Sunday Ramblings...

Sunday Ramblings...my way of posting about small things that have happened during the week that don't warrent their own post...

1) The weather finally settled down by Friday evening...and the city is cleaning up the downed trees. Saturday and today have been just gorgeous...even a little on the cool side!

It was so nice that Mother and I took a ride. We started out going somewhere special (I'll tell you all about it tomorrow when I can post photos)...and took a side trip to check out where the big "pick your own" Apple farm was. I thought about it - but, it was packed!\

2) I've never liked cucumber or the smell of it - so would you please tell me what was I thinking when I got some shampoo and conditioner that has cucumber in it and smells of it so much! I almost re-washed my hair today! Now I'm on a mission looking for anything in my cosmetics, bath products, and shampoos that has that in it...It's outta here!!!

3) Reading time has been at a premium this month - only read 271 pages - when I usually read over 1000. But the book I read was really good...From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, The War, and a Dog Named Lava by Lt.Col. Jay Kopelman with Melinda Roth.

4) Am having a wonderful time reading a poem a day! That seems to be about as much poetry as I can handle in one day...and it gives me time to reflect on the poem.

5. Okay, what gives with the new tv show: Journeyman? I'll tell you I felt like I was at a tennis match watching the ball go over the net - only it was him back and forth and back and forth. I felt like I was going to get whiplash!

6) The other new show I was looking forward to was Life - but I got so tired of him talking to himself or mumbling and always having a mouthful of food - he just plain got on my last nerve! Guess I should have logged on that night and chatted with the executive producer...

Yesterday's poem: Any Wife or Husband by Carol Haynes
Today's poem: To My Unborn Son by Captain Cyril Morton Thorne

We Made The News...

No, not Mom and I - but, my little city. Our news comes from our Queen city, Manchester, which is a ways away- so, it seems like they never cover us...but they did on Thursday night!

We had a horrible storm! Really horrible. I was at the old house getting the rest of my clothes out of there when the storm started. We could hear thunder rumbling for about an hour before - then suddenly, the sky burst. We had hail - huge hail...I honestly thought it it was going to break the glass in the skylights it was hitting so hard.

The storm broke and we managed to get to my apartment...(it's only 4/10ths of a mile). Mother still wasn't home...and the storm started again. Horrific lightening...then all of a sudden we heard a loud crack and the fire alarms in my building went off, the electric went off and everyone was out trying to figure out what happened. Fire engines were everywhere - and in the middle of all this Mother came home...

The house across the street got hit with lightening and it came through an outlet and hit their six week old baby boy. He is alright - I spoke to his mother yesterday - and he was checked out at the hospital and there was no damage to him anywhere...she said it was a miracle!)

The golf course across the street lost three huge trees - one of them directly across from our window...had it fallen toward the street it would have hit our apartment building. There was an extreme amount of damage to trees and landscape but thankfully no lives were lost...

We were happy to be safe...and thankful that all was well - but, the storm was enough to get the news crews here!!!

Open Air Photo...

One of my favorite sites is Open Air Photo. Elizabeth is very talented...and takes beautiful photos that express her love of nature and animals. She can create note cards, holiday cards, or just photos in any size from her photography. If you are interested all you have to do is contact her.

I know I recommended her site a while back - but the day I did the server went down! So, I'm telling you about her again. Plus she has added a ton of photos to her "Gallery" - so do go check it out and if nothing else send her a message to encourage her. I know that would make all the difference in the world to her...all of us arty types know how that feels! You can tell her I sent you.

Edited by Sara: To leave a message for Elizabeth - you need to use the Contact me link...sorry!

It's Comin' Together...

The ebb and flow of the apartment is now what I want it to be...oh, make no mistake - there is still a bit of putting stuff away and where I want it...and a few pieces of furniture that need to be moved...but it's comin' together!

Last night I had the first really decent night's sleep since I moved in...changing the direction of the bed was the best thing I could have done.

