual event - my friends and I went to Duluth for an overnight the first weekend of December. On Saturday we would leave as early as possible and then spent all day shopping at the mall. After a break and dinner it was one or two more stops to Target or Toys R Us. Since we had numerous packages that would be visible we carried most of our purchases to our motel room for the night, then we had show and tell. First thing Sunday morning we bought a paper to see the new adds, hopefully the things bought on Saturday weren't now on a great sale. We always had a van with the back seat taken out but still the car would be filled to the max.

My shopping list included gifts for not only immediate family but also nieces & nephews, parents, & adult gift exchanges. Now with fewer to shop for, internet options, & cell phones there isn't the same intensity packed into a shopping trip.

Carol Ann even kept up.

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"

Yes, it snowed-----3 inches of fresh powder. I skied! The roads are slippery, I love it.

Tracks

Fresh snow tonight - there were little tiny tracks in the driveway - and under the snow was a little creature - hope he doesn't get cold and find his way inside.

Let it snow! NOW! PLEASE!

"These are a few of my favorite things". I love these old wooden skis and poles. I just use them for winter decorations. I bought the poles at an antique shop. They arent very functional compared to the new fast fiberglass ones in the garage, that are anticipating use, soon.

I'm getting nervous! In a month, I will be packing for Florida. I need my winter fix! Last year the best snow we had came in April ,after we were back. There is something wrong with that.

Time to finish?

Maybe it's time to finish some mittens -

I now have 3 1/2 pairs of mittens close to done - Bill suggested that if I don't like knitting the thumbs to make them thumb-less. The yarn ends that need to be woven in could be a new style.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!!!!!

TURKEY DAY!

This year I am so thankful that I was able to be with my family on Thanksgiving. Filled with love, laughs, and of course food! Though I may be a little sleep deprived from night shifts, and Marie removed only one of the two giblet packages in the bird before cooking it:), all in all it was a great day. Finished off by a traditional game of girls vs. boys trivial pursuit and some sweet treats. This year Marie and I took over the duty of providing the pie. I of course can't think of a Thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie, so I jumped all over making that one! And Marie baked a delicious seasonal apple pie. Both which I think are beautiful enough to make an appearance in Better Homes and Gardens, or just give our Grandma a run for her money.

My First Turkey

I remember the first turkey that I cooked. It was at the house on Birchmont Drive that we rented when first married. Mom and Dad were coming for "supper", it wasn't Thanksgiving but I was cooking my first turkey.

The stove in that house was very old and the seal on the oven wasn't tight, of course I also probably opened the oven door a million times to check the progress. It was about time for Mom and Dad to arrive for the 6:30 sharp meal and the bird was far from done.

The saving grace of the evening was that the cows had escaped a fence and Dad had a late night of work so they cancelled. I took the turkey out of the oven at 9:30!

Marie, don't panic, your first turkey will be perfect.

Thanksgivings past, with Kenny G and Isaac Stern

This had to be one of my favorite thanksgivings.
My two nieces showed off their newly aquired musical skills. Of course they had not played together so had a quick practice session in the bedroom. Then lined the chairs up in the living room, seated the guests, and put of a concert.
I had all I could do to hold back the tears of laughter as they very seriously gave the performance.
Now, I only wish that I had it on video!

Thankful

I'm thankful for my crafty tendencies. With a $10 piece of fabric and an hour - I made a table cloth.

34 Years!

On this November day 34 years ago we exchanged the traditional wedding vows.

"for better or worse" - we have enjoyed the better and weathered through the worse

"for richer or poorer" - we have had the good fortune to not want for necessities and appreciate the richness of life itself

"in sickness and in health" - thankfully it's been mostly health

Here's to the next 34 years -

that makes us 90 and 95 - could happen

PedEgg

If you dont have a Ped Egg,Stop everything and rush out and buy one. A friend just put me on to them. You will be amazed at the amount of dry skin you can scrape off your feet!
Almost as good as a walk on the beach.
I bought mine at wallgreens about $10. (they might even have them at Joynes)

True Confession

It happened again. Every time I watch the movie Armageddon, it brings on a deluge of tears that I simply can't control. Now Kelly knows from my history of calling her after Grey's most weeks in tears that I'm a crier to fictional situations. But no other movie consistently brings about the nose-running, sniffling, kleenex clutching that is me while watching this one. I find it on one of our 5 stations and get sucked in. The music is sappy, the acting is over-played...they are in space on a snowy meteor, but every time I'm sobbing like a baby. Just thought you all should know.

Found it!

I found the mitten pattern! Now to get started. I'm trying to stock-pile things like mittens and coasters and baby quilts for gifts. One down...

Yellow Brick Road

I finished the quilt for the office/bedroom and the finishing touch - pillows. Anderson fabric stash and guest pillows for the fillers. The office has been designated as the "room of the month" a project of organization, decoration and cleaning. It's soon done - does help that some of the "projects" have just been moved to a room near by.

