Dollgiver's Attic

Another day....

2011-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Seriously its late September already?? I can hardly believe Christmas is around the corner... SO MUCH to do!!! Working on a few things all at once and they all seem to pull me in different directions. Finally the wedding is over for my step daughter so now maybe my focus can be on a special order I have and my Santas and such.
Here is a few pics of things I have been working on... This one was just listed on ebay today...

A few days ago I thought I needed a wreath on my front door.... Made one just to see what it would turn out like. Well I liked it!!! BUT wouldnt you know the base was on clearance and of course Wal Mart had sold out of all of them!! So onto JoAnns fabrics... with my 40% off coupon I found one that would work.... Here is my finished project...

So after all that I decided why not punish myself some more.... I mean heck I don't have orders due right?? What am I thinking?? So back to the store... The fall wreath I made for my daughter and the Boo wreath I made for my daughter in law...

WHOO HOO..!!!! I'm done and off to sew now!!!

Sunday morning...

2011-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Sunday morning.... A whopping 59 degrees!! I love it! There is no sun this morning which is pretty normal. The heat in the valley sucks the fog bank into our coastal town til about noon and returns about 6pm. I hear so many stories about weather, no rain, extreme heat etc. I get up and its calm, cool and green.... It truly for me is "Gods Country" I am truly blessed and hope that today is a Great Day!!

Life's a Yawn....

2011-08-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Exactly how I feel today!! What a crappy night!! This pic is of my dear and closest feline... she follows me everywhere, she sleeps all day and lives the life of a Queen.... Yet why oh why does she find it necessary during the night to wake me up continuously?? Seriously do you need attention all night too?? Needless to say I will be the one yawning today due to lack of sleep last night!! Thanks Brandy!!!

On a good note I hope.... I finally set up a selling blog!!! http://dollgiversattictwo.blogspot.com/ I hope to finally start adding my dolls and things to this. I figure it's worth a try. Yay to me!!

Well it's definetly a pot of coffee today to wake me up.... so onward with my day!!!

Well call me a liar!!!

2011-08-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Well obviously I did not stand by what I wrote earlier in the year!! I have not blogged... ME BAD!!! Oh so much is going on in life it isnt funny..... Divorces, Weddings, loved ones with Cancer and the list goes on and on. I think it's time to as my grandma would say to " FORGET ON IT"!!! I really feel the worst for my dear mom. That is one woman that bears so much on her shoulders. Things just have to get better!!!

Tonight was fantastic on another note!!! Travis Tritt concert at the Mill Casino!!! HOLY crap he was just as sexy now as he was 10 years ago!! And he can sing like no other!!! Great night... fifth row back and amazing!!!

So...... Now its about that time to lay my head down.... Can I sleep after watching Travis??? HMMMM sweet dreams tonight!! :) Going to have a new blog soon to sell items!!! So obviously I plan to be better at writing more often!!!! Niteee nite!!!

A day...

2011-01-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

Well what I promised I didn't do!! LOL like that is a big surprise!! I promised to update and well..... I failed once again. I can't say I actually have an excuse but I have enjoyed doing nothing the last month! So much happens leading up to the holidays that when January comes around it seems I fall apart,,, do nothing and now with a month gone out of 2011 it is time to wake up and get busy.
Today I will be cleaning my carpets... I have been wanting to do this since my daughter got married in May and well... one more thing I didnt do!! So without further procrastinating I will do them today!!! Onward!!

If all goes well today I will actually post pics of this last years ventures I have not kept up with on here!!! til then....

IT'S Been too long...

2011-01-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

2011 how the heck did that happen??? I have been wanting to update my blog for so long,,, and finally I did it!! I have so much to write it isnt funny, but..... I will have to do that a little later today... I promise!! Until then...

A WOOL SALE YOU CANT MISS!!!

2009-10-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Now through October 31st CROWING ABOUT PRIMITIVES is having her last wool sale of the year. Click on the link in red and it will take you right to her site... I use her wool on just about every doll I make and it is one of the best out there I have found to work with. VERY clean which is so important to me when paying out the money for wool. If you get a chance please take a peek at her wool... You wont be disappointed in your purchase!!!

2009-09-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

Another day in Paradise... today's trip was Hana. Took us 5 hours up and back. Going was better than coming back as Steve's driving scared the beejeebees out of me. I tried to read and keep my head down but I ran out of things to read!!! There are only over 600 hairpin turns and 60 something one lane bridges. Who designed this I havent a clue!!! Can only have been a male!!! We stopped at one beach where the waves were actually quite large than the side of the island we are on. Alot of surfers were out..we both enjoyed watching them..just not sure how they avoid permanent injury or death running into each other!Most of the waterfalls on this trip were not flowing... time of year and not alot of rainfall. Still beautiful and green on that side of the island and a pretty change from Lahaina...
So we are back in our condo tonight... finishing off my bottle of wine and relaxing... Tomorrow we catch a flight back to the mainland and home sweet home!!! My cats are missing me!!! LOL

2009-09-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

IN Maui!!! For those inquiring minds that want to know where I am!!! I think I need to be home sewing though. We got here on Saturday and I must admit it's very hot this time of year in the 90's and the winds have been horrible!!! The first night we went to Kaanapali and had dinner with Steve's parents, sister and husband.. Steve and I drove up to Mount Haleakala yesterday. 10,020 feet above sea level. We were in clouds and the temperature change about 30 degrees difference. On a clear day I'm sure it would be beautiful looking over the island but we could see nothing but clouds. The top of the crater is nothing pretty to look at but alot of brown lava rock...
So other than the little bit we have done am I having a good time?? NO. Steve and I are the only ones going anywhere. The rest of his family sits all day, watches tv or lays by the pool and reads!!! I can't do it!!! And some of the conversations and actions of certain individuals has been mind boggling!!! Immature and flat our rude. So I sit back... try to get through it,, I mean for heaven sakes I'm in Maui right?? I keep thinking I can be home sewing!!! LOL Steve and I were to be off to Hana today but those plans changed quickly when we had a tsunami warning here in Maui... yeah quite exciting to think about and something I don't want to experience while on a vacation! Luckily that expired and all they got here were larger waves and more frequent of them. SOOOO.... tomorrow Steve and I are off to Hana...NO ONE else is going!!! I want to enjoy it and take pictures along the way...so hopefully tomorrow I have happier news to report!!! Aloha!!

2009-09-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today Steve had a phone call no one wants to hear. His dad called him at work and told him he wanted to see him to talk about his health. When Steve arrived at his parents home his dad was in tears and proceeded to tell him that he has melanoma on his back. I have no idea at this point what classification it is or any details. As always we never hear everything that a doctor tells them. Tomorrow he will go back into the local oncologist and have more removed. They leave for Maui on the 23rd ( where we will be surprising them and Steves sister on friday) I understand he will return home after his vacation and then have an appt in October to see another oncologist at one of the hospitals in Portland. Steve mentioned chemotherapy but details I dont know yet. I will probably gather more information while on our trip. Needless to say please again keep Jack in your prayers. At his age chemo will not be easy by any means. I will update as I find out more.

I again painted Sunday til I ran out of paint. Made it through the entryway and the high ceilings and down the stairs and partway down the hall. I didnt feel like going to the store to buy more paint so maybe will try to finish that this sunday before we leave. I love the new colors, much warmer feeling. Got a new sofa downstairs so once it is completely painted down there and stuff hung I will take pics.

Working on some dolls here...progress is slow for me but Im getting there!!!

2009-09-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

Its FRIDAY!!! Not that I'm excited about fridays or anything but it does mean tonight is high school football and it happens to be a home game. Nothing special as Shane doesn't play anymore but none the less still fun to watch the kids play. I had a hair appointment this morning and got my already short hair cut shorter... lovin the new look!! LOL

I managed to list a couple pumpkin dolls finally on ebay!!! I had forgotten I had made them last year until a past customer asked me if I was making any this year. So I finally finished two of them...