Today is work on the closet day...and then on to the rest of the room. Hopefully by Monday everything will be where I want it to be in the living room, kitchen/dining room, hall, and my bedroom. Then I can finish up Mother's room on Tuesday and maybe part of Wednesday.

I'm so excited that everything is about to be completed and I can "get on" with my quilting, knitting, and other crafts...

Today's Poem: A Woman's Question by Lena Lathrop

I'm Exhausted...

No, it isn't another quiz...I'm really exhausted. Today was the day that a neighbor and I got into my apartment and moved furniture until I was happy with the way the place was looking. When I moved in May, I sort of set things up the way I thought I wanted them and the way I thought they would work...it didn't work!

My bedroom was the biggest problem...so, we rearranged the funiture today...and I don't have the lightest furniture in the world! Besides we didn't even empty the full bookcases - just slide them along! It was work - but now I am able to have all my quilting fabrics in my room and within easy reach. Hopefully there will be photos in the next few days...

Someone asked if I was still reading a poem a day - and I am! Just been lazy about posting them! It won't happen again...

Saturday's Poem: Kashmiri Song by Laurence Hope

Sunday's Poem: My Life Is A Bowl byMary Riley Smith

Monday's Poem: A Mile With Me by Henry Van Dyke

Tuesday's Poem: An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley

Today's Poem: Fellowship by Unknown

Quick Quiz...Busy Day...

You Were a Cheetah

You are quick and elusive, with keen senses. You are able to have intense concentration for short periods of time.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

Finished Blocks

The blocks are finished. Think they turned out rather nicely. Everything matches up! It is probably one of the best jobs of matching seams up that I've done in a long time. They still need to be squared up to 12-1/2 inch blocks - but for the life of me I still cannot find my 12-1/2 square inch ruler. It is still in some box I am sure!

Didn't realize how much I missed sewing...and putting together some pieces of fabric and making something pretty. I haven't touched my sewing machine since I moved into my new apartment in May. And, it is nearly the end of September! That is not going to happen again!

I so love the feeling I get when I sit down and put pieces of fabric in some orderly manner and they turn out to sometimes be gorgeous! I don't even think I can explain the feeling...maybe if you are another quilter you will understand what I mean.

The purple star will go into a quilt that is comprised of blue, green and purple stars. I haven't seen the other blocks that everyone is making but it should be beautiful! The person receiving this quilt needs the comfort that it will bring her - not just the warmth from the fabric itself - but, knowing that people she doesn't know have made a block for her and put their best wishes into it and cared enough to do so.

The red star block will go into the quilt that we will raffle. All the stars will be different reds. Have no idea why but these red star quilts go over so well - and we make quite a bit on the raffles. The monies will provide many massages for the terminally ill - and the therapists will get a portion of what they normally charge in payment from this quilts proceeds.

I will do my best to get photos of the completed quilts so that you can see them.

Quilting Day...

Killian here, again!

Mom is sewing today. Seems she has to have two blocks done in time for quilt group tomorrow night. Both the blocks are for the guild - one for a raffle quilt for the Hand to Heart project which offers free massage to terminally ill patients who cannot afford them. The monies raised from the raffle goes to give the therapist some payment for their services. Red Stars on a white background.

The other is a Comfort quilt for a neighbor and friend of the guild. This will bring her some joy. Green, purple, or blue star on a muslin background.

She is thinking about what to do with her Block of the Month - and has stacks of fabric everywhere...so, I think I'll do what I do best...

Ta da...

A Year of Simple Things...Week 19

Refrigerator pickles - such a simple thing. Before when I made pickles it was the water bath way. Easy enough - but this was so much simpler. Carole gave me the idea when she made some refrigerator pickles...using her take on a recipe found at Coconut and Lime. Ended up making six jars!

These pickles are so much more crunchier than any other pickles I've ever made! Thanks, Carole and Coconut and Lime!!!

