Ruminating

So, an impromptu poem...by me!

The house was hot and sticky, so what the heck.
I decided it was time to go sit on the deck.

It was so sweet, swinging in the shade.
I began to think that I had it made.

The sun was shining on the tops of the trees,
And I was enjoying the beautiful breeze.

The birds singing, the smell of newly mowed hay,
I thanked the Lord for this beautiful day.

So, I hope you weren't expecting fancy prose,
This is just from my heart, heaven knows.

If you are having a stressful day,
Join me on my deck and swing away!

Merry Christmas!

I hope all of you have very happy holidays!

Today I am going to share a "country" version of T'was the Night Before Christmas.  It was written by my dear friend, Alice Longaker for her Christmas message in 2008.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Twas the night before Christmas and across the wide plains,

The highways required snow tires and chains.

Wool socks were a dangling on a peg real neat

In hopes they’d be filled with something ‘sides feet.

The boys, under quilts, snored in their bunks--

Dreaming of fishing and puppies and skunks.

Ma decked in fleece--me in long underwear

We’d just closed our eyes after saying our payers.

When out in the pasture there arose such a ruckus,

We jumped from our blankets—thought tornados had struck us!

With pillows and slippers and covers all tossed,

I peered out the window and wiped off the frost.

The moon was fat as a fresh apple fritter,

And snow was a twinkling like holiday glitter.

But a glance at the sky revealed something queer

A flatbed trailer towed by eight John Deeres!

With a driver all burly and bundled in red

It was Santa with a cowboy hat perched on his head!

More rapid than rattlers, his curses—they came--

He whistled and hollered and called out bad names.

“Yo! Tractor, and Combine, Snow Plow, and Grader,

Hey! Mower, and Scraper, Cotton Picker, and Gator!”

Up over the fence posts--along the rock wall,

“Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, all!”

Like tumble weeds bouncing way up high

When winter winds howl north from the sky,

So all that machinery put down on the roof

Jolly Santa and bags all filled up with loot.

In a flash, I heard tires crunching on shingles

With rumbling, putt-putting, and spurs all a-jingle.

I backed from the window, my thoughts in a jumble,

When Santa came down the chimney a-tumble.

All zipped in red coveralls (flannel-lined to boot)

Though ash and engine oil covered that suit.

He flung a bag up over his back

Just like a burlap onion sack. 

He had a friendly face--sorta wrinkled and old,

And his nose and cheeks were red from the cold.

Under his mustache, his teeth had a grin,

And curly, white whiskers grew on his chin.

His cheek swelled a bit with a plug of chew,

And the back of his hand had a snowflake tattoo.

He had a big belly—he was a big fellow;

He shook all over like Ma’s Christmas Jell-O.

He was pure country--and no city slicker

All of a sudden, I started to laugh and snicker.

Ma punched me—I gasped, but Santa just winked;

He nibbled a cookie with milk for a drink.

He never said a word—just unloaded the treasure

Filled up the socks and a boot for good measure.

Scratching his belly, tying the bag in a knot,

And tipping his hat up the chimney he shot.

He climbed on his rig—with a shout--up they flew

Filling the skies like a harvesting crew.

 I heard him bellow, as he soared ‘cross the prairie,

“I hope this Christmas is happy and merry!”

©Alice Longaker

Christmas 2008

I Am Still Here!

I know it may seem like I dropped off the face of the earth, but nope.  Still here, thank God.  I have been missing due an accident.  I fell most of the way down a flight of stairs.  Yeah, pretty lame, I know!  Broke my left collar bone and ring finger on my right hand.  The shoulder is pretty good now.  My right hand is still in a cast, but I hope it will be off soon.

My stamping business has been on hold for a few weeks, but I am working on getting that back on track.  I even have a workshop scheduled for next month.  It will be really nice to stamp without this cast.

All of my children and grandchildren were home the weekend of the 9th.  We had so much fun!  We visited a local farm stand for pumpkins, Culver's for lunch (if you have never had a Culver's Butter Burger you are missing a wonderful burger), and then to the apple orchard by Baraboo. I will include a few photos here.

 Forgive me for not writing a whole lot tonight, but it gets tiring.