Call me crazy, but I like to think of this as more resourceful. Instead of going out and finding some ugly bookends to hold up my movies and of course books, I went digging in my closet. I found these beautiful and neglected shoes just sitting there sadly. I must admit I have never worn these shoes. Within minute of putting them on I want to cry because my feet hurt so much. However they were only $8.00 at Target and you know me and shoes, I just couldn't resist. I love these shoes!!! Even never wearing them, just having them in my closet made me happy. Silly I know. And now they are bookends and I get to look at them everyday!!

Button, Button,who's got the button?

What was I thinking?

I didn't take the buttons! Was I just too overwhelmed with all the other "real antiques" to realize the true value of the old can of buttons?

My current project could use 4 different ,large, old buttons, and I was able to find them in my own stash.

BUT, MSP, I hope you are keeping yours in a safe place!

It still makes me dance...

Its a snow day this morning! Just a little crusty dusting, but still snow. And it still makes me dance. Even before you look out the window in the morning - you can tell there is snow on the ground. The light is different...sure enough, the world is bright with a white glaze on the ground and the trees. So I do my morning snow dance and step right outside in my pjs to smell the snow.

Ok - anyone reading this blog is going to think I'm nuts, but I know my fellow contributors feel the same - genetics, I guess. I've noticed that many adults are not doing a dance for the snow - they probably don't smell it either. They should do both. I love the smell, sound, sights of snow!!!! It still makes me dance.

Winters Bed

The perennials have a blanket for the winter,

and there's wood to keep us warm,

but if you look really close

there are buds on that bush just waiting for spring.

Mother Nature, what a tease!

We had our first snowfall, it is really beautiful. Too bad these November snows melt away ,leaving us with only a hope for a white Christmas.

November can be so dark, a little snow on the ground really brightens up the chilly North. I love when they start giving both a real temperature and a wind chill temperature. Our wind chill was 8 this morning! Maybe we will have ice by Thankgiving.

Willys was invigorated too, by the crisp moring air.

Mittens

I lost my recipe for Grandma Fenske mittens. Actually I lost the knitting book where I was keeping it. Temporarily, I hope. In the mean time, I sit with my ball of yarn and tiny needles trying to remember where I put it. I have a lot of mittens to make.

Creative Gifts

I hope my friends don't get sick of receiving creative projects for birthday gifts. They are fun to make!

This is my latest set of coasters and a mat to use under a candle or maybe a candy dish.

lessons learned in high school

When I was in high school, I reupholstered this chair for a home economics project. It was a lovely green color, and was used by our family for years.
I just resurrected it from Mom's sewing room at the farm and gave it a new life. The fabric cost me $2.00 from Anderson's fabric. The chair is by nature a little crooked and my upholstery skills are not any better now than they were when I was 17, but it doesn't look too bad and was a fun project.

Daylight Saving's Time

I love daylight savings time! Why can't we just keep the hour of daylight at night, and add an hour of light in the morning? Maybe they will do that under the new administration. They have promised us everything else!
Yesterday, I remembered a day many years ago; the first day of central standard time in the fall.
Late in the afternoon, Marilyn and I saddled up our horses and went for a ride. We were still several miles from home when it became dark and significantly colder. We had not taken into the account the time change!
Butch has been preparing Willys for the time change. When Willys gets up in the morning and stretches and shakes by the side of the bed, Butch whispers to him, "its too early, go lay on your rug". Each day, Willys has slept in a little longer, so he is ready for the new schedule.
Sunday,I noticed that there were more full pews at 7:30 church -daylight!
AND, at 4:00, Butch suggested that we walk to the neighbors for a drink, it was 5:00 SOMEWHERE!

Halloween From Years Past

Weren't they just so cute!

Halloween was always a time for creativity - no store bought costumes at this house. My old flowergirl dress was a favorite - why not have it enjoyed?

I think Halloween was the start of creative thinking and why the skill of sewing has been passed down.

"Project Kelly"

So, it's not perfect by far, and grandma would just die if she saw some of my creative touches to make the seams and fit work. However, I MADE A DRESS!! Ok more like a Halloween costume, but it has a zipper, pleats on top and bottom, and is lined on the inside. Of course the zipper was an absolute nightmare (which you can see on the front of the dress). I also fitted the dress too tight so it is kinda like the jaws of life to get it on and off past my shoulders. But at the end of the day.... I MADE A DRESS!! Even without a pattern or my mom to finish it for me (which would have been super helpful). I couldn't help but think all day how lucky I was too. Out of all my friends I am the only one that has been past down the skills of sewing and knitting. Maybe they just aren't interested in these old fashioned skills like me but what a shame. I had a great day today, sewing a dress:)

Post Op

I'm pretty sure that I would want Kelly for my nurse.

The care I received while in my 23 hour observation wasn't bad, and maybe I just wasn't as needy as the other patients but I'm still sure that Kelly would have stopped in to make sure I had water and an ice pack without me having to push the buzzer every time.

No pictures or graphic descriptions - lets just say it's over. I could breath out of my nose after the packing came out (before it stuffed up) and I'd say it's very hopeful that it was worth the process.

What goes up, must come down

If you ever get the urge to put up a wallpaper border, resist! I just spent all afternoon getting one off the wall. Gone is the patriotic star border in my office. Borders were very popular 10-15 years ago. I had two different ones in my bedroom, both now long gone.