Tomorrow we are off to Eugene.... Shopping and then at 7:30 pm the Ducks play.... OH we had better have a better night than we did last thursday!! I can only hope for a better outcome. Sunday I may be finishing the painting in the entryway... as of now its half done and not making me very happy. Enjoy the weekend!!!

2009-09-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I had posted the painting of the front doors of our house. We paid a guy to finish it and had him paint the garage doors also. One thing I don't mind is painting indoors but I hate outdoor painting!! We are both very pleased at the black doors and have had a few neighbors stop by to tell us they liked the change. Just need lights next to the front door and that job will be completed.

Yesterday was spent sewing on two new dolls. No painting was even attempted inside. I may venture to finish the remainder on Sunday. I'm still looking at this order I need to finish and I am still having a hard time picking it up to work on it. Why is it sometimes things are not fun to do?? My promise to myself is to work on her today without fail!!!

15 more days and I am Maui bound again!!! Second time this year,,, ya think Id have a home there by now!! We will be surprising Steve's sister and parents this time. So I guess this sewing stuff better get done quickly!!! Where has the time gone this year!!!???

2009-09-07T17:40:00.001-07:00

Okay so I'm bad again at keeping up on my blog... LOL Alot has been happening around here...!!! I have undertaken another huge job in painting the indoors upstairs and down. Ive been meaning to do it for years now and finally thought I need to do this before company comes for the wedding in July!!! So a few pics will show how it looks now. Ive gone with browns and different taupe's, now having three colors on the upstairs walls.
Its been a chore and I have made it to the entryway!!! Now the 16 foot ceiling to conquer and then its a piece of cake from there. Not sure if I will start that tomorrow or give myself a break and sew for a day. 3 days of painting is kinda boring but pretty!!!
I updated WSOAPP last night... Two Santa's on there that will be listed on ebay probably tomorrow. I guess I need to get an order completed I have here but when trying to find the right fabric for the dress I am having a complete meltdown. For the life of me I don't know what to use on her!! I gotta get myself in gear and find something for her. Also have naked doll bodies laying here to dress... hmmmm maybe I could rip one off that someone else gave me...OOPS me bad!!! LMAO!!
Many have asked how Shane is doing in the Air Force... I'd have to say extremely well!!! He has never yet complained about his 3:40 am wake ups to do PT.... or the heat that still blankets southern Texas. He has a cell phone now with his data plan so has complete access to internet in his hands at all times. A new computer and was able to use his Blackberry Storm as a modem and now has internet in his dorm room. He rooms with two other young men and they get along great. They love the care packages I've sent... More food!!! Last night a bunch of them went into town and walked the Riverwalk and hit Hooters for dinner... Sly Shane slipped the waitress his telephone number... LOL yeah that's SHANE!!!!!
I thought I would come in here and sew this evening but now I remember I need to make cookies and candy to send to Shane tomorrow....so off I go to bake!!!!

2009-08-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

I got a wonderful swap in the mail from NTDOLLS... Nancy!!! Oh what wonderful goodies I received!!! Happy day!!! The most adorable make do pumpkin head... Just too dang cute!!! Candles that are to die for smell!!! How fitting since Cranberry is one of my favorites!!! Also a bag of wonderful potpourri rosehips and cinnamon sticks with cranberry refresher oil!! Buttons....love buttons... a great tablet that I can never have enough of a wooden bobbin and beautiful laces and trims!!! Just wonderful!!!! Many many thanks Nancy. I cant wait to do another swap on our board!!!!

2009-08-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's official... Shane is an Airmen!!! What a wonderful time I had spending with him this last weekend!! Thursday we got the first glimpse of him at the Airman's run and then had to wait a couple hours til the Coin Ceremony. Very moving to hear the Airmen recite the Airman's Creed and receive their coins. Then it was time for me to make my way down to see him for the first time in 8 1/2 weeks. Oh the tears flowed when I grabbed on to him and hugged!!! He did so well... he sniffled and fought back the tears. I was so dang PROUD of him I could burst!! He looks so good in uniform!! Shane has never been a bad kid or one that caused troubles...but boy could you tell the difference in him. He isn't a boy anymore but a MAN. Everything he says is "yes mam, or sir" Its unreal how grown up he is!! Of course the goofy side is still there but not in public....lol While there we were finally able to get his college credits straightened out and he was able to sew that first stripe on his arm!!! Of course that meant having stripes sewn on all his clothing,,,, $80.00 later!! But its a pay raise and heck college he hated paid off!!!

Mom, Rhonda, JoAnn and Chris all flew in on Friday for the actual graduation ceremony. Shane was so happy to have them all there and if he didn't say it I know he mentioned it to me several times!! Poor mom walked her legs off!! Had some great food while down there but there is no way in HELL I would ever want to move there!!! HOT and DIRTY!! ick!!!Now Shane will stay at Lackland AFB for another 14 weeks, if all goes well with tests and training he will graduate Security Forces and come home finally for 10 days at least!! I am counting down the days to see him again especially back at home. The hardest thing was having to say good-bye and I am still having my moments when I talk about him. One nice thing is he has his cell phone and can call in the evenings. Once he can get online he will be able to use his new laptop and life won't be so boring for him in the evenings.So now I am back home and reality must take over again. I have got to sew!! I see on my moms blog that Christmas is 121 days away!! That's right around the corner!! I looked out in the yard yesterday and the weeds are quite happy and the grass is long..UGH that's a day of work in itself! I have all the walls to paint in the house in the worst way and a wedding that needs to be planned.... What is time? I don't know I'm not using it wisely and need to get my act together!! So after a few errands today I am sewing on two Santa's...if I can get them done then I will work in the yard tomorrow and maybe somehow I will get my long list of things to do DONE!!!It's good to be home and my cats missed me!! Brandy won't seem to leave me alone now. I think she thinks I'm leaving her again!! I miss Shane but I know he is safe and eating well. Until he comes home I will start checking off the days on the calendar once again.......

2009-08-18T08:13:00.001-07:00

The Day has came!!! We are off to Portland and have an early flight out tomorrow morning for San Antonio!! Hard to believe Shane is almost finished with BMT and graduating. It feels like forever since I have seen him!! I have had quite a few phone calls this last week, some short and some very long. He has been very talkative!! I plan to take lots of photos so my blog may be full of them....hopefully will update while on the trip. OH I am so excited!!!
I have been pretty busy sewing and did quite well on Santa's this last week. Last night I listed Galinda on a 5 day auction since I am leaving town. So much to do when we return from our trip!! I thought I would have a bunch of dolls stockpiled and ready to list in the fall... LOL NOT!!! Why do I have these high hopes and then not follow through with them?? So obviously I will have to put my foot down and sew and quit procrastinating!! But then there's all the weeds that need to be pulled before the rains start, and then all that painting that needs to be done inside the house!! Not to mention the wedding, Duck football games and Maui...OH such a busy schedule coming up!!! I need a clone!!! Anyways... I have so much to do here I need to get off this computer... Procrastinating is one of my crutches in life... I haven't packed yet!!! We leave in a couple hours!!! Wish me luck on my trip!!!