TTFN,
Ginny

High School Reunion

I recently attended my 40 year high school reunion. I went to Alameda High School in Lakewood, Colorado. There were about 40 classmates attending and it was AMAZING! I couldn't believe how I still recognized most of them. Some have hardly changed since we graduated! I had been corresponding with some people on Facebook, but it was nice to see them in person. 

I am the 3 person from the left in the seated row.  I was laughing so hard!  All the spouses were clicking away with cameras and making silly comments.

This week my dear daughter and the two youngest grandbabes are visiting.  They have been visiting various friends and relatives to pet lots of animals.  They have seen rabbits, sheep, chickens, horses, ponies and COWS!  They get so excited by it all.  We went to the town hall to play on the little playground, we have been to Madison, and the kids have had a chance to visit some of their "cousins" (dear daughter's cousins' children) to play.

My mom is in Arkansas at my uncles' home.  He had heart surgery about 3 weeks ago and she went down to help him during his recovery.  I got a call from her last night saying that my uncle is back in the hospital with a possible stroke or TIA.  He has been recovering remarkably well until last night.  My prayers are going out to him and his family.

TTFN,
Ginny

New Business!

Hi, everyone! I know it has been a long time since I posted, but I do have a bit of news to share.

Two of my favorite hobbies are stamping and scrapbooking. Once upon a time I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, but I had to give it up as I was working full time and wasn't able to devote the time needed. Well, now I am retired and I have oodles of time. So I am once again a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! I have a new stamping blog and the address is: www.inkorswim-ginny.blogspot.com. Come and check it out. I will be posting projects, Stampin' Up! specials and more.

TTFN,
Ginny

Threes

They say bad things come in threes. I always kind of believed this but I think it was verified for me in the last two or three weeks. First, my husband's uncle passed away. He had a long and happy life and was 97 years old. I was ready to go to the funeral when my daughter called. Her father-in-law had reached the last days of his life. I headed down to help with her small children. Her FIL passed away two days after I arrived. Then, two days after his funeral I received a call that my aunt had passed away. I ended up flying down south then. I finally arrived back home this past Wednesday. Okay, enough for bad things.

We are going down to DS the elder's home tomorrow for my oldest granddaughter's birthday. I can't believe she is 9! I am looking forward to her party. It will be fun to see everyone. I have so much fun shopping for her. She is a very girly girl and I love buying her clothes. Her younger sister has declared herself a tom boy and doesn't want anything "girly" looking.

Done for now!

TTFN,
Ginny

I think I have it!

I think I finally have enough novelty prints to make the I Spy quilts I have been planning for so long. When I started collecting fabrics, I never realized that it would take so long or be so hard to find enough different prints. At least the quarter yard I bought of each will be enough to do several quilts in different sizes.

Lately, I have been in a bit of a slump. I have turned really, really lazy; even worse that usual. Not sure how I am going to get around it. I don't feel especially depressed, but I do feel lethargic. When I leave home it gets better, but when I am here...ugh! Maybe I actually miss Mom more than I thought. If that is the case it will be better next month. Mom is due home on April 3.

My youngest son and his lovely wife bought their first home and are due to move in at the end of this month. I am so happy for them!

They just did a report on the news about a driver killed recently. Turns out she was texting and driving and didn't notice the semi truck in front of her. Not a pretty sight and sad because it is so preventable.

I am getting over a really stupid cold. It really just affected my throat. My throat got scratchy; a little at first then quite a bit in the middle. It's so annoying because nothing helps it. But, it is getting better...I think.

Okay, just wanted to throw a couple of thoughts out here.

TTFN
Ginny

We're Home!

Herm forced me to get on the plane; darn it! I did NOT want to come home. We had the best time in Cancun. I love it there. We stayed at the Blue Bay Club Cancun. The resort is as far from the hotel zone as you can get. That means it was low key, peaceful, and perfect. I never knew I would like just laying on the beach so much. They have thatched roof umbrella shaped roofs that were perfect for me. I can't take the sun.

We liked it so well, we joined their vacation club. As members (actually the membership is with Premier by Original) we received VIP treatment and it was wonderful. I got so spoiled having someone bring me unlimited virgin pina coladas! I know, I know, I am a wuss! I don't drink, but they taste just as good without the booze. But, the bartenders kept repeating "no booze?" in stunned voices.

