Grey-Haired Coed

Thank you!

2007-04-11T17:52:00.000-05:00

Thank you for the nice comments about my picture. I shouldn't be so concerned with how I look, I suppose.... but even at my age, I want to look nice. And every time I wear something pink or rose-colored people say 'Gee you look nice today!' So I think it's the color.

It's Me...

2007-04-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

My son took this picture of me yesterday for an assignment in our Web Content Writing class. Tell me what you think... should I use it to replace the one of me with the long hair? Even though it's almost all gray now? Or should I just use it to scare away young children?????

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T17:50:00.000-05:00

Don't get excited... this is a picture from LAST spring.
My flower beds are still covered with snow...
But at least it is something to look forward to!

Working...

2007-04-07T20:18:00.000-05:00

This semester, I am part of Dr. Morgan's Web Content Writing class. We are working on re-writing BSU's English Department web site. Lots of work, also lots of fun!

It's really starting to look nice! When it is all done and up on the college's web server, I will let you know. Currently, it is just on Dr. Morgan's server.

That's all I have for now...

Too Much Time on My Hands...

2007-04-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the leader of Iran looks like Ringo Starr?

The Snow Didn't Stop Them...

2007-04-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

A puffed up junco at the thistle feeder.

Goldfinches enjoying the sunflower seeds.

Snow Removal...

2007-04-03T18:11:00.000-05:00

This is our son, Colin.

And Still More Spring...

2007-04-03T15:53:00.000-05:00

Spring?

2007-04-03T07:32:00.000-05:00

April Fool...

2007-04-01T19:17:00.000-05:00

It has been snowing all afternoon. Yes, SNOWING! Not heavy, very little accumulation, but it is SNOWING on April 1st. And that is NOT a joke, folks!

I am SO ready for spring... real spring... the kind with green grass, birds singing, flowers coming up, warm air...

Soon... soon... soon...

Five Things...

2007-03-31T19:55:00.000-05:00

This is an idea from Sue. A short list of things I am thankful for:

My husband of 42 years. Always loving, faithful, kind, thoughtful.
My son. Intelligent, helpful, can fix almost ANYTHING!
My daughter, who was brave enough to join the Navy and go so far away...
Good friends
Being able to go to college at my advanced age and have the support of instructors and classmates even when I goof up...

My Hubby...

2007-03-29T21:46:00.000-05:00

I have one terrific husband. I could list hundreds of reasons he is so wonderful, but here is a small example:

He called me from his office this afternoon,
'Hi, hon, what are we cooking, or do you want me to stop at Subway?'

Notice he didn't even say 'what are YOU cooking?'

Yes, he's a honey! I think I'll stay with him for another 42 years!

John Denver...

2007-03-28T13:57:00.000-05:00

Just had to say a little more about John Denver. When I did my student teaching in Edina, MN. in the fall of 1964, John Denver was one of my students! Of course, then he was in the 11th grade, very shy, and his name was John Deutchendorfer then... Nice kid.

Rain!

2007-03-28T13:21:00.000-05:00

It's raining! Hooray!

Sunshine on my Shoulder...

2007-03-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

Remember that John Denver song? We sure had sun today. It was wonderful. But we do need some rain. That's the problem with having a winter with very little snow... woods are just too dry!

I can hardly wait until I can work in my flower beds.

The picture is of my coreopsis last summer (sigh)

'On Little Cat Feet...'

2007-03-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

A foggy day in the woods.

"Necessity is the mother of invention"

2007-03-23T16:56:00.000-05:00

When the bobbin winder on my sewing machine died, I was frantic! My son came up with this solution.... the cordless drill, a broken pencil stuck in the chuck, and I'm good to go!

Patience is the name of the game...

2007-03-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

You just never know when someone may drop something really yummy!

Latest Embroidery...

2007-03-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

Just listed this set on eBay. I love how intricate they are! Lots of thread changes, and it takes 30+ minutes to do each one!

The people who buy these blocks use them to make quilts. (Answering Wenda's question!)
I have made quilts with them, also. Alternate them with a solid color fabric, back with another color or coordinating one.

Done... Du ...Done ...Du....

2007-03-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

Taxes are DONE!!!

Shhhhh......

2007-03-18T15:08:00.000-05:00

This picture totally describes how I feel right now. I am the tree...
I'm working on our income tax return for 2006...
I use the product Turbo Tax...
No one is to disturb me while I do this...
I have started and re-started this project three times already...
I have somehow lost information I already put in...
A large headache is forming...

Wounded...

2007-03-17T23:57:00.000-05:00

OK, I slit the tip of my left index finger wide open with my seam ripper while working on something for myself... I knew it was sharp... My son fashioned an awesome seam ripper for me using an Exacto knife handle and a wicked, curved blade. It works great! On fabric as well as fingers! So much better than the cheap little plastic handled ones I used to use.

My reactions are pretty good though. I immediately dropped the garment so I wouldn't bleed on it.

The watchword is "Be Careful Dummy!"

This is What I've Been Doing...

2007-03-15T23:04:00.000-05:00

I use the attachment on my sewing machine to embroider these designs and offer them for sale on eBay. I have sold close to 50 sets over the last few years.