2009-08-14T08:53:00.001-07:00

I'm back and blogging again!!! Well at least today I am...LOL I don't even know where to begin so much has happened since I last decided to write. I had girls trip in CA, and my sister and Brother in law arrived last weekend. Things have been going very quickly here and seems a day starts and ends without much of a blink of an eye. So much I want and or need to get done...and the days are over before I begin.
While Rhonda and Brian visited we went to the ocean twice. The girls loved searching for shells and we had two of the most beautiful days here to be at the ocean!! The heart in the sand is a jellyfish in the perfect shape of a heart... SO COOL!!!! Rhonda and I also took the girls to the Wildlife Safari park south of Bandon. I had never been there and was nice but a little spendy. A little of everything at the park and sometimes quite stinky!!! Regardless it was a nice but short visit. I hope they enjoyed themselves as it seemed we never stopped moving while they were here.
Tuesday is finally the day Steve and I leave for San Antonio!!! I cant begin to write how excited I am to see Shane again! He left on June 23rd and it feels like a lifetime ago. All the letters and the few phone calls have been very positive. He seems to have no time to miss home or his things/friends. New friends have been made through BMT and he sounds happy. I do catch the occasional he can't wait to see me comments.... Of course that makes me happy!! We will arrive in San Antonio on Wednesday. Early Thursday morning is the Airmens run and coin ceremony. We will get to spend time with him on base the rest of the afternoon. Friday is graduation day!! Mom and Rhonda,Chris and JoAnn are all flying in to see him graduate. He is just going to burst I have no doubt!! I am bringing my box of Puffs with Lotion!! Friday after the ceremony he will get a town pass and again on Saturday. He wants to visit Sea World so will hopefully get to do so. Sunday will be church with him and base liberty unless he gets honors then he will be able to have another town pass. Regardless I have to say goodbye to him on Sunday evening. We leave Monday evening but he starts tech school Monday morning and will be there for another 13 weeks. SAD!!! One positive note... he will have his new cell phone and the new computer we bought him for graduation!!! He is going to be so happy!!! Oh yeah and his xbox 360 and games... he said he cant live without those!! MEN!!!
I am sewing again and will list two more dolls today on ebay....I will blog again once I get them on there!!! Til then.....

2009-07-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Nice way to wake up this morning!!! Shane called!!! Although a very short but brief talk all is going well. He sounded upbeat and is looking forward to BEAST next week. Whew..its a countdown now and I cannot wait to get to San Antonio!!! Seems the AF needs Shane's transcripts also from College of the Redwoods... if all goes well they will move him up to an E2 now and he will get more pay etc. Shane said he has written a couple letters since the gas chamber last Tuesday but as of yet I have not received them...so on pins and needles to read!!!
I guess it was fun, that's all he said about it.

I actually have been sewing again!!! Nice to get my sewing machine back from mom and dad!!! Wow you don't know what you miss until its gone!!! I had bought another machine thinking my PFaff wasn't going to be repaired... but Dad got it fixed and it is so nice to have back!!! So I have set up two machines on my table... nice to not have to switch the threading as often.

Two Santa's have been listed on ebay I know its early for Santa's but they are truly my favorite thing to make so more will be coming!! Today I should finish off one of my fall dolls and get listed. Trying to be productive here!!!

2009-07-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Another week down.. thankfully!!! 25 more days and I am off to San Antonio to see Shane!! The days can't go fast enough now. I had quite a surprise today. I was busy sewing and heard the doorbell. Looked out the window and saw Seth's blue truck outside ( Seth is Laresa's boyfriend) I went to the door and I could see the nervous look on his face. I asked him to come in, he took his shoes off and we went upstairs. He sits down and I am like thinking... OH you aren't here to tell me you are breaking up with her?? I cant deal with it!! BUT... quite the opposite. Seth asked me if he could marry my daughter... I about came out of my skin!!! I am very very happy!!! He told me he had the ring bought and wanted to ask her tonight after she got off work. OH I wanted to tell everyone!!! But I kept it to myself. Later they both showed up to show off her ring... Beautiful!!... She is just beaming from ear to ear in shock!!! He took her out to the ocean on a lookout cliff and showed her the driftwood that spelled out Will You Marry Me? in the sand. Seth said her eyes looked like a deer in headlights... totally shocked!!! Her comment was NO WAY,, YOUR KIDDING ME!! SERIOUSLY?? LOL. He was so scared to do it!!! So for all the crappy things that have been happening I hope this is the start of new beginnings...

2009-07-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind roller coaster I have been on... CA and back and my mind is so full of things whirling around. It's got me on the edge. I have been wanting to go to the ocean for days now and today I just did it regardless of the weather. It was 53 degrees out and I took off the flip flops put on a jacket and walked along the beach. Listening to my music and just taking in all that was around me... TRUE HAPPINESS. I have so many emotions inside and I find such solace visiting the ocean to just sit and think.
I have heard from Shane a few times through letters this last week. Everything is going very, very well.... he actually has never complained about the heat, the yelling or not being home. So many of the guys are crying and wanting to go home so I take comfort in knowing he is adjusting to BMT. Shane says the food is AWESOME!!! Here is a list of his typical day of eating for him... Breakfast, 4 Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, 2 hashbrown patties, an omelet, biscuit with cherries on top and an apple. Lunch, 4 Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, and whatever is there for lunch, Dinner, 4 Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches and whatever is on the dinner line. He has hot dogs, roast beef, chicken, onion rings and spaghetti...He is eating so that's always a good sign!!! I've never heard him eat so much in my life!! 27 more days and I will be in San Antonio to see him graduate!!! Buying the Puffs ahead of time cuz there is no doubt I will be an emotional wreck.
My creativity has been pretty much non existent... sad to say when I've got others asking for things and I cant seem to focus. Funny how there are certain things that can consume your thoughts and nothing else seems to matter...... but a reality check .. I need to get busy!! OH and for those inquiring minds that wondered what happened with the front door.... I came back from CA and it Steve had paid someone to paint it.... GLAD IT WASN'T ME DOING IT!!! Miracles do happen...

2009-07-08T18:40:00.001-07:00

I am thrilled I received TWO letters in the mail today!!! Shane is doing so well, can hardly believe that's the same person that left here weeks ago!! I am just happy, happy!! He loves chapel....says its AMAZING!!! He has made three close friends and feels like they have a real brotherhood going on in the unit. Shane has a woman T.I. and says its her first flight... so its been pretty laid back. Alot less yelling since he arrived. Had a penicillin shot in the hiney and it still hurts. He's been issued his M16 so he is lovin life. And he had to throw in... HE LOOKS HOT IN HIS UNIFORM!!! LOL. Gotta love him!!! He ended his letter with Love You Much!!! Your one and only son :) I tell ya this kid is different already!!! All in all everything he wrote was very positive which in turn makes me happier. Hope it continues!! August 21st cant come fast enough.

I listed July Santa yesterday on ebay. Whoohoo...love Santa's!! Nothing else much new.. sewing around about 9 dolls and will stuff maybe tomorrow. I have to pack for my trip to CA on friday so don't know how much sewing I will get done. I have one doll I need to at least get ready to dress for MISS POSSUM( lol)

2009-07-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

OH the mail came today... and there sat this envelope. I thought YES I got the letter Shane said he wrote. But then I started to think... I sent him with the small envelopes and this was a bulk mail stamped envelope. He called friday and said he wrote me a letter there is no way it could be here already. Yeah.. It isn't the letter I was waiting for but all his graduation information. A little let down but yet its nice to see the handwriting. Also my postcard finally arrived to let me know he arrived... A BIT LATE 2 1/2 weeks later...OH well I am still happy and will just wait again tomorrow for that letter to arrive!
All in all things are getting better for me. I still go into his room just to take in his cologne, or look out the front window to see his car parked out there. My laundry has been cut more than in half, and what is cooking these days ? So I should be happy... BUT I MISS HIM!!!
I have managed to get two dolls listed on ebay and tonight hopefully I will update the WSOAPP shoppe. Esmeranda and Gretchen are the first of my Fall/Halloween dolls. I really don't enjoy that season so won't do too many things related to Halloween. Christmas is my favorite time of year and love anything to do with it. Very soon Santa's will be creeping on the listings... Hmm let's see the last time I read moms blog she still has her Christmas countdown going... something like 172 days left!!! Where the heck has 2009 gone? Cross your fingers my time waiting for graduation goes by fast... Stay tuned for updates hopefully tomorrow... LETTER, LETTER, LETTER!!! PLEASE!!!!