My right knee started acting up at the Cancun airport. We were in such long lines for immigration and customs. By the time we got to the hotel I was getting very cranky. They warn you about the time share people at the airport and Herm got pulled in for at least 45 minutes. I wasn't happy about standing around and there were no chairs or benches. But that was the only real bad experience I had.

On Saturday we went to Isla Mujeres; a lovely, small island near Cancun. You rent a golf cart there to see the whole island. They have the most beautiful colors on their homes. They were getting ready for Carnivale and there were floats loaded with dances everywhere. We had a great day.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week they have dinner theater performances. They were fun takes on Disney themes. Monday was Pirates of the Caribbean, Wednesday The Lion King and Friday was The Little Mermaid. On Saturday they had a special Tribute to Micheal Jackson show. We really enjoyed the shows.

The food was wonderful! I tried new things and found I liked them. For instance: jicama (not sure if I spelled it right). A Mexican food vegetable that's taste and texture seemed to be a cross between a water chestnut and a raw potato. Tasty!

Blue Bay Club is not a new, elaborate hotel. But the staff more than makes up for that. The service was super and we will be going back next year. Okay, now to post a few photos and I will stop boring you.

TTFN,
Ginny

My Dear Husband's 60th Birthday Party

What a fun evening we have had! All of my husband's brothers and sisters (along with their spouses) and all of our children and grandchildren gathered at a local restaurant tonight to celebrate his 60th birthday. He is the oldest of 10 children, so his reaching 60 is a milestone.

Our favorite local party place is the Dorf Haus. A German restaurant in the tiny village of Roxbury. The owners and their staff are wonderful and helped to make things special. Herm's brother, Paul (the baby of the family), got everyone there. Paul's wife, Tina, made adorable little favors of tiny wine bottles filled with M&Ms. Tina also ordered a cake from a friend of hers. It was so neat, a singing fish with gummy worm baits in Oreo "dirt".

I ordered the entertainment. If you live within 200 miles of Madison, Wisconsin and need a singing telegram I have just the person. Her name is Catherine and she is know as the Banana Lady. She came as Nurse Nancy to make sure Herm was fit to celebrate such a big birthday. Hilarious! She even made balloon animals for the grandchildren. Herm and our son, Mike, had balloon birthday hats, too. Catherine has a number of characters that she does and she incorporates information about the person into her performance. And, of course, she gets the birthday person very involved in it as well. I will attempt to post photos here.

Monday morning we leave for Cancun; weather permitting. So, I will be out of touch for over a week. I'm a little afraid of internet withdrawal but, all in all, it should be a good thing. Nothing to do for a whole week but read and talk to Herm.

TTFN,
Ginny

Thank you!

Thanks for the kind comments and words of encouragement. Sunny, I have nothing BUT time. The question is why don't I get MORE done? Because I am lazy, that's why. I could be sewing a lot more, but I don't. It is time to get going though. My intentions are to make quilts for each of my children and their spouses in time for their anniversaries this year. I would also like to make a couple of other quilts for my sisters and my mom. We'll see how it goes. A couple of them will be lap quilts so should go together fairly quickly.

As usual I saw in the New Year all alone. Sigh! My husband and mother don't make it past 9 or 10 pm.

DH took me to a movie this weekend. We have so much fun when we go out! Went to see Avatar 3D. Um, I think I prefer 2D. It is cool to see the 3D but it doesn't have the intensity of color and sharpness of the 2D. I didn't think it was worth the extra money. I had the same problems with Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. The fuzziness of the 3D gives me a horrible headache. That said, I LOVED Avatar! The imagination of the piece was the best I have seen since Star Wars. More about Pandora please!

I did something toward cleaning out some of my "stuff" today. I searched the house for all the books on CD I have scattered all over. There are many sets missing discs, usually because I listened to them in the car and then in the house. Some are missing the jackets. So, I matched up all the sets I could and I am taking those to the second hand book store to get some credit to buy more books. My goodness! I had no idea there were so many! I love the books on CD for driving down to Chicago; especially when I am all by myself. Mom likes it, too, and it give us something to talk about when we are going somewhere. I even listen to them while I am sewing and stamping. I get more done when I have something to listen to. Time flies!

I have to admit that the craft room got a little messy over the holidays, but I am getting ready to go up there and put things away. Believe it or not, I was sewing right up to Christmas Eve. But I did get everything done and I am proud of myself.