Friday Fill-in...

This looked like fun!!! Janet had this on her blog...it's called Friday Fill-in...and it seemed like a fun thing for today...

1. I think my sewing machine is calling my name.

2. I desire a day at the spa getting lots of pampering.

3. What if our pets could talk to us - wonder what Killian would tell me?

4. The best thing about New Hampshire is that it is close to Boston, Vermont, Maine and Canada.

5. When will I be loved? (oh, that's a song title, isn't it. )

6. The best thing that happened to me so far this week was that my car is now fixed, drivable, and safe.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to making stuffed peppers, tomorrow my plans include working on two quilt blocks and Sunday, I want to make sure the blocks are finished and maybe even the Block of the Month is done!

Today's poem: To a Friend by Grace Stricker Dawson

A Year of Simple Things...Week 18

Finding shoes that actually fit mother! These come from L.L.Bean - Size 3 Kids. The days of tying shoes laces are over...my greatest fear was that she would fall on her head when she bent over to try and tie her shoes...so slip-your-feet into shoes are much simplier. Plus these look really cute on her!

Today's Poem: The Abiding Love by John White Chadwick

Laurel Burch

Famed artist Laurel Burch, whose gorgeous and bright fabrics were one of my favorites for use in quilting passed away. You can read more about it here. I certainly will miss her beautiful fabrics.

Condolences to her family and friends...

Farm Friends...

I love cows! Don't exactly know what it is about them...think it's their faces. They have the sweetest faces and prettiest eyes. These are some of the cows that we spend time with while at Garden Meals. They furnish all the milk, cheese, and yougart for the community.

She is a fairly new calf - not very old and was sticking pretty close to mom who kept moving so I could not get her face in the photo.

Do you think I'm pretty? I have a very shiny coat.

Will a close up work for you...what is that weird thing you have that keeps clicking?

Let's make sure you get my best side...how's that?

Pretty day in the meadow, don't you think? I'm enjoying wandering around.

Yesterday's Poem: Ad Finem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Today's Poem: All Paths Lead To You by Blanche Shoemaker Wagstaff

Lean...Mean...Green...Machine...

Never really thought of myself as being an environmental type person - I've just done things that I thought were earth friendly...but, until I took that quiz yesterday - I didn't realize how much of what I do supports our earth.

Have always been a firm believer of shopping local vendors - that includes farmers markets, businesses, and local veggies at my grocery store. Try to shop stores that give back to the community, too.

Cans, glass, paper, and plastic ends up being recyled. In a way it is kind of fun because one place gives me five cents per can, plastic bottle, or glass jar - that money becomes my "splurging fund" to buy yarn, fabric, and other items I need for my knitting and quilting.

Don't litter...use cloth grocery bags...donate things that I no longer use...pay and order things on line...and organize my driving so that trips are consolidated.

This year two new things were added to my list...now buy earth friendly cleaning and bathroom products and use the library instead of buying magazines or videos. There were a few other things on that list that I do.

It was kind of nice to figure out how little things add up to make our world a little better...

A quick quiz today...

Your Life is 72% Green

You live a very green life, and you're aware of how your actions help the earth. Of course, it's hard to be totally green. But when you make a tradeoff, you know why you're making it.

How Green Is Your Life?

"The Drool Factor"...

Ever since I was given the right to vote, I have always studied the candidates and the issues and really worked at making an intelligent decision!

This coming election I am thinking that maybe I should change my way of voting - think it's about time to go for "the drool factor".

The requirements are simple enough:

1) Must be handsome or beautiful - depending on the choices.
2) Has to look good in a tuxedo or evening gown...after all there is a lot of entertaining that goes on at the White House and I don't want to be embarrassed.
3) Great smile - dimples are an added bonus.
4) Must be able to speak intelligently.
5. Having social graces would be nice - it's doesn't look nice when you can't remember people's names or how to act among the leaders of other countries.