2009-07-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!!! The meaning of this day takes a different turn when you have a loved one that is joining the military. The thoughts of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice that we can be a Free country. I take great pride today to honor those that serve and have given their lives so that I can do what I please, worship as I please and speak my mind. Thank you to those in our military!! As I write this I of course take great pride in my son in Air Force BMT!!! I heard from Shane last night and as you might expect I was on cloud nine!! He sounded great!! He said its a mind game. Our conversation was short only about 4 minutes long. He is doing well and in good spirits. Has made some really good friends and finally wrote me a short letter he said. So til the next time I hear from him, I write a letter everyday and he loves getting mail!!! I am so proud!!!
So today we will work here at the house and then off to the bay to watch the fireworks the firefighters and the City of Coos Bay put on. Steve will have a barbecue down at his work... In the meantime Steve is outside sanding the front door!!! YES finally we may get this ugly door done and painted!!! ( okay it may not get done he just told me his hand is numb and he may have to quit) Figures,,, it will probably be finished by me... Of course the detailed sanding will be left up to me to get done..and of course the painting of the door. That may be a few weeks before I can get to it I dunno!!!
I am sewing today while he sands at the door.... I hope to have a doll ready to list on ebay and then I have a few special projects to get done. All in all a busy weekend no doubt. Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday weekend... Prayers for Brian as he is in treatment again and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

2009-06-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Days go Bye..... I can't tell you how sad it is to have my son gone as I dont have the words to express it. At 7 am on Saturday morning I got the phone call I was waiting for. I have never moved so fast out of bed with pen and paper in my hand!!! Shane was on the other end to tell me he made it to San Antonio and read off his address. We said we loved each other and he said he was fine. He sounded tired to me and I can only imagine the kid that loved to sleep in til noon is tired!! Reveille plays at 4:45 in the morning and they have a mere 15 minutes to shower, shave and be downstairs for physical conditioning. OH MY is all I can say!! Shane is no early riser!! The day ends with Taps at 9pm. lights out. As you might imagine I am thrilled to have an address now. At least a part of me feels I'm talking to him even if its days before he ever receives the letters. I write everyday .. I'm told its great for their morale and helps them stay connected to loved ones. So with each day I countdown to graduation... I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I finally was able to finish dressing one of the many naked doll bodies I've been talking about for weeks. Santa Sam was listed today on ebay
It has taken me some time to sit and think about something besides my sadness... so there is hope for me at the end of the tunnel!! Each day is a little easier and my hopes are to get these dolls dressed here!! One of Shane's biggest concerns was how I would deal with him leaving and he wouldn't want me sad and crying all the time. So I am trying!!! Alot of praying and well wishes from family and wonderful email friends.. I thank you all it means alot. ;)

2009-06-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well he is gone.... and I will tell you I am the saddest I think I have been in so many years... I guess you don't realize what you have until its gone. All the times he may have upset me or stressed me out, all the laundry etc. Id take it all back in a heartbeat. I try to be strong and I find myself talking to God alot,,,but all it takes is seeing something that reminds me of him, or going in his room and the smell of his cologne in there and I'm a wreck!! I just miss him so much!!
Yesterday morning we met at MEPS... he was sworn in and signed on the dotted line. Then we sat, he ate lunch and they called them all in for travel briefings. There were about 10 of them... About a half hour later they came out of the room.. and out the front door. Shane hugged me tight, told me he loved me and that was it.... he was gone. Some were on one flight and then others on another... He was to arrive in San Antonio at 10:16 BUT there was a bad thunderstorm in Denver where they had to land midway and they ended up in Colorado Springs for the night. Finally this morning at 7 am I had a call from him that they were boarding the plane to Fort Worth, Texas and then on a flight to San Antonio. All finally went as planned and the last text I received from him at 1:55 my time said "I'm sooo torn up physically". That was the last text... I think stress and things really were taking their tole on the three of them. He was really worried that they were all a day behind and would get really yelled at for being late... even though it was due to weather.... So now I sit here alone tonight and just have to learn to deal with what is. I probably wont be much good to anyone for a few days... Don't worry about me I am going to be fine. Its just going to take some time to be alone and deal with it all. I am looking forward to the phone call I hear might be Sunday to tell me his address to write him at. I also know it will probably be about 38 seconds and he will be under stress to do it and get it all out correctly. I just pray things go okay for him and he stays strong.... I will be back to normal before long...

2009-06-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

Yep I'm having a pity party and having it alone!! I just gotta write before things drive me nuts.... Have you ever been asked to do something for someone, not just asked but hounded to do something over and over?? To the point you say alright already and just get it done and over with?? BUT... when someone is supposed to do something for you.... its like pulling teeth to get anything in return? You can work your butt off for someone or others and what do you get in return?? I tell ya... the last few months I have been in this position more than once. I guess you can say I start to feel taken advantage of. In my everyday life and in my business.. it truly can be heart wrenching at times. I wont elaborate but there have been a few things that have just sat in my stomach and now they have soured horribly to the breaking point. With Shane leaving tomorrow I think Ive reached a breaking point!!!
I did manage to list an angel yesterday. Other dolls still lay naked on the table. High hopes today to take my mind off of everything going on and hopefully sew, but truthfully, I'm not my chipper self... my stomach is in knots and I am depressed.. its me for now and probably for days to come. I'll be fine in a few days...but for now this pity party is mine.....

2009-06-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day here?? Cloudy but supposed to warm up. Yesterday was Shane's 20th birthday. Hard to believe its been 20 years!! Kids just grow up too fast! What happened to the days when I was young and Christmas and summer vacations took so long to arrive? Now I blink and they are back!! Or finding out what day bootcamp starts and we had months... now we are counting days!! Life is just moving oh too fast!!!

I have managed to finish a few dolls. Abigail and Ameritina were listed yesterday on ebay. Just plugging away here!! Many naked doll bodies and two scrub tops I need to get working on. Maybe once Shane is off to bootcamp I can focus on my sewing more to take my mind off of things. At least I can hope!

Hey Mom... No I cant take anymore cats!! Five indoors is too many!! Yours are just adorable though... Id be so loving on that little Siamese!!!I am thinking you need to get it fixed and its mom!!!
Another day... gotta get busy and work on something here!! Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!

2009-06-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Wow where is the time going?? I haven't blogged in awhile. One more week and Shane leaves..:( Yesterday we had a small barbecue here at the house with friends of his. A few more showed up that didn't make my nuisance picture taking.. lucky them!!! All in all I think Shane really enjoyed the get together and it meant alot to have his friends here to say good luck. I think the friendships here will be missed. Steve ordered a yummy cake... to which I accidentally put my finger in before it was even cut into!! Could've died. I was taking it out of the box carefully... moving onto the dining room table, sat it down and for some reason my finger slipped and there it went into the side of the cake... LOL. Story of my life!!! The cake was very yummy though!! White cake with white buttercream frosting.. MY FAVORITE! Steve invited his parents over... well if you have read my blogs you know that last Thanksgiving his mom had to ruin my day talking politics and religion. Well yesterday she just had to put in her two cents on "WHY WOULD YOU EVER ORDER A WHITE CAKE..... I ALWAYS ORDER CHOCOLATE!!!" UMMM... excuse me??? Did you pay for it?? Sometimes its better to keep ones mouth shut!!! Then as all the boys were together at the dining room table one had to leave, so he said his good byes. As he walked out the door Steve's dad said... WOW he sure looks a hell of a lot better since he lost weight!! Now in a family setting that's fine...but in front of the kids friends??? OH MY!! What happened to if you don't have nothin nice to say don't say nothin at all??? Didn't they watch BAMBI??? lol Anyways.... all in all the day was nice and I am pooped.
I finally got a nice pic of Laresa and Seth!! She has been sick all week with a sinus infection and thinks she looks horrible ( I wish I looked so horrible!!) but I couldn't resist taking the picture. The two of them don't come over together very often so I clicked a pic!!
Today might very well be a day to get a patriotic doll done I have been working on. I need to focus on my sewing and get my mind off of other things depressing. So onward I go...take each day and dread the countdown!!!