This is a set of 'Vintage Children' designs:

This is a set of kokopeli, the Southwest Native American good luck symbol:

These are called "Primitive Cave Drawings:

Cowboys and horses:

I find designs on the internet, save them on my computer, then send them to my machine.
No matter what you are interested in, there are probably some designs out there!

Of course, there are hundreds of flower designs, children and baby designs, etc.

I Need to Get Out of the House...

2007-03-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

I've been inside for almost a week. Yes, I've gotten quite a bit done... but I think I need to get out, see people, do something other than cleaning or sewing or editing books.
I haven't quite reached the 'stir-crazy' stage, but I'm pretty darned close!

Anniversary...

2007-03-13T13:36:00.000-05:00

Today is our 42nd wedding anniversary! As my husband says...'Rocks don't live that long!'

He bought T-bone steaks to grill for supper tonight, and gave me the most beautiful and touching card (with a large box of Whitman chocolates!).

Dig those glasses! The dress was made by my great-grandmother for my aunt. I made the veil...the part on my head looks like a pie-tin! But isn't Dale the cutest thing? I carried yellow roses and yellow spider mums.

We left Minnesota the next day in my 1956 Ford. Dale was on leave from his ship, the USS Gainard in Newport, Rhode Island. I spent the next 12 years following him around! Then we settled here in northern Minnesota. Have been in this house for 30 years this coming August.

And Then There Was Today...

2007-03-12T23:01:00.000-05:00

So, I was really busy on Saturday. Sunday not so much, and today not so much. I guess my energy comes in waves. Right now the waters seem pretty calm.
I have been editing a book for 'Seeing Hands', and embroidering some quilt blocks to sell on eBay. But I'm not breaking any speed records, by any means!
I guess that 's the way things are for me. Is it my age? My arthritis? I don't know. I really don't need to know... I'm just glad that I DO have days full of energy and activity. Makes me feel more alive!

And What Do YOU Do?

2007-03-10T23:03:00.000-06:00

When our son was very small, his favorite book was "What Do People Do All Day" by Richard Scarry. If you are familiar with Scarry's books, you know that he has all kinds of animals dressed as people, going about their day doing 'people' kinds of things.
Well, as I began to get very tired tonight, I thought about what I had done today... actually a very typical day for me:

Did some laundry (we now have a hose going outside to drain the washer..sure beats trips to the laundromat!)
Cleaned our dog's emergency 'potty' area in basement
Put away groceries that my hubby bought in town this morning
Emptied wastebaskets
Hemmed 51 more bandannas for the vet
Replaced a zipper in a Columbia down jacket for a customer
Replaced a broken buckle on a trench coat belt for another customer
Mended a torn quilt (one of ours)
Pressed, photographed and listed another set of embroidered quilt blocks on eBay, (check out 'sharon942sew' on eBay to see what I'm selling at this time)
Packaged up a set of quilt blocks that were sold on eBay tonight
Edited the first 40 pages of latest book from 'Seeing Hands'

Now I think it's definitely time to go to bed...

No Pictures of Tiny!!!

2007-03-10T08:41:00.000-06:00

Sony with one of the bandannas.

ARGHH! Sony, the pirate!

Tiny refuses to let me put one of the bandannas on her for a picture! She may be little, but she can be really nasty! She also is totally embarrassed about the fake 'puppy' I made for her... What can I say? She is 13 years old - definitely considered to be a 'senior citizen' in the dog world, and she always gets her own way!

Her sister, on the other hand, lets me put hats and sweaters on her, patches on her eye (for a pirate picture), and generally is a very amenable little dog.

Tiny...

2007-03-08T05:50:00.000-06:00

I should have gone into a little more detail with the last post...

Yes, the bandannas are for cats and dogs. The vet's wife finds the cutest fabric and cuts it into all sizes, from tiny to very large for their 'clientèle' . The current batch is basically green for St. Patrick's day, and some pastel fabric with little Easter eggs. She also included several pieces that have pictures of little dogs driving cars!

Oh, and the vet told me that Tiny is going through a 'false' pregnancy! She is 13 years old, never been spayed, and she has been trying to make a 'nest' in the afghan on the couch. He says her 'breasts' are engorged with milk! So he recommended we get her a little stuffed toy puppy for her to 'mother'. So I made her one last night... Oh, the things we do for our pets...
Twelve years ago when we had her mother and sister spayed, tests showed that she would not be able to metabolize the anesthetic, so it wasn't done at the time. Since then, newer anesthetics have come along and the vet says we should get her spayed.... (another big vet bill coming!)

Sewing...

2007-03-07T19:37:00.000-06:00

I'm in the middle of hemming bandannas for the Walker Animal Hospital. Green gingham (for St. Patrick's Day). They give me $1.00 credit for each one I finish. Will certainly help towards the $247 bill that our Tiny cost today... She's fine. Just needed her teeth and ears cleaned, and they have to put her 'under' in order to do it. Also, she was given all her annual shots.

A Day in the Sun...

2007-03-03T20:29:00.000-06:00

My son and his friend went snowshoeing today. Beautiful sunshiny day for it. Oh, to be young and in such good shape...