So here are my choices and being one to give equal representation to both parties - you get one of each...(party - that is)

What's not to like about John Edwards - he has a great smile, nice and fit, speaks well and has a lovely soft southern accent type voice. His eyes crinkle when he laughs. He is nice to women - you can tell by the way he acts around his wife and seems to be quite the family man. He is intelligent...and would look nice in a tux...

What's not to like about Mitt Romney - He is an extremely good looking man. The gray hair makes him look a bit distinguished and some women would say "sexy". He has a nice smile. Seems to be a family man who enjoys being with his wife, kids, and grandkids. His ads show him running or jogging - so he seems to be in good physical condition and has the type body that would look good in a tuxedo! Tall and stately. And, he seems to have good manners and don't think he'd bungle it if he were introduced to international leaders.

So, there ya go! My thoughts for the day...(please take this in the tongue in cheek spirit it was written in)

Today's Poem: Love's Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Quiet Evening...

Spent a quiet evening last night. Did a little knitting on the Red Scarf and am wondering if the second one will be done in time to mail. If not, I will be ahead one for next year.

Watched "Mrs. Henderson Presents" with Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. It made me laugh in places and cry in others. One of the interesting things was the special features which brought together some of the women who were the original Windmill Theatre Girls. It was interesting to hear them talk about the time. If you haven't seen it - it's worth it.

Thank you all for the compliments on my boy, Killian. He was named for a character on a television show...Jack Killian played by Gary Cole on a show called Midnight Caller.

Today plan on unpacking a few things (the stray things are always the hardest)...knitting and watching a few more movies...The Queen, CSI: Miami - Disc 1 Season One.

Today's Poem: Love Me Little Love Me Long by Unknown

Took the little quiz below and was surprised that it is so like me...

I'm Sunrise...

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Mom's Got the Blues...

Killian, here...Thought I'd take over the Blog tonight...think Mom's got the blues! She's a little frustrated that the car won't be able to go get fixed until next Friday...cause that's the soonest they can fix it. Anyway, she's watching some movies and knitting...but, she'll be back tomorrow.

Me - I'm enjoying the window view...

And, taking a bath...
Later, dudes...(isn't that what all "cool cats" say????)

More lovely flowers...

The car is really sick...but, they were able to find the parts...and we'll ignore the amount it is going to cost to fix...because it's a lot cheaper than a new car...and it will be fixed next Friday. Plus we will be grateful to know that we can drive it around town but not on any highways until it is fixed.

So, since I needed something to brighten up my day...I present...

Again, more lovely flowers to brighten the day! Please enjoy!




Today's Poem: If I Had Known by Mary Carolyn Davies (Both verses are listed in the second post of the link)

Too cute...

Sneaking back in ... to let you know that you that this website has the most adorable photo on it - knitters will especially like it...

And, I forgot:

Today's poem: Kate Kearney by Sady Morgan (sorry no link)

What My Name Means...

I'm up to my neck in a bunch of little things today...so, I am leaving you with this cute quiz...(Thanks, Rhonda!!!!)

What Sara Maria Means

S is for Sensational A is for Articulate R is for Rich A is for Articulate M is for Mystical A is for Abstract R is for Responsible I is for Influential A is for Amazing

What Does Your Name Mean?

9/ll...

In memory and honor of the 9/11 victims

Busy Day, Again!!!

Such a fun day...started at 9:00 a.m. and ended up at home at 6:00 p.m.! Headed down to Keene, New Hampshire and we took I-91 getting off at Brattleboro, Vermont. Of course, we turned the wrong way and as we started to turn around there was a sign that read "Not Just Yarn"! Well, guess who had to stop. It is a delightful yarn shop...and yes, I bought some stuff...but, you can't see it...later. (I promise)

Headed for Pier 1 and Bed, Bath and Beyond...nothing of note to speak of...then my yearly lunch at the Olive Garden. Usually, I have the Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks - but, today I changed to something new. Started with the new cheese fondue type appetizer...oh my. it. was. so. good! Had the grilled chicken with grilled veggies and roasted potatoes. It was really good, too. Let's just say - it is almost 8 p.m. and don't want to hear the word food!