2009-06-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well today I finally finished a Santa..with a patriotic touch to it. Gosh I would so much rather make Santa's all year than anything else... guess that's where my heart really is. I have more naked ones laying on the floor and some that are dressed and boxed waiting for the holidays to arrive... blink and they will be here no doubt!!

The days are going fast and my son has a countdown going. I myself like to not think about it , yet I find myself thinking of the day we make the drive up to Portland, get a motel room have one day together and then he will be off. I play it over and over in my head. What I should say?? Should I try my hardest not to cry?? LOL IMPOSSIBLE!! I know I need to reassure him I am proud of him first and foremost... its just going to be tough. My husband will be off to a memorial golf tournament that weekend and then off to a fire conference that whole week so I will be here alone. Maybe that's a good thing, no one asking me if I'm okay. I will no doubt do the crying on his bed like I did when he left for college and looking at his clothes etc. My cats will all think I'm nuts... Okay... that's enough I need to stop thinking!!!

On another note. Brian is back in the hospital having another round of treatment. His lesions have shrunk since the last round and they are moving forward with more. HE IS GOING TO BEAT THIS!!! So again prayers are very much appreciated for him and his family. My sister Rhonda sent this blog link to me earlier today. They had their family photos taken and they look wonderful!!! Brian looks great and well the family together is a blessing...

I have seven naked doll bodies laying here waiting for paint to dry on their shoes!!! I see progress!!! Three Santa bodies are naked and need clothes in the worst way and I am working on a special order Santa. So I have been busy.... of course they aren't dressed and that's where my brain seems to not function these days... So I will close for tonight... work on a special order and hopefully make some progress on it... tomorrows a new day!!!

2009-06-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

Adele was finished today and listed on ebay!! I was asked if I am coming out of my funk?? LOL. I can't say I am, as the ideas aren't flowing.. not even sure day to day what I am going to do or create. I'd like to wake up one morning and have ideas flowing... ideas of things to make no one has seen. Just to BE CREATIVE!! But in turn I struggle and maybe that is normal for artists I don't know....
I started to work on my items for the WSOAPP shoppe. Crossing my fingers to stay focused in this sewing room. We have wet drippy weather outside/thunderstorms so I'm not biting the bit to get in the yard to work. I think I've just got alot going on in my head these days.

I was going downstairs to do laundry and noticed a piece of paper folded up on the floor. Not sure why I unfolded it as I normally just throw paper away..I hate paper!! But... I unfolded it to find this note.... Something Shane had written years ago, signed on the back To: Mother From: Shane . With him leaving I can't tell you what it means to find this at such a strange time out of nowhere. Kinda like it was mean't to be as I haven't a clue how it got down on the floor. I vaguely remember this given to me years ago on Valentines Day... This little piece of paper is so special now!!! I make myself sick thinking about him leaving so I try to put it out of my head but truthfully I'm not doing a very good job at it!

Yesterday I went to my doctors office just to stop in and request a prescription change to a generic hormone. I've been paying $23.89 a month for my hormones and wanted a cheaper one. So I go in rather than calling and being put on hold etc. I proceed to tell the desk clerk what I was asking and she said would you like to see him today? I said sure!! Well that requires I go back downstairs and check in.. and give my $25.00 copay!!! UGH crap but I do it.... About 45 minutes later I finally get called in a room.... get my blood pressure taken 122/76. Great,,, I'm pleased. Doctor comes in and asks me what is wrong and what can he do to help me. LOL I tell him I just wanted a prescription change to which he apologizes for the girls making me get an appointment... Too late the money was gone by then! I love to pay money to just TALK to someone!!! Anyways...he changes my prescription and lets me know I don't have to have paps etc anymore and my risk for breast cancer is very slim BUT.... I probably should go have that mammogram just to be safe... Oh special!!! So I get to dread June 12th now.. Crap right on top of Shane leaving I have to dread something else! Now I know,, its really no big thing, just like going to the dentist is no big thing. But I hate anything that changes my days.. I like getting up in the morning and doing what I want when I want... I don't like appointments unless its for coffee with a friend! So I will be complaining about this boob squishing til the 12th passes!!! I did get a prescription for $3.33 though so all was not bad!!!
Nothing else much going on here... I need to get busy and get this brain working!!! Have a wonderful day!!

2009-06-01T10:17:00.001-07:00

I don't want to turn the page today!! ITS JUNE on the calendar!!! Where have the months gone?? This is my dreaded month.... the month I know I should be happy about. My son going off into the Air Force, career path, financial security for him. BUT....... I'm selfish, I don't want him to leave me... I could have him live in our home forever right?? Reality check, I need to let him move on with his life, he is excited about his future and he does need to grow up and be a man. I gotta keep telling myself He will be fine and I will be fine in time and HE is making the right choice. So I will walk to the wall and turn the page.. each day will get harder til I know he is in San Antonio safe then its in Gods hands.
So other than a slap in the face today, a reality check I did manage to finally finish one doll and list on ebay. Miracles still happen!! Still in a funk I cant get out of... I need a swift kick in the bottom!!! The weather is drippy with rain on the way so maybe I will sit in this room today and work on dressing the naked dolls.... Its a thought anyways!!!

2009-05-29T18:32:00.001-07:00

Well gosh it's friday already and where did this week go? Or should I say where has this month gone? 23 more days and Shane leaves for the Air Force.... sad, excited, apprehensive are all feelings I feel. I know its best for him to go, to grow up, to have a career and succeede in life but I am MOM and as a mom you want your child or children to be near you always. I have been mom and dad to both of them through their young years and have to say they have been my best friends at times, we have shared alot together. So Shane leaving will be very difficult for me. I gotta keep thinking about the positives!! I went to load pics from my camera and forgot that mom and I had gone to Mingus Park here in town and walked around it before they left. There were baby ducks that were just adorable until some dumb little bratty kid thought he needed to come in and chase them... oh was I pissed!!! A beautiful swan was under the Choshi bridge just chillin.Mom and I didn't take any bread to feed the ducks..... Last time Laresa and I went walking around the park we were chased by the retarded geese... with their mouths open like they were going to take a chunk out of your leg or whatever appendage they could catch up to first. Scared the daylights out of us so I was a bit leary of feeding them and having them fighting around us.

On another note... Last night after work my husband rang the doorbell. Now he has a set of keys and couldn't understand why the heck I was having to put down my sewing to go down the stairs to open the front door. But when I did open it there sat my new vaccum!!! I have wanted a Dyson for over a year now!!! With 5 indoor cats I needed it!!! Wow what a nice vaccum... I love it!!!!

And yes... I mentioned my sewing. I actually have a doll dressed this evening!!! She even has hair!!! With hopes tomorrow I will finish her and get her listed. Its been so long without creating I'm still having a hard time staying focused. I mowed the lawn today just to be outside in the nice weather. Maybe with rain on the way next week I will get the bug out of my system to be outside. Maybe???

2009-05-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

We arrived home from Orlando about 3 am Saturday and mom and dad arrived later that evening!! As one can imagine I went into fast clean mode! We had a very nice visit with mom and dad. Sunday we were off to church and then up to Gold and Silver Falls. I had never been there and heard so much about it....well worth the drive!! Beautiful up there!!! I felt bad that mom had to climb up the trails with a bad knee... Mom you need to go to the doctor!! Monday we were off to the ocean and Shore Acres. Unreal weather we have had!! Blue skies and no rain!! I think mom and dad enjoyed the temps. The ocean was exceptionally calm... Great photo ops that I haven't had a chance to have with mom and dad in along time.