The Lion is Still Roaring...

2007-03-02T10:23:00.000-06:00

This morning there is a lull (apparently) in the snowstorm. This picture shows what is happening to the snow on the roof... We have a metal roof, so the snow is sliding...

This is looking south again from the back door. A lot different than the last picture I took of that area! Not much we can do about it. Roads are yucky for sure! So I will be at my sewing machine today with Turner Classic Movie Channel going in the background...

March 1, 2007...

2007-03-01T09:50:00.000-06:00

March is coming in like a lion, as the old saying goes. I took these pictures during a lull in the snow and wind this morning:

Looking south from the back door.

Looking north from back door. My screen porch is so sad... can't wait till spring to be able to sit out there again...

Water Conservation...

2007-02-28T18:29:00.000-06:00

So here's the plan:

Use the laundromat for washing clothes, bring them home to dry (do you know how heavy a load of laundry is when it is wet and you have to lift the whole load at once?)
Ask husband and son if they can wear jeans/slacks twice before throwing them into laundry area. (half-hearted response to this suggestion)
Found dishpan for doing dishes. Empty it into a pail, then toss outside. (not in the area known as the dog's 'potty place'. They tend to slip on ice)
Showers - wet down, turn water off, soap up and scrub, turn water back on and rinse. (Husband says he got used to that in the Navy.)
Toilets - use the upstairs one, it has a 'low-flow' tank. (only flush when absolutely necessary... sorry if that grosses anyone out)
Brushing teeth - wet brush, turn off water, brush teeth, spit, turn water on briefly to rinse.
Washing hands - see 'brushing teeth'
Pray for an early spring...

And More Snow...

2007-02-27T20:48:00.000-06:00

Well, there is more snow coming. The weatherman is saying we will get even more than before. Golly gee, how fun... NOT! If we had only had this amount of snow earlier in the season, our drain field wouldn't have frozen, and we wouldn't have had to spend $310 to have our tank pumped TWICE already!!! We have learned that our washer uses WAY too much water... so tomorrow I make a trip into town to the laundromat. Such fun.

Another Example...

2007-02-27T08:42:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I really wonder about the youth in our country. Young people who think this is funny really worry me. What will they do when they get older? Set old people on fire?

Middle School Drug Dealers?

2007-02-24T18:06:00.000-06:00

Now this is REALLY disturbing! Middle school students dealing drugs... What in God's green earth is happening to our country?

Snow...Snow...Snow...

2007-02-24T17:51:00.000-06:00

Well, it's here, it's coming down and blowing around and it actually looks like winter around here! I shopped for groceries yesterday, so we are good to go. We can just 'hunker down' and do indoor stuff till it's over.

So I've been at my sewing machine, embroidering quilt squares to sell on eBay. Sounds exciting, right? Not...

Michelle's Son...

2007-02-22T15:43:00.000-06:00

Michelle Hawkins sent me this picture of her new son - Raistlin Michael Hawkins. I thought it was sweet that she posed him on the baby quilt I made for him!

I Need a KEEPER!!!

2007-02-22T12:36:00.000-06:00

OK, I had my homework done, coffee cup ready, keys, and in my tote bag, text, notebook, pen, tissue and small bottle of hand lotion... for the 70 mile round trip to my class at BSU. Made it to class just fine, then went to do some shopping. NO PURSE! That means no money, no driver's license, no credit card, and apparently NO BRAINS! I was sure happy to see it sitting on my desk when I got home...

Yes, I need a keeper, alright!

Walker archaeological find!

2007-02-20T19:27:00.000-06:00

Our town is definitely on the map! Apparently, there were were Cro-Magnun humans in this area about 15,000 years ago.

During a street project, several artifacts were found. Further study by archaeologists have confirmed that the objects were over 15,000 years old. Possibly the oldest evidence of human habitation in North America! This is exciting!

Sign of Spring Coming?

2007-02-19T17:19:00.000-06:00

This pileated woodpecker showed up at our suet feeder yesterday. By the time I found my camera, he had moved to a tree. We've never seen one in the winter before, so I'm hoping that this is a sign of spring coming!

Septic Update...

2007-02-16T22:58:00.000-06:00

Now THAT'S a title you don't see often on a blog!
Well, the guy didn't actually thaw out our septic system... he thawed out PART of it and pumped out the tank.
The drain field is still frozen and will be probably until spring! So we have to have a long stick, and periodically, stick it in the tank. When it reaches 44 inches of yueck in there, we call him to have it pumped out again...
Can anyone say 'SEWER GAS'?

Help is Here!

2007-02-16T13:03:00.000-06:00

The man is here right now, working on thawing out our septic system!!!! Thank heavens there are people who know how to do that and have the equipment! I am SO happy!

Ah, Winter ...

2007-02-15T20:29:00.000-06:00

Well, folks, it's happened. We have lived in this house for 28 years now and for the very first time our septic system is frozen! That's what you get when there is only about an inch of snow on the ground and you have almost two weeks of -20 degree temperatures!

I have a call in to the only (apparently) business in the area who thaws them out. In the meantime, no showers, laundry and flushing only if absolutely necessary!

As Froyd would say, "Good Times!"