Butch doesnt mind painting, but if I get all the prep work done, the job seems to get to the top of his to-do list quicker.

After removing 3 of these lovely wallpapers, I have found a few tricks that they dont tell you about in the paint store. You will need: a bucket of hot water with some white vinegar added, a hand towel, step ladder, your iron on an extention cord and some strong finger nails.

Dip the towel in the water and put it over the hot iron. Now run the iron and towel over a small section of the paper. This will loosen the paper so that you can peel it off the wall. You will have to continue wiping the area with the wet towel, scraping the leftover paper with your finger nails. I tried a putty knife, but found it less effective.

Be carefull not to burn yourself with the steaming towel.

Now you know, and I am off to buy paint.

Muffin Round-up...Part II

Apple Muffins
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 c. natural applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. lowfat buttermilk
2 c. flour (you can split 1 c. all purpose and 1 c. wheat flour - makes them healthy)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 apple

1. Combine wet & dry separately. Mix together - do not over mix.
2. Fold in apples
3. Pour batter in greased muffin tins.
4. Optional topping: 2 Tbl. brown sugar, 1/4 c. chopped pecans, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Now you have something else to use those apples for!

ps. mom get well soon - we sent you a mum for our mum!

my own little corner

It is not too big and it is not too small. My apartment fits me perfect. Slowly but surely I have been adding small personal touches to make it my own.  This picture is a small window into what now has become my home.

Girly Quilt

Thanks so much for the jungle fabric ca! I went totally girly with this one - pink everywhere!

a fashion statement

While not on any fashion runways, this headgear is a real beauty!
Like my niece, I too like fall fashions. This baseball/ski hat combo is not an uncommon sight in northern Mn. It doesnt even deserve a second glance in most social circles.
On this fine October day, it was quite comfortable for my bike ride around Lake Bemidji. So too was the down vest and leather gloves.
Even on a fine summer day in the boat, sometimes I will sneak it on over my cap - you never lose your lid in the wind.

Autumn Joy

The colors from the red & yellow trees are only a memory but my flower bed continues to have some beautiful colors. It's too late in the year to think about covering at night to protect from frost but I'm still hoping they last another month.

A real autumn joy.

Muffin Round-Up

I have bunches of muffin recipes that are good for this time of year. This is my new favorite way to use up all the frozen bananas in the fridge. Enjoy! Another muffin recipe next week.

Banana Cranberry Muffins

1 cup flake cereal (fiber one, wheaties)
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup mashed banans (2 medium)
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp bking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup cranberries

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease bottoms of 12 muffin cups. Smash Cereal.
2. Beat egg, milk & oil; beat in bananas. Stir in cereal - let stand 5 min.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients except cranberries until blended. Stir in cranberries. Divide evenly among muffin cups.
4. Bake 20-25 min. or until light golden brown.

Naomi

Yesterday, we closed our cabin for the winter.

One of the great things about living in the North, is seasons. I like moving on to a new season. Lets wax my skis! I probably don't look forward to winter as much as I do to the melting of the ice, so we can return to our island in the spring.

This picture is a rock sculpture in my flower garden. Her name is Naomi, and I put her in charge. She is an angel, and watches over our island.

I am always pensive about life and health when we leave for the winter. What if I never got back? When do people start getting old? My next birthday starts with a 6! I still water ski (on one) every summer just to say I still can. I walk my 18 holes, and I can kayak for miles. I think "old" is just a state of mind.

Farm Life

B and I have been having a discussion about farms this fall season. As this conversation progresses, I'm realizing more and more I have a highly romanticized version of farm life. He does not.

I am interested in hay rides and apple picking and pumpkin patches and have been trying to get B to accompany me for many years. He knows that this is a fake version of "farm life" and likes the real version better, so is not interested in picking apples one by one, when he could be driving a combine to pick thousands of acres of corn instead. I'm ok if he doesn't want to hike around a pumpkin patch with me, but I'm going to keep trying for the hayride.

I attribute my childhood understanding of farms and all things country living to my grandparents. They certainly had a working farm when I was growing up, but it was a whole lot different to be the "town cousin" there for a summer time visit or a christmas vacation. We had pet calves, rode horses, played in the barn and got an annual sleigh ride. If that isn't a romantic life, I'm not sure what is.

The View

On a recent trip to New York City it was great fun to see the world from the Empire State Building

But what really could be better than the view from a mountain overlooking Lake Superior

We are spoiled living in Grand Marais!

A blog challenge

Today I invite my sister, and my 2 nieces to a Blog challenge. There are no rules! Just write your feelings, thoughts, gripes, philosophies, brainstorms, recipes, whatever!

Marie and I have already been doing this, and I'm sure she will agree that this is a form of art, not unlike sewing. So I have chosen a title of "sew sew what" for our adventure.

Pictures are fun, but not always necessary.

Marie and Kelly have been having great sister experiences this week. Well, Janice and I enjoyed a great weekend together on the shore. Here we are on the Mt. Josephene hike. The fall colors were the best I have ever seen.

We examined the greenest moss, and tiny ferns growing on rocks, unlike most people have never seen. Boy are we lucky!