Spent the most amount of time at Target - stocking up on my cleaning supplies...and just browsing. Then we headed for home...

Today's poem: The Lake of The Dismal Swamp by Thomas Moore

(You will note there is now a link to the poem - makes it easier for you to go read if you so choose - thanks to whomever suggested that in a comment recently!!!)

A Year of Simple Things...Week 17

While at Garden Meals a few weeks ago these beautiful flowers were blooming. Simple flowers, free in the wild - now those are simple things!

About the time I was ready to snap this photo - the breeze came through. I think I captured the movement in this photo.
And, a close up...

Hope your day is full of simple things!!

Today's poem: Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms by Thomas Moore

Ducks...

Taking better pictures has become an obsession with me lately...so, I find myself practicing a lot! These are some photos I recently took of some ducks...



Hope you enjoyed them...

Today's poem: To Althea From Prison by Richard Lovelace

Photo Site...

Sometimes you run across an artist whose work you really enjoy...such is the photographer over at open air. Hope you drop by and encourage her...she really does nice work. By the way her photos are available as note cards or prints...just e-mail her...and ask.

My car is being yucky...and not driveable until I take it in to the shop on Tuesday. Lucky for me Tammy (our old roommate) is going to drive us on my annual trip to Keene, NH to Target and Olive Garden on Monday! Also want to check out a couple of the fabric stores...looking for some special fabric to make a vest out of.

Well, that's about it for today...

Today's poem: Walk Slowly by Adelaide Love

Fall Quilting...

Fall seems to be the time that my quilt quild becomes more active. Most of my quilt guild friends own farms and live in the country...as one friend put it -"I depend on my garden to feed me the rest of the year." So, between gardening, canning, and take care of outside things - there isn't a lot of time to do much quilting.

Once September rolls around there is much to do with the guild. We organize Saturday sit and sews at the school where we regularly meet. This is the perfect place to work on big projects.

But, the best part this year is that we are going to work on a block of the month quilt! We've all talked about doing one...but never have. So, this is the year! I am thinking about finally doing my black and white quilt. I think it will depend on what the patterns look like...

In the other news department: We finally found a home for Flood - my other outdoor cat. She has moved to a ten-acre-farm in Springfield, NH and will be the barn cat in a big heated barn. So, far she seems to be doing well! I am happy we found her a good home.

Poem of the day: Said the Rose by George H. Miles

The Boat Trip...Part 2...

This is Petey, a very special friend to everyone who goes to Day Out. At eleven years old he has just the right temperment without losing any of the Jack Russell characteristics. His day is spent going from person to person getting treats, sitting with them, or sleeping next to them. Oh, and lest we forget going everywhere with them...but, he especially likes it when there is water involved.

Petey is looking over the side of the boat searching for a good place to jump in and go for a swim. Fortunately for all of us he did not jump in and waited until the boat landed to go for his swim.

This is Carla holding Petey. She is his mom and is the director of the day out program. She is also a state representative. In addition to Petey, she has another Jack Russell who is Petey's mother and is 16 years old. Mother seems to be quite relaxed after a nice lunch. She really did enjoy the trip. Even though she doesn't see as well as others she can tell that there are houses on the shore...and likes the breeze that comes off the water. She has already told me that she wants to go again next year!!

Today's poem: Jenny Kissed Me by Leigh Hunt

The Boat Trip...

Monday through Friday Mother attends a program called Adult Day Out. She leaves home on a bus at 7:45 in the morning and returns home around 4:30. This year for the third year in a row, they received a grant to take the Lake Sunapee Boat Trip. The trip lasts two hours and includes lunch.