Latest Project...

2007-02-14T20:33:00.000-06:00

Crumpet

Chloe

This is a small tote, 10" by12" for a friend. The outer pockets are pictures of her two dogs, edged with piping, layered with quilt batting, and lined with the same material I lined the inside of the tote with. I also included a zippered pocket on the inside.
I took the pictures with my digital camera and printed them on special computer printer fabric.

Amazing Lady...

2007-02-14T07:18:00.000-06:00

I enjoy sharing stories of times gone by, and I also love hearing about other's experiences. This amazing lady has a wealth of personal stories from her early years in Germany. I was able to meet her not too long ago when she came to Bemidji. She is Natasha's grandmother, so I have come to learn where Natasha gets much of her determination and strength.

Hair Today...

2007-02-12T18:41:00.000-06:00

Hair... long, short... curly, straight... thick, thin... extensions, dyes, permanents, you name it. The trends come and go.
When I was small, my mother spent a lot of time curling and/or braiding my hair.

<--I'm about 3 years old here. She said that my hair was so thick, she curled about 2/3 of it into ringlets, and the rest she pulled into a braid at the top of my head (with a ribbon of course). I can still remember sitting on the kitchen table while she did my hair each day. At night, she would wind my hair around her finger and tie each ringlet with a piece of cloth. Much easier to sleep on than the rollers I used during college! When my brothers came along, Mom didn't have as much time to fix my hair, so I was in braids a lot. However, for special occasions such as a portrait, she again fixed it into ringlets. See the braid? Much of my hair was cut into bangs, also! That was a really thick head of hair!

In this picture, I am 7, my brother Jim was 3 and Mick was 2. Isn't Mick the cutest little guy? He had VERY curly hair and it was usually all in ringlets all over his head. He even won a 'Most Beautiful Baby' contest! For this picture, Mom slicked it down with water. When he was in junior high he hated his curly hair, so went to the barber to have a VERY short haircut! He was really disappointed that it was curly again when it grew out!

More on hair later...

PS...I am wearing a 100% light wool dress, hand-made by my great grandmother

I Have An Idea...

2007-02-10T11:37:00.000-06:00

Actually, Loralee gave me an idea. She asked where I was when Kennedy was killed, so I posted about that day.
Because I am old enough to be the GRANDmother of many who read my blog, I thought I would post about other events I lived through so many, many years ago... just in case they are of interest to anyone. You know, people studying history, wondering what it was like in the 'Dark Ages', etc....
Keep in mind as you read any of these posts, they are MY recollections and experiences.

^Mom and I (I'm about 3 years old here)

So with that introduction, here are my thoughts on children and winter:

Today children go outside and play in the snow. We did that when I was young, too. There are a few differences, however.

Today children have jackets, 'snow' pants, mittens and gloves made of nylon with polyester batting inside. Very warm, moisture repelling, very light-weight, and easily 'wash and dry' type of outfits.

When I was young, (in the late 1940's and early 1950's), I wore thick woolen snow pants held up with suspenders, and buttons at the waist. Then a heavy wool or corduory coat, lined with cotton flannel, and in between these layers was wool batting. Usually the coat had a row of buttons down the front.

Then came knitted woolen mittens with a long crocheted string that went up a sleeve of the coat, across your back and down the other sleeve. This was in case you wanted to take a mitten off for any reason, it wouldn't get lost!

On my feet were regular socks, usually cotton that went up to my thighs and were held up with garters (yes, garters!). I would wear my regular shoes, leather of course, then stick my feet into overshoes. They were called 'four-buckle' overshoes. Easy enough to get on, but when the buckles were all caked with snow and ice from playing outside, they were a trial to get off!

To top off this fetching ensemble was a knitted stocking hat (wool), and a knitted scarf (also wool) that was tied around my face, (I can still remember how scratchy and itchy it was!).

It took a while to get this outfit on, so I can remember my mother reminding me to 'go potty' before she started 'suiting me up' for the great outdoors!

I especially remember one time playing outside and having so much fun...until...I had to 'go potty'! I ran back to the house. I needed help getting all this 'outdoor stuff' off, and my mother wasn't there! She had gone down the block to visit my grandmother. Only my dad was home. He wasn't used to all the buttons and straps and buckles, and his fingers were larger than my mother's... I had to GO! He struggled and struggled, but it was too late! I wet my pants! I wet through my underpants, the cotton stockings, the woolen snow pants! I was SO embarrassed! My poor father felt so bad. He kept telling me, "It's not your fault, Sharon. My fingers are too big for these little buttons."

Now wet wool does not smell very good, but wool that is wet from snow AND pee smells REALLY bad!

Dad rinsed the pants in cold water and hung them over a wooden drying rack in front of our oil burner. It took them over 24 hours to dry out.

MORAL: Today's children and parents have it SO much easier!

Where Was I When Kennedy Was Killed?

2007-02-07T08:59:00.000-06:00

Loralee asked the question.

It was November 22, 1963. I was a senior at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. I lived off-campus with a lovely, wealthy Jewish family in southern Minneapolis. I was the nanny for their two young school-age daughters. At that time, Augsburg did not allow female students to live off-campus unless they were living at home. Mrs. Fischbein invited the Dean of Women of the college out to the house to get her approval for my living there while going to school!