Tuesday Dad,Mom and I went to town to local antique stores. I didn't find much other than two wool blankets that will make wonderful Santa suits. It was a nice day, I just feel bad I didn't cook any wonderful meals while my parents were visting. Dad eats leftovers and seemed he lived for days off the turkey and ham I made earlier. Sorry mom I don't do well in the cooking department.. LOL!!! Last night Dad took time to take photos. Shane will be off for the Air Force next month and this will be the last time they see him for some time.

Now I need to be busy sewing again. Seems the naked doll bodies have grown accustomed to no clothing... and I kinda am at a loss as to what to do with them all. I need a fire lit under my rearend to get motivated. I had really good intentions to sew after mom and dad left. That hasn't happened. Seems I wasted my day away just sitting...SOOOooo..... Tomorrow I vow to be productive!!!

2009-05-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Wow all in all yesterday turned out to be a pretty decent day. The sun was peaking out and we actually went to the park without plastic parkas... Rode quite a few more rides but never got on one of the large roller coasters... when I had convinced myself it was a do or die and might as well bite the bullet and go, Shane said maybe tomorrow!! LOL We then had a nice lunch at The Nascar Sports Grille... great food!!
Getting ready to leave the park I piped up and said we should do the Terminator show.... So we go in... wait the 40 minutes in line. Go into the show, which was very good, and when we got back outside it was pouring.... and I mean just pouring!!! Here I am in my American eagle leather flip flops... walking through rain and puddles... my capris were soaked, my hair a mess and just wanting to get back to our condo!!! Our driver came to pick us up quickly in time to watch the electric storm all the way back to the condo unit. Thunder clapped and cracked so loud you'd feel it in the SUV. Unreal weather!! Again I took a pic out the window... MORE RAIN!!!
BUT.... What about AMERICAN IDOL!!! WOW I jumped so fast off the couch when they announced Kris the winner!! I am so Happy!!! Although the 2 hour ordeal to get to the ending results were quite painful at times to listen to the outcome was right!! Kris sang wonderful with Keith Urban... On the other hand Adam about made me puke singing with one of my high school favs KISS. Hell those are 50 year old men up there with make up on... and there is another freak alongside them screeching in his platform boots. Quite fitting I must say. As you can tell... I was NEVER and will NEVER be an Adam Lambert fan..... I love and have always loved rock music but what I heard out of his mouth made my stomach turn... GLAMROCK is nothing I enjoy!! I'm very happy for Kris and his wife and family... He will be a success no doubt!!
Today we got up and did our owners meeting... okay that wasn't pleasant either!!! After doing one in Maui I swore Id never go to another!!! But they assured us it was to just go over new properties blah blah. NO high pressure sales etc... BULLSHIT!! After 2 hours of listening and then voices raising of my husband and the woman across the table I wanted to crawl under the table and disappear!! Finally Steve blatantly said NO period and we left. OFF to the outlets to shop!!! I found a great deal on a Columbia jacket so was quite pleased. On the way back to our condo we stopped at the Macaroni Grille and ate dinner. I think the best dinner I've had on the trip!!! While walking back in the nice windy weather (NO RAIN yet today!!) we looked off to the left of the sidewalk and there layed a small alligator.... UNREAL for us living on the west coast. No wonder they post these signs all around the condo pond outside!!! Tomorrow is our day of departure!!! Of course not til 6:20pm so will head to another Outlet shopping center in the morning and then we are back to the airport!!! If by chance this blog is a little haphazard I am posting from my mini laptop and on my end it all looks great...not sure on a regular screen if its messed up or not.... so please forgive me!!

2009-05-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain go away!!!! Please for the love of it GO AWAY!!! I am tired of it already!! We made our way to Universal studios today... little drizzly for the most part and a few heavy showers. We bought plastic parkas so made it a little better. We went on a couple amazing rides and will be venturing back tomorrow for the other half of the park. I have a few pics of Shane and I ...I have some dumb expressions on my face but I take what I can get with him...

Well Idol is over... its all up to the votes and I can only hope McDreamy Kris can win this years American Idol!!! I cannot stand Adam and the things I have to say I will keep to myself for fear I will offend someone out there. Anyone that knows me knows I love rock music, always have and Adam is not singing Rock music with that screeching he does.... I think Ryan Seacrest said it correctly Glam Rock... oh the thought of it makes me want to puke!! Thank goodness for free texting... Go Kris!!!!

2009-05-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

WE are in ORLANDO!!! I am so tired tonight but thought Id post a short note. What is up with leaving Oregon to fly hundreds of miles to rain here??? I don't get it!!! To top it off its sunny at home. BUT the day we leave here its to be sunny and probably raining back at home. Now something is messed up there!!! Anyways... we arrived here in Florida. Its very green and temps only in the low 70s but a little more humid than home. Our timeshare is wonderful!!! A tub and shower sits in the middle of the bedroom.... and yes a volcano in the pool that shoots out water and is lit up red...at night its amazing!!! A few pics to share. Tomorrow we are off to Universal Studios so I need to get some much needed rest here. Hope to have more pics to show!!!<

2009-05-18T01:02:00.000-07:00

Well we are off to Orlando in an hour and half. I have been awake since 8 am and I will honestly say I am so tired I hope I can stay awake.... I don't want to sleep and have to wake up in a short time so I'm trying to keep busy here. Steve is fast asleep as he will drive the 2 hour drive to Eugene to catch our first flight. I am planning on sleeping through that drive!!! Going through the last minute things I need to have done here,,, notes to Laresa so she knows what to do etc.. the forget me not notes!!

I can't say I have done any sewing here.....but the yard looks pretty darn good if I don't say so myself. Steve and I have worked almost non stop the last two days, planting, mowing, weeding, and finally got the fountain working!!! I am thrilled at the project. There is only one top waterfall I have coming that will sit on the top of the fall and the water will drop off of it and into the waterfall below.... I hope it arrives this next week while we are gone!!
The Before and After

It's been weeks of tearing this thing down and starting over and I think at this point we have come to something we both like. When the plants grow I think it will really be pretty. The rest of my post here will just be pictures of the yard as that is all I have really been working on lately. I will hopefully post while on our trip...Wish me luck on the roller coasters!!! lol

2009-05-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day!!! Yesterday was also Steve's birthday and we spent the whole day working in the yard. What started out walking into the side yard and contemplating what to do with the holes created by rotted tree roots, ended up in a full days work. We got this idea to cut out all the grass and lay landscaping fabric down. Shane and I worked for hours digging grass and hauling it across the street. Steve is still working on our pond and waterfall. The cement blocked wall had to be all redone but I have to say its looking better. Of course not done, but before long !! Then we all went to dinner at the Coach House, wonderful food , crappy service last night. Oh well, seems from time to time that happens. Today Steve brought a load of bark mulch up to the house and I filled in where we removed the grass. Seems the slugs like to snack on my new flowers so the nice ring on my nice mulch is snail bait... DIE SUCKERS!!! lol.....I have done so much work in the yard the last few days... Ive worn through 2 more sets of gloves and my fingertips are so sore!!! Sad to say nothing is done on my dolls, I have alot of naked doll bodies just waiting for clothing...... I did manage to clean off my sewing table ... maybe tomorrow that will inspire me to be productive.

We were to be in Cancun this whole week but with the swine flu we cancelled it. Happily!!!! I never really wanted to go to Mexico again, just isn't my favorite place to go in the world. But....next Monday we leave for Orlando, Florida. Since we are taking Shane I am really looking forward to this trip!!! Not sure what will be on the itinerary,,,, Universal studios and maybe a day at Disney. Shane loves roller coasters and I guess I will be his guinea pig mom to ride along with him. I loved roller coasters as a teen but at 46 I may have a heart attack!!! lol ....... Well the shows are all starting tonight and I need to get off of this computer...until my next post!!!