The Miller Christmas Party was wonderful again this year. We have such wonderful traditions that make me happy I belong to this family. Santa comes every year for the little ones. My youngest granddaughter sat on his lap the whole time he was there! Thanks to Bob Gaumont for taking on Santa duty this year. Then we have a white elephant exchange. That is one of my favorite things we do. This year I got a gift box for my exchange. That's all. A gift box. My darling youngest son said, "Take our box, Mom. It is a really good one. It's the one with the curly red bow!". He got me!

Our family also does a charitable donation each year. Anyone who wants can write down the name of a charity and put it in the "hat". We also write down the amount we are willing to contribute. The best part is that this year my charity was drawn. I am proud to say that this year the Miller family donated $1040 to the St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. DH and I have been donating to them ever since his father passed away. Dad was a supporter for a long time before that. I am proud to belong to this family.

Okay, goodnight! I have bored everyone enough now.

TTFN,
Ginny

Christmas 2009

The long awaited day has come and is almost over. What a wonderful day we have had! Everyone made it here safely, the food ended up being good, and we all got wonderful gifts.

My girls were thrilled with their quilts and the little ones with their "snuggies". There is a story that goes with the "snuggies". My youngest granddaughter wanted a zebra snuggie so bad, but they don't make them in kids' versions, the zebra ones that is. So grandma thought she would be clever and make her one. Could I find a pattern online that made sense? No. Could I find a pattern in one of the catalogs? No. So, I made a double layer fleece blanket that we have to call a snuggie. At first I couldn't find the zebra fleece in any of the stores. I finally found it online but wasn't sure it would come in time. It did come though and I got the "snuggie" made in time and she loves it! Contained in this post are photos of all the children with their blankets. Little grandson liked his "roads" snuggie. Especially when he found the wide satin ribbon loop I attached on the back for him. The moment I showed it to him he started rubbing it and the other thumb went right in the mouth. So cute!

I got everything I wanted for Christmas. My family home, loving each other and peace reigning in my home, (now that little grandson is in bed, tee hee). I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

As a final note, youngest granddaughter just said "my snuggie doesn't have SLEEVES". So much for little kids not being aware of things.

TTFN
Ginny

Don't Faint

Don't faint! But, I have completed both quilts! They are far from perfect; the bindings are not the best, but they are completed. This has to be a first for me. Finished and on time. I think I am going to faint. Now I can hardly wait for Christmas!

I still have to sew two fleece blankets for the babies but that I should be able to do in a day or so. And they will be sewn instead of tied. I can just see the little guy untying them just for fun.

This past weekend I went to Chicago to babysit the littlest ones. My DD and her hubby went to the Bears/Packers game. DD is, of course, a Packers fan and had to sit in the middle of a group of Bears season ticket holders. They had a great time and I really enjoyed watching the babes.

I will post photos of the quilts here and then I am going to sign off until after Christmas. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy holiday season.

TTFN,
Ginny

Getting There

So, I actually finished the purple quilt! The binding was a little harder than I expected and I'm just a little nervous about binding the second one. Procrastinating royally is more like it. I really need to get going so I can finish in time. But, I have until Christmas evening, so....! LOL I am waiting for an order of fleece to come in so I can do a blanket for youngest granddaughter's gift. Of all things she wants a zebra snuggie! It was impossible to find the zebra fleece locally so I had to order online. Sure hope it gets here in time!

Mom had the surgery a week ago to remove the hardware from her elbow. She is doing well and I take her in tomorrow to get the staples out. She is using the arm very well and we hope she'll be able to finally put the accident behind her.

I had the most wonderful chat with DH tonight. He told me that he thought I was "gorgeous" when he met me. If he weren't sick with a cold I would kiss him to pieces. I love that he felt that way as I have always thought of myself as plain.

Okay, enough smarmy stuff. Don't have much else to say except goodnite!

TTFN,
Ginny

Cheating

So, okay, I cheated a little on the quilts. I have taken them to a shop to be machine quilted. It was really intimidating at the thought of trying to put it all through my short arm machine. This way, I at least know they will be done in time for Christmas. Somehow I erased the last photos of Emma's quilt. Darn it! Oh, well, when I get it back from the shop I will take more.