I took the city bus each day to and from the campus. I studied during the long ride, with one change of buses in downtown Minneapolis. (for a young girl from a VERY small town, that was an experience!)

The day before Kennedy was killed, my parents had called me to let me know that my grandmother had passed away. She had been very ill and I had taken a bus home (120 miles) to see her in the hospital the weekend before. I was her very first grandchild (out of 32 grandchildren) to attend college, and she was SO proud of me. So I went to school that day, letting all my professors know that I would not be in class the next day because of her funeral.

On the morning of the 22nd, I was in the library at the college, studying for a test. Suddenly, everyone was talking... crying...hugging. President Kennedy had been killed! Now you must remember this was before cell phones, computers, email... Word spread across campus like a wild fire. Somehow, everyone just KNEW we had to assemble. Students and professors streamed silently across the commons area toward the gymnasium. This was a Lutheran college, we took classes in religion in addition to our other studies. We had 'chapel' every day. When the gymnasium was full, the president of the college spoke to us about what had happened. We prayed, we cried, we hugged each other. We just couldn't believe what had happened.

Classes were cancelled for the rest of the day. I still needed to let one professor know that I would be gone the following day for my grandmother's funeral. I found him sitting alone in the hallway outside his classroom. This was my German professor. A serious, 'all-business' type of teacher. He was sitting in one of those student desks, with his elbows on the desk portion, his head in his hands, and he was sobbing! This image has stayed with me so clearly all these years. I paused, not knowing if I should approach him or not. He sensed someone was near and looked up, tears streaming down his face. I said, "Excuse me, I just wanted to let you know...." and I told him of my grandmother's death and upcoming funeral. He nodded and again dropped his head, his shoulders shaking with sobs.

I left the building, tears streaming down my face...crying for our poor President, for my grandmother, for myself, but oddly I think most of my tears were for my German professor and the wrenching pain he was experiencing in his adopted country...

Number 400!

2007-02-06T21:38:00.000-06:00

This is my 400th post! Guess it's more than just a hobby now!

I am getting really, really bored just being at home. Laundry, cooking, cleaning only takes up so much of the day. Any ideas?

Frigid!

2007-02-05T11:15:00.000-06:00

At 10 am today, the temperature was -27! Now THAT'S cold!
I am home alone today, so it's up to me to keep the Wilkening fireplace going. We have electric baseboard heat throughout the house. However, we are on the 'off-peak' plan. When the electric company has a heavy load, they can turn OFF our heat for up to 6 hours at a time! Because of this plan, our cost for electric heat is at a much lower rate. So the fireplace is ESSENTIAL during weather like this!

Thoughts on Insomnia...

2007-02-05T02:46:00.000-06:00

I can't get to sleep. I've tried.
So many things go through my mind as I try to fall asleep:

what did I accomplish today?
what do I need to do tomorrow?
did I remember to turn off the iron?
what is 128 x 42?
who was the actor who played the father on the Donna Reed show?
why can't I go to sleep?
what should I make for supper tomorrow (today)?
I should clean the bathroom(again)
how many times do you need to use hand lotion to get rid of dry skin?

Oh well, I'll try again...(to go to sleep)

I'm Angry!

2007-02-04T15:54:00.000-06:00

Some people just shouldn't be allowed to have children in my opinion!

Mother could face charges after toddler left in cold car

Sunday February 04, 2007

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) A Duluth mother is facing child endangerment charges after police said she left her 14-month-old child in a parked car for half an hour on one of the coldest days of the year.

The toddler was treated at St. Luke's Hospital Saturday for early signs of frostbite. Both the toddler and a 3-year-old sibling were taken into protective custody.

Police found the child around 9 a.m., at a time when the National Weather Service reported the temperature at 20 degrees below zero. The car was not running, and police said the child was ``inappropriately dressed'' for the weather.

Police said the incident is still under investigation.

Information from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthsuperior.com

Cold?

2007-02-03T19:15:00.000-06:00

This morning the temperature was -25 degrees. Yes, MINUS 25 degrees below ZERO! Now THAT is COLD!
But we are tough here in northern Minnesota. Yes we are! I can remember not too many years ago when 30 and 40 below zero was pretty common during January and February. Then when you figure in the wind chill factor, the weatherman would be talking about -70... Everyone still went to work and school. OK, maybe a few cars wouldn't start, but you could always get a 'jump' from a neighbor.

Mother and Son in Class Together...

2007-02-01T17:53:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are. Thanks to Eric Kuha, who brought his camera to class on Tuesday. And Colin is thinking, "OK, she promised she wouldn't embarrass me..."

How I Make Soup...

2007-01-31T18:50:00.000-06:00

Julie asked for my recipe... I actually don't really have one. This is what I do:

Chicken Soup with Dumplings

Saute onions and celery in a small amount of olive oil in large heavy pot
Cut up chicken (I prefer skinless, boneless thighs)
Add chicken to pot, stir together with onions and celery,
Add salt, pepper, parsley, ground sage, dash of cinnamon, about a tablespoon of sugar
Stir all together, cook till chicken turns white
Add cut up carrots, stewed tomatoes, can of chicken broth, two cans of water.
Simmer. The longer you simmer this, the better the flavors blend.
*Soup is also a good way to use up left-overs, such as peas, beans, potatoes, rice etc.