2009-05-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!! Well by the look outside today it's going to be a half decent day!! The sun is shining through the clouds so that's a plus!!! It has been so windy and rainy here on the Oregon coast! We have half finished projects in the front and back yard and we leave for Orlando a week from Monday. Mom and Dad will be here the day we get back so I have to get busy and get things finished here!! I was outside yesterday to pick up one of the bamboo plants that went over in the storm and noticed the azaleas on the back wall are in full bloom. So pretty, just wish they would bloom all year like that.
Since updates are done on WSOAPP I will show the two dolls I listed. Having a hard time with figuring out what to do with the doll once she's dressed.. I need your ideas Cindy!! I have four more doll bodies laying here with eyes, and 5 more Santa bodies laying here,NAKED, no eyes just black boots and mittens...lol Maybe today I will sew a bit but the weather outside is really calling my name!!! Steve asked if I wanted to go to Willamette Greystone to pick out the flat rocks for the waterfall,,, UM YEAH!!! I cant wait to get this project done and it working again!! So... with that said I think a shower is needed and I need to get busy. Maybe I will have pics to show of progress later today???

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

2009-05-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Another drippy day on the Oregon coast... NOTHING is being finished outside and it seems the same is happening inside!! I think I have hit a wall!!! Dolls are put together but Im missing my ideas as to what to do with them, what to add to them, which direction to take their clothes etc. I hate when I have a block!! I have a few days before I have to update WSOAPP and I have got to get something finished!!! Then..... prepare for our trip!!! NOT TO CANCUN!!!! Yes great news!!! The swine flue epedemic changed all our plans to fly to Mexico again. And yes I have done the happy dance ever since our plans changed!!! Instead we are taking my son ( that will be leaving for bootcamp in June) to Orlando. I hope it will be a trip he will enjoy and us also. I know for myself the time spent, the photos taken will be memorable. Not sure what we are going to do when we get there yet but we will be busy no doubt.
A big Happy Birthday to my mom.... Dolls in the Attic...Shirley yesterday!!! I hear she had a nice day and received wonderful gifts... Sorry I couldnt be there!!! I think these are some great pictures taken yesterday with Ashlyn, my neice.

2009-04-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Back to the land of the living or existing!! I have had the worst headache the last three days... not my normal headache this one knocked me on my butt!!! I haven't had much luck in doing much of anything productive at all,, kinda in a drugged fog. Finally last night I took a muscle relaxer and well today you can imagine I have been pretty much out of it. Just tired beyond normal. So as the day has worn on I seem to be feeling like my old self again and went outside. Headache is still there but manageable at the moment. Took some photos of the spring flowers. The Rhododendrons are just starting to open so this weekend I should have some beautiful flower pics. But for now the azaleas are opening really nice and my Clematis is really getting some showy flowers. Other than that I don't have much to share... I have 9 doll bodies that are being sewn together today,,, seems they all cry for legs, arms and heads!!! Maybe I will sew again tomorrow at least that's my hopes.
Of course I'm sure that when Steve gets home tonight we will be working on the pond out front. It is all torn apart and ugly now!! Depressing and hope that before long I will have it finished and looking pretty again. This time done correctly!!! I wont be showing pics just yet!!!

2009-04-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Another doll done!!! Meet Hannah!! I listed her on ebay today and have a couple bids. Very pleased!! My dear friend and loyal customer gave me the idea for her and I have to say I'm glad she did. I probably wouldn't have been so bold to put the beautiful teal ribbon on her but I am glad I did. I ordered this wonderful seam tape from Glitter Your World and I just love it!! I placed another order yesterday for more goodies she has updated on her website. I tell ya... I needed this outlet online badly as I have no places to buy the things she has!!! LOVE IT!!
I didn't sew though today!! Another beautiful day on the Oregon coast and my yard called my name!!

Well... First Fred Meyer and Walmart called my pocketbook!! I spent way too much but got some wonderful plants today. I got home around 12pm and didn't go back in the house til 4pm. Shane helped me in the yard and we accomplished alot together. He mowed once again.. what a good son.. LOL. I am going to miss the help when he leaves!!!

As you can see by the pic.... the upper wall is completed. Now to fill with dirt, and then bark. Then plant!!! I have plans to plant the blue Lithodora like you see in the first planter closer and have it creep over the wall. Back around the corner will be plants of larger sizes. Our bunny hutch is back there so will make it a bit cuter than it has been the last year. Alot of work to do yet!! Our hillbilly neighbors behind us are driving us mad!! They have a wood pile in their back yard and the weeds/grass must be as high as the pile of wood. They have I don't know how many children living with them that do absolutely NOTHING! Today one of them decided to drive their bike right up the grass you see there and into their backyard. We have got to buy one more fence panel or plant bushes with thorns on them!! Not sure they have been taught manners at all!!

The azalea hedge is just starting to bloom up the front walkway. Next week it should be in full bloom. I also noticed one of my rhodies opening... I love this time of year!!! Now tomorrow I will be off to Eugene to get my car serviced. FINALLY!!! We will do the Costco run, Home Depot and maybe a few other things I would like to do... I HOPE!!! Until the next time.....

2009-04-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well I had the best intentions this morning to get up and sew on a doll I need to get done. LOL I took one look outside and knew that was not going to happen!! The sun was shining and we had beautiful blue sky!!! Steve and I took a drive to the ocean,, wasn't quite as pretty as the fog bank was still visible at that hour but calming none the less. We did our weekend shopping and headed home. Since it was so nice out I asked Laresa to come over and help me cut Dots nails. So we did that with ease and then he finally got out on his leash!!! He loved it!!! Its been a long time since the sun has shined .

I also spent time in the backyard. Finally pulled the weeds in the backyard, planted flowers in the hanging baskets and got my fountain running after the winter crud settled in it. So many things I need to get done outside and flowers to buy and plant!!! We still are working on the side yard wall and hope in another week or so to show pics of things planted in that area.... who knows though rain is to be back by Wednesday!!

I managed to snap a couple photos of the kids today... Soon Shane won't be here so every photo I can get I'm taking an opportunity to grab. I plan to have my digital photo frame loaded and running all the time when he leaves!!! Laresa wouldn't smile for me, she says she hates pictures but I know she really likes them taken!!! Well there is a couple hours left here before the sun goes down. I think I can clean my sewing room and maybe think about sewing??

Speaking of sewing!! I'm so upset!! I took my wonderful Pfaff sewing machine in to be cleaned and adjusted. For a short time it has been doing something crazy to the bottom stitches so I am thinking it must be the tension. Instead of me playing with it I took it into a guy that JoAnns fabrics told me is really good. So I take it in on Monday... and he tells me it will be a week or so before he can get to it. Friday I got the phone call I didn't want to hear... Sorry I cant seem to fix it. I have tried everything but to no avail!! No charge. Okay ... I go pick it up and I'm so unhappy. I loved this machine!!! There is no Pfaff dealer where I live so not sure what I am going to do. I did order a new bobbin case in hopes that maybe a new one might make a difference. I don't know but it cant hurt!! While sitting here this evening I got the machine out and figured what the heck,, tighten the tension on the top and see if I cant get the stitches to work right. Well I finally achieved some normal stitches on osnaburg... will it work on other cotton fabrics?? I don't know yet!!! I'm sure the saga of my sewing machine is not over sad to say!!!

2009-04-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today turned out to be a beautiful day here on the Oregon coast, cool in the 50s but the sun came out! I finally finished one more doll and listed her on ebay. I had fun making this one. Maybe it's the fact I paid off my bills and now my dollmaking doesn't have to go towards my debt. Whew... that feels good!! Now onto another doll,,, I bought a beautiful cream baby dress in an antique store yesterday so hopefully if all goes well I will have another doll completed in the next day or so.

If the sun is out again tomorrow I may have to work in the yard a little.. Im dying to get back outside!! I think tonight I'm going to sit down and open the chest with photos I've been storing photos in. With Shane leaving soon I have this project envisoned to get started and done by the time he returns from tech school. Will I start and finish it?? Who knows,, I have grand ideas in my head and find little time to complete or even start most of them.

Then I have the dreaded Cancun trip coming. Whoo hoo!!! NOT. I know traveling sounds like fun to most. Beaches and sun, drinks, shopping etc. Well first off we are going to Cancun AGAIN. The last time I was there was before the week the last big hurricane hit. It was hot as hell and the humidity was horrible. Steve and I took the kids, all inclusive trip, flew first class etc. It was not a great time shared by all. Loved having my kids there but it was just too hot for us cool weathered westerners. I will give Cancun kudos for their beautiful water and white sugary sand beaches.. beautiful!!! So why am I going back if it isn't where I want to go??? Well..... my husband loves to travel. I think if he could travel 365 days out of the year he would. He knows I hate Mexico ( don't bother asking me why, My family knows exactly why!!) But he asked me to go again,, I am giving it one more chance as this time we will be a little further south in a new condo area. So wish me luck in a couple weeks that I have a good time!!! I plan to sit by the pool or on the beach, drinks in hand and do nothing!!! I should quit thinking about it all....it's depressing me!!!

2009-04-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well I finally finished a doll!!! Nelly has made her debut on my ebay. I tell ya I am just slow these days!! I should've had another one dressed but things pulled me away everytime I sat down to work. Then as I am relaxing and sewing at the end of the day Laresa calls me and asks me to walk. So I drive to her house and we go walking. This isn't flat ground here and I'm talking roads that go UP and DOWN. I felt the burn in the shins!! Now if we can do that everyday a workout of 45 minutes was a breeze!! If I'm on my treadmill for that long its awfully boring but being outdoors was great. So cross fingers tomorrow the weather holds out for us.

I wanted to tell everyone about some yummy scents of wax tarts!!! I had posted on the prim and rustic bb asking about melting tarts and was directed to Barncat Mercantile. I ordered Oatmeal cookie and The Keeping room.... OH MY GOSH!!! So yummy smelling I could eat them!!! I have never had a tart smell so good.... I put it in the tart warmer and the whole room smells just heavenly.... I cant believe it!!!! Extremely fast to ship and packaged very well.... Just very, very pleased!!!

Wool Sale Wool Sale!!!

2009-04-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Well I'm not selling any but if you go to Crowing About Primitives you can view all her wonderful wool fibers that are on sale til the 15th!!! If you post on your blog she will offer free shipping... Now how can you beat that these days??? If you have never used her wool you are missing very clean and wonderful wool to work with. I totally LOVE her wool!!! So sit back take a peek at her website!! http://crowingaboutprimitiveswool.blogspot.com/

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!! Fitting I should finally show a picture of our Rex rabbit "DOTS" We have had him for years... he is so soft you wouldn't believe!!! Well it's another wet day here in Coos Bay, OR. Weather forecast was for a beautiful weekend with sunshine and nice temps.. LIE,LIE,LIE!!! I have no idea when we will have our spring here!! Having said that... here is a project my husband and I started in our yard. This one area off the east side of the house was the hardest to mow as it was uphill and at an angle, mossy and usually kinda wet or damp since the sun doesn't tend to shine on that area. It is in the planning stages as of yet and hopefully soon we will have two tiers of concrete walls.... IF the plan goes as seen in our heads!!!

I received my goodies I ordered from Glitter Your World.... I am so pleased with it all!!! If anyone needs really nice old fashioned seam binding this is truly the place to order from!!! Her colors are beautiful and shipping was extremely fast!! I loved what I bought and will definitely buy more. She has plenty of other items for sale on her site also so sitting down with a cup of coffee and taking a peek will be worth your while.

I really don't have too much planned for today,,,, baking a turkey and a spiral ham, will make the hash brown potatoes, veggie and rolls. "Simple" is my motto!!! I've made a chocolate mint torte or more what I call an ice cream cake... lol for dessert. We will see how this turns out??!! We will have a full table, Steve and I, Jordan and her boyfriend, Branden, Laresa and Shane. After last thanksgiving I cant take another political confrontation at the dinner table so didn't even bother with other invites.

I've been busy sewing once again. I have four doll bodies here with eyes... no lips no clothes. I hope to have them listed sometime this week if everyone leaves me alone in the process... lol. Two more santa bodies are naked and need to have winter clothes added. I think if I can make one or two here and there I will have a small amount ready when the season arrives. I have always envisioned being ahead of the game but have never actually done anything about it, and although this is a small amount its a start!!

Well dinner won't get done unless I remove myself from this computer... Have a Blessed Day....

I'm so out of shape!!

2009-04-07T18:17:00.001-07:00

A peek at my side yard.... I worked from 10 am til 2:30 this afternoon.. pulling weeds , cutting back dried dead stuff and I tell ya.... by the time I came inside the house I'd swear I'm OLD and OUT OF SHAPE!!! Everything hurts!!! Sad part is the yard is no where near done,,, still have the back and need to plant flowers in the worst way. And looking at this pic I need to cut some grass away and straighten that line out... looks like I've been sipping the bottle while working... tee-hee....Obviously on another day, cuz my fingertips are so sore. My sister bought me a pair of really nice gardening gloves for my birthday and I went right through the fingertips today... I mean I worked hard!!! LOL. Every year we put down a layer of bark mulch so the soil is really loose and easy to pull the weeds,,,its just alot of the weeds seem to grow where I don't want them too!! Soon I will have more to show but for now this is the peek I'm giving you today. Now this is upsetting.... I was so excited for the news that Clint Black was going to be at the Mill Casino here in town... I called Steve and said I had to have tickets etc. as soon as they went on sale, he assured me I would get to go. Well...... I got tickets alright... and I got really, really good tickets!!! BUT......... Of all the times nothing happens in Coos Bay, Clint Black is coming to town and I get tickets and I'M GOING TO BE IN SAN ANTONIO!!!! Yeah that's right... Shane's graduation for the Air Force!!! What the hell is that all about?? I guess my daughter and her boyfriend will have a good time in my place. Although I wouldn't miss Shane's graduation for the world and my sister JoAnn and her husband are flying down to attend also. PARTY TIME!!! I can't wait for this trip either... I just wish I could be two places at one time!!! I guess Clint and I will have to share an evening some other time.... LOL

What a life!!

2009-04-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Meet Kegger... this is the cat of my daughters that I some how ended up with after she got a cute kitten and could only have one cat!! Something wrong with that but then again moms always seem to get the raw end of the deal!! I have five felines indoors, luckily the house isn't small and they usually stay out of my way for the most part. I had to take this pic as he loves to lay by the stove where its nice and warm and just chills there. You would think he would lay in that nice little couch he has below?? NOT Creepy eyes!!

Now the color really appears on Shane's ankle... and NO he isn't staying off of it. He worked all day in a friends yard pulling out shrubs etc. Comes home and whines to me that it hurts blah blah. Do I feel sorry for him.. NO!!! Did he stay home last night??? NO!!! So today guess what... He is mowing the lawn,,, no pity from me!!! Someday he will learn...?? maybe.....

It's a beautiful day on the Oregon coast!!! I need to be outside or at the ocean and I have to sit in here and sew today. My shoppe will not have new items if I don't create something quickly! I may work a bit and see if I can twist Steve's arm into taking me for a drive over to the ocean,,,, I so would like to see the sea lions sunbathing!!! Since its about a 10 minute drive from here that can't take too much of my sewing time right??? I will post more to this if we go!!!

I did it!!!

2009-04-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

My long hair is officially gone!!! I have been thinking about cutting it for over a year now... and everytime I get to the beauty shop I just get a trim. Well this last week I just decided it was coming off. So I had an appointment to get a cut and I let her just cut it off!! She asked me if I was okay several times through the appointment and I must admit that first cut across the back kinda made my stomach turn. But I LOVE IT!!! Now just don't look too closely at that picture... the gray hair and