This year I was invited to go along and I was very excited as it was something that I have been wanting to do since I moved here...plus this was the first year that they would be using the larger boat and could afford to rent the entire boat.

The boat is totally enclosed and has a nice deck in the front and rear for sitting and enjoying the view...although there are plenty of windows to look out of also.

Here we are pulling away from the dock. Lovely area. Lake Sunapee is a small town but is just lovely to walk around in and see the shops. Plus to add to the shopping, I heard they just opened a new quilt store!!! Hmmm...guess that is going to call for a little trip up there soon!
A view of the lake as we head out. The day was perfect for a boat trip. Sky was beautiful and clear and the lake was just so blue. Not many people were out on the lake boating. I think we only passed one other boat during our trip and very few people were home at the "cottages." Yes, they do call those gorgeous homes "summer cottages"...
Here we have Mother and I...
And, this was the fabulous lunch they served. One of the best stuffed chicken breasts I've eaten in a long time. For dessert there was carrot cake...I do not like carrot cake...but, I would eat that carrot cake anytime. It was soooo good!

Today's poem: She Walks In Beauty by Lord Byron

Yarn Lust...

Ever since the woman sitting next to me at Border's during the Yarn Harlot's appearance showed me the sock she was knitting with Mountain Colors Painted Yarns there has been lust in my heart.

Actually came pretty close to buying some when I was in Portsmouth on my little trip with Cheryl and Julie. But, I had already bought three different socks yarns...and while treating one's self is nice - going over board is not.

Then imagine my surprise when I received a thank you gift for watching our dogs during an unplanned time and on the spur of the moment. Seems someone hit The Yarn Basket in Portsmouth and got me some Mountain Colors Painted Yarn! (And, I never said anything about this yarn or wanting it...)

The color is Sunburst and it is beautiful!!!!

Yesterday's Poem: A Woman's Shortcomings by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Today's Poem: A Woman's Last Word by Robert Browning

The Summer Cottages of Lake Sunapee...

September Musings...

Seems that the first of a new month brings tid-bits that don't quite make it into other posts...and a time to look back and plan ahead.

1. Ran up to the giant office supply store in my area - only one - to buy ink cartridges for my printer. Now I've had this printer for a while - got it when I lived in Tennessee so we are talking at least seven years. It is an HP DeskJet 693C (maybe those numbers should have told me something)...inquired as to the price of ink and was told close to $78. Gotta tell you - damn near fainted! This is an ink jet for heaven's sake!

For two more dollars I could have bought four Lexmark printers that they had on sale at Wally World and thrown them out when the ink ran out.

But for $20. more dollars I got a brand new printer - it is an all-in-one...HP C-4280! And, it came with ink! (Remember what I said about the numbers - the lower the printer number the higher the price for the Ink). Besides I had been wanting a scanner...so now I have one.

2. I can't drink Orange Juice any more...and I used to LOVE orange juice! Now it whacks out my stomach...must be the acid in it. They say your tastes change every few years - wonder if this is the year I'll like brussel sprouts??? (Nah...I doubt it)

3. There will be no margarine in my refrigerator again. That Dr. that is on Oprah every now and then said that our forefathers ate butter all the time...and our bodies are made to handle butter better...so, I'm switching. I've always used butter on my potatoes, pop corn, and on veggies that I would choose to put it on...but for cooking I used margarine...Not anymore! It's the real deal or nothing!!! I do like olive oil too...(no, not Popeye's girlfriend - the real stuff)!

4. One of the things I had wanted to read this summer was some poetry - but, my huge poetry book (The Best Loved Poems of the American People - published in 1936) was not unpacked. It is now...so each day I will be reading a poem...I'll let you know which one in case you want to read it too.

Well, that's it for today...photos tomorrow as I am uploading them from my camera today! Have a great first day of September.

Today's poem: Sonnet From The Portuguese by Elizabeth Barett Browning