Dumplings (from Betty Crocker):

1 1/2 to 2 tsp salt
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk

Mix all dry ingredients, cut in shortening, stir in milk. Mix will be lumpy.
Heat soup till bubbling, drop dumpling mixture by spoonfuls into hot soup.
Cover, cook 10 minutes.
Uncover, cook 10 more minutes.

This is basically how I make vegetable beef soup, also. (but skip the sage and cinnamon and add some garlic powder instead, change the can of chicken broth to beef broth) Then instead of dumplings, add rice or egg noodles.

Cold Weather = Hot Soup

2007-01-29T08:42:00.000-06:00

It is COLD in northern Minnesota! So I have a pot of vegetable beef soup simmering on the stove. Otherwise, not much going on here to write about... sorry...

Sorry About That...

2007-01-26T06:24:00.000-06:00

*EDIT*
Sorry about my last post... what can I say. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to gross everyone out.

I'm back auditing a class again, twice a week. 'Web Content Writing'. Dr. Morgan always makes it challenging and interesting. This is the third time I've taken this course from him, and he is constantly changing it, keeping up with what's happening in cyberspace.

And would you believe my SON is also taking the course! This is his senior year at BSU and the first time we have taken a class together! I told him that I would try not to embarrass him.... One good thing, we can share the texts for the class.

Knee Replacement?

2007-01-24T20:15:00.000-06:00

I've been doing research on the 'minimally invasive' knee replacement surgery my dr. has recommended. I found this image...

Looks pretty INVASIVE to me!!!

Nasty Comments....

2007-01-23T13:12:00.000-06:00

I've had nasty comments twice now. (Took me a while to figure out how to remove them). You know the kind, advertising weird sites about SEX!!! OH MY!!!

So I've had to enable comment moderation. Sorry...

Bad Blogger!

2007-01-21T00:11:00.000-06:00

OK, I bemoan the fact that some of my favorite bloggers don't post often enough for me. And then what do I do? I don't post... Bad blogger, bad, bad blogger!

Still no measurable snow here in northern Minnesota. It's embarassing. Our daughter lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and they have had ice and snow all over the place! In Texas, no less! What is the world coming to? We are supposed to be living in the 'icebox' of the United States. Mark Twain once remarked that the coldest winter he ever spent was one JULY day in Duluth, Minnesota! And the other night, on a news station out of Minneapolis, the weatherman said northern Minnesota could expect 'a little snow...about a flake an acre!' Funny man! NOT!

There is one up side to the lack of snow, however. At least we don't have those noisy snowmobiles racing through the road ditches at the front of our property.

Colorado has been getting tons of snow. My feeling is that it should be spread out a little. Most of the people living in our area have their own wells and septic systems and actually depend on a good thick layer of snow to keep them from freezing up in the winter! (I know you needed that piece of info!)

Oh well, as they say, you can't do anything about the weather except complain about it....

I Wasn't Doin' Nothin'....Honest!

2007-01-16T20:29:00.000-06:00

This is Tiny. Those are NOT teeth you see sticking out of her mouth. Oh, no. She's had her nose in some corner, sniffing up cruddies again...and this time she got caught!

And She Keeps Going and Going...

2007-01-16T11:38:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm still going... the knees are SO good! I can walk without my cane, go up and down steps with no pain, go from my bed to the bathroom first thing in the morning without the crutches...
Just like the Energizer Bunny, I feel like I'm going and going...
It's wonderful!
I know it won't last forever, but while it does, I am going to enjoy being pain free!

Better Living Through Chemistry...

2007-01-14T21:45:00.000-06:00

Remember that commercial? Oh, wait, most of you are too young. It was for Dupont, extolling the virtues of all that that company had devised with chemicals...nylon carpeting is the only thing I can remember.

Anyway, two days after the cortisone injections, my knees feel almost 100% today!!! This dr. really knew what he was doing, where to insert the needle! I've never had such good luck with these injections, and I've been getting them several times each year for about seven years.

Soooo..... got a lot done today. Up and down the stairs doing laundry, baked two loaves of banana bread, changed the sheets on my bed, embroidered several more quilt squares, washed dishes, and took a nap!

Pick A Knee...

2007-01-12T10:12:00.000-06:00

Because of increased pain and lessening of mobility, I went to the dr. yesterday for cortisone injections in my knees. After an initial examination, I was sent to the lab for Xrays. Then back to see the dr..... He was not pleased. 'You have no cartilage on the inner part of both knees. Bad arthritis, bad arthritis!'
This was not news to me. I am the one with the crutches every morning, then the cane when I 'limber' up.
He prepared me for the injections. Up on the examining table, pillow under my knees to flex them so he could get into the joints better. First, an injection of lidocaine to numb the area. Then manipulating the knee cap manually and trying and trying to get the needle INTO the joint for the cortisone... Four tries on one knee and three on the other before he was successful... Painful? Oh Yeah! Did I cry? Oh Yeah! Tears running out of my eyes and into my ears because I was lying down.
Then he cleaned up the blood, applied band-aids, helped me down, and said, "Well, Sharon, pick a knee."

I will have to have knee replacement surgery on both. CRAP!

The Winter That Wasn't...

2007-01-11T08:30:00.000-06:00

The calendar says that it is winter. The thermometer says otherwise, the lack of snow says 'no way'. It just doesn't seem right! This is northern Minnesota, for goodness sake! Anyone who has lived here for any length of time is disoriented, confused, and just plain mixed up!

In our area, we have an annual celebration of winter called ' The International Eelpout Festival'.
As of today, the ice on the lake is NOT thick enough to support the hundreds of vehicles and ice houses, and thousands of people who normally come for this event. Last year, the ice was thin and vehicles were banned from going on the ice. It looks as if this year may be a repeat, if it is held at all.

Only time and a drop in temperature will tell....

Interesting? I Think Not!

2007-01-08T08:52:00.000-06:00

I really enjoy blogging. I also enjoy reading interesting blogs (see my sidebar). I love it when people read my ramblings and leave comments.

As I lie in bed at night, waiting to fall asleep, sometimes my thoughts are on 'What in the world can I blog about that is REALLY interesting?'

I can think of all sorts of things . . . then in the morning I've forgotten them. So let's face it, folks. You are stuck with my mundane, boring posts. Sorry about that...

My Porch...

2007-01-06T20:01:00.000-06:00

I miss my screen porch... I am already looking forward to spring. I spend time sitting out there every day as soon as temps are above 60. Love to watch the birds, the deer, and even the squirrels... (as long as they stay out of the bird feeder!)

A Gift from Loralee...

2007-01-04T19:39:00.000-06:00

What a lovely surprise in our mailbox today... an assortment of goodies made in Utah from Loralee! Thank you SO much, Loralee!!!

Resolutions?

2007-01-02T18:55:00.000-06:00

This is the time of the year when many people make New Year's Resolutions. I've done it myself. I've broken those resolutions and felt bad about it.

However, this year I would like to TRY to make some changes, such as:

Eat healthier
Exercise more
Cut back on cigarettes
Take time to read more
Clean out some closets/drawers/shelves
Post INTERESTING things on my blog

Well, a person can dream, right?

2006-12-31T17:15:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year !

Stay safe!

First Real Snow...

2006-12-29T18:49:00.000-06:00

Our first 'REAL' snow of this winter!

Christmas Break...

2006-12-28T16:43:00.000-06:00

A break in the school year is great. A break from a job is great. But a break is not really a break when you are no longer working or actually in school full-time. Then a break is just more time to do laundry, clean house, cook, wash dishes, and run errands. Oh, and take naps...

I find myself getting bored...

I was thrilled yesterday to receive two more books to edit for 'Seeing Hands'! The titles are: "...and now Miguel" by Joseph Krumgold, a Newbery Award winner, and "April Morning" by Howard Fast.

I have no sewing jobs right now, so I looked through my pattern selection and decided I would make 'doggie shirts' for our toy poodles. OK, call me crazy, but they are 13 years old, and their fur has gotten very thin. So when they go outside to do their 'business' in the winter, they get COLD! I will post pictures, I promise.

***EDIT***
First coat done...too small for Sony...tried to put it on Tiny and got bit...twice.... so they can just be cold...

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-23T21:24:00.000-06:00

A Note From God...

2006-12-22T19:45:00.000-06:00

We woke up this morning to about 1/2 inch of snow on the ground. Our son found this note on the white board in the kitchen... he has been complaining about the lack of snow... Did I mention that my husband has a weird sense of humor????

She's Home!

2006-12-21T11:45:00.000-06:00

My friend is HOME!!! The dr. released her and her sister-in-law brought her home! We (all her friends) will take turns sitting with her, bringing food, doing chores, etc. till she regains her strength. My day is tomorrow. I have a pot of chicken soup simmering on the stove as I write this. Her dr. says she cannot return to teaching until February, if then... it all depends on how well she recuperates.

I'm so happy for her. It was really scary for a while! Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes! It meant a lot.

Another Book...

2006-12-20T07:13:00.000-06:00

I just finished editing another book for 'Seeing Hands'. They are moving into books for junior and senior high age students. This latest book, "Chosen", by Chaim Potak, was absolutely wonderful!

"The Chosen traces a friendship between two Jewish boys growing up in Brooklyn at the end of World War II. Reuvan Malter the narrator and one of the novel’s two protagonists, is a traditional Orthodox Jew. He is the son of David Malter, a dedicated scholar and humanitarian. Danny Saunders, the other protagonist, is a brilliant Hasid with a photographic memory and a passion for psychoanalysis. Danny is the son of Reb Saunders, the pious and revered head of a great Hasidic dynasty. Over the course of eighteen chapters (divided into three books), the novel tells the story of the friendship that develops between the two boys, and it examines the tensions that arise as their cultures collide with each other and with modern American society. "

I learned so much from this book! Can't wait to see what they send me next...

Good News!

2006-12-17T17:47:00.000-06:00

My friend is definitely on the mend! Dr. has removed her intravenous 'drips', and says she is ready to move out of ICU into a regular hospital room.
I am so happy! Thank the Lord!!!

Beta Version is CRAP!!!

2006-12-15T21:02:00.000-06:00

I've spent the last HOUR trying to switch to the new Beta version of Blogger. Back and forth, back and forth. What a piece of CRAP!!!

Our Group Project...

2006-12-15T09:19:00.000-06:00

Our class meets today for the last time. Each group will be presenting our final project.
My group is "Fiber Arts"

I tried to link it on the right, but can't get it to work...

More Good News...

2006-12-13T20:39:00.000-06:00

My friend is a little bit better today. Dr. removed the breathing tube, her heart and aorta are 'stable'. They allowed her to sit up today, and she had a light meal. She is showing some of her 'feisty' spirit, and that is wonderful to hear!
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for her! She's not out of the woods yet, so please continue!

A Birdhouse Quilt...

2006-12-13T11:23:00.000-06:00

This is for a co-worker of my husband. She is the one in the office who brings cakes and banana bread and cookies and.... for everyone else. She is a sweetie! (and she collects birdhouses...)

A Good Report...

2006-12-12T23:16:00.000-06:00

The news on my friend is a slightly better again today. Baby steps...

A Comforter...

2006-12-12T19:09:00.000-06:00

I made this comforter for Dr. Morgan. A small thank you for all he's done for me!

Off to Class...

2006-12-12T08:17:00.000-06:00

I'm going to class today... wish me luck...

Update...

2006-12-11T20:57:00.000-06:00

The latest information on my friend's condition is not so good. She now has fluid on her lungs, so the dr. has inserted a tube and has her heavily sedated .

I feel so utterly helpless...

Even Better...

2006-12-09T20:57:00.000-06:00

My friend is doing slightly better... blood pressure almost normal, pain less, healing of the aorta is noticeable. No surgery today. Her dr. says that each day she can heal on her own gives her a better chance.
Keep praying. She is far from 'out of the woods' yet...

Pat, in her classroom last school year

Tomorrow...

2006-12-08T20:32:00.000-06:00

My friend will possibly have surgery tomorrow. More tests were done today, the doctors are hoping the tear will heal itself. If not, a delicate surgery...

My Friend...

2006-12-08T08:06:00.000-06:00

My friend is doing a little better. They still have her under observation, and on morphine. An MRI is scheduled for today to determine if surgery is needed.

Need Prayer...

2006-12-07T07:22:00.000-06:00

My very dear friend, Pat, is in the hospital... Abbot Northwest in Minneapolis...

She was airlifted down yesterday with chest pains...bleeding aorta...needs surgery but blood pressure dangerously high...

She is only 57...

Please say a prayer for her

Aspen's Cozy Quilt...

2006-12-06T16:56:00.000-06:00

This is the 'Cozy' I made for my friend, Aspen.

Project Linus, Again...

2006-12-05T14:14:00.000-06:00

Two more quilts and two fleece blankets.
My total for 'Project Linus' is now 44!

Possibilities...

2006-12-01T07:47:00.000-06:00

It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

- Walt Disney

Looking for a Pet?

2006-11-30T07:01:00.000-06:00

The St. Cloud animal shelter is closing... over 50 cats and dogs may have to be euthanized... if you are looking for a pet, please contact them!

More Baby Quilts...

2006-11-26T19:08:00.000-06:00

Four more quilts for Project Linus.

Hope you aren't getting tired of seeing baby quilts... here is one I made for my husband's new grand-niece.

Cooking the Dinner...

2006-11-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

Son, Colin, carving the turkey!

My son and husband making the Thanks giving dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T09:28:00.000-06:00

May everyone have a delightful, turkey-filled day today!
I have SO much to be thankful for!

A Question...

2006-11-20T23:56:00.000-06:00

I've been taking classes at BSU for 4 1/2 years now. The first two years, I took classes for credit, and earned 24 credits. Since then, I've been auditing. If I had taken the last year and a half for credit, it would have been an additional 18 credits.

All but one of the classes (Publication Design) were in the English department.

The current class I am taking, "Web Design for Content Writers", is a repeat of a class I took four years ago. Although, Dr. Morgan has changed it so it is like a brand-new class.

My question is this: Now what do I do? I've taken all the writing courses... and even took a "Literature Appreciation" course. I don't want to just quit... I want to keep learning... keep my mind active... but I don't know what else to take.

Maybe I can:

volunteer more often at the Walker School...
join the lady quilters on Thursdays at our church (my mom used to do that)
clean the house from top to bottom
practice playing my accordion
build a website for my sewing business
write something and try to get it published

Numbers 1 and 5 are the most likely...

I will continue to:

edit books for 'Seeing Hands'
make baby quilts for 'Project Linus'
work at my home-sewing business
keep posting on my blog (and read other blogs)
try to keep from going 'stir-crazy'

Any (reasonable) suggestions would be most appreciated!!!!

Aaahhhh.....

2006-11-19T09:47:00.000-06:00

Hershey's Kisses filled with Peanut Butter!!!!!!!

Yes!!!