We're all doing well. Mom continues to improve. We took a trip to the mall yesterday and walked from one end to the other and back. She did remarkably well! We even got a little shopping done.

Tomorrow she and I are going down to DS the elder's home for my granddaughter's birthday party. She is 7 today and getting so grownup. I can't wait to see everyone. All my children and grandchildren will be there and we'll be together again on Christmas Day. Love it!

Guess that's all I have to say. It's been almost a month so I thought I had better check in. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

TTFN,
Ginny

Moving Along

I am almost finished with the next quilt top! Unreal...me? I want to post a photo of the next quilt, but I am waiting until I have added the borders. I hope my middle granddaughter likes it. She declared herself a tomboy and the quilt has a blue and yellow floral fabric as the main fabric and inspiration. Blue and yellow are one of my favorite color combinations. Cool, sunny, serene...all at the same time. There is also quite a bit of white.

Life continues to improve on a steady basis. Mom is feeling better and stronger now. Her strength is still weak on the left wrist but the elbow is flexing good as new.

The children and their families are well. We are about to celebrate my middle granddaughter's 7th birthday. They are growing up so fast!

Our holidays are shaping up to be fairly quiet this year. And for the first time, I am okay with that. I think I am finally over the empty nest thing...my youngest is only almost 30. Took long enough.

Okay, until I have the new quilt ready for photos I am signing off.

TTFN,
Ginny

I DID it!

Here of photos of the quilt top. I finished it tonight! I am so happy I'm dancing on air. Can you tell things are going well? No more chatter, I just wanted to say hi and get these photos up because for once in my life I am actually finishing a project.

New Project

On to a new project! I am actually sewing a quilt for one of the granddaughters. I wasn't sure about all this when I started, but I am having fun! How can is it possible that I can cut crooked strips when using a grid ruler and rotary cutter. Even my best strips seem to be off. But, when I sewed them together I actually got a cohesive looking result. Photos will be posted.

Everything is going well here. My mom got her cast off yesterday and is a little disappointed that it still hurts when she moves her wrist. I keep telling her that it takes a long time to recover from injuries as serious as hers, but she's impatient. We found out they didn't perform surgery on her wrist because of all the skin missing on her hand. It would have increased her risk for a serious infection. As it is, even after 7 weeks there is still a large scab on her hand it isn't ready to come off yet.

Going to spend time with my older granddaughters this weekend. Their parents are going to a wedding so we get to spend a whole day together. Can't wait!

Okay, photos and then I am off.

TTFN
Ginny

Creating Again!

So, I have been making cards again. Not great cards, but making them anyway. Attached are a couple of photos. For everyone's information, all supplies are Stampin Up!

Things continue to get better and better. Mom is feeling better, I am feeling wonderful! My car has been under the weather but has now been fixed; so I am all set to babysit in Chicago this weekend. Woohoo!

I am going to post my cards here and then I am done for tonight.

TTFN
Ginny

Finshed!

I am done with all the sewing for the craft room!!!! I can hardly believe it. The valances, the sewing machine cover, the cushion and pillow covers. The pillow cover is made using Stampin Up ribbon and buttons. Who knew SU supplies were so versatile?It was an interesting journey, but a fun one! So, until I get a quilt made there will no more photos of the craft room. My next sewing project is a quilt for my oldest granddaughter. Wish me luck as I am horrible at cutting straight strips. LOL

Okay, I think that is enough for now!

TTFN
Ginny

Working On It!

Rats, I just wrote an entire post and hit a wrong button. Poof, it was gone. So here goes again!

I have indeed been working in my craft room. The piecing for the front of the sewing machine cover is done and now I have to put the rest of it together. I have also been making cards for a great-niece and great-nephew's birthday party today. They aren't fancy cards, but I like them anyway. I will post them with this entry. Let me know what you think, okay?

My poor mom. In addition to being broken and battered, she developed a horrible sinus infection and can't hear worth beans. If anyone were to listen in on our converstions, they would think we're angry all the time. Sometimes she and I just look at each other and go "hanh?" for giggles. But I know it is very frustrating for her. On Monday she gets her cast reduced from a full arm length to a wrist/forearm one. I know she is looking forward to that!

All the grands will be here later this morning. They are coming to the birthday party. I love it!!!

Okay, 'nough said for now.
TTFN
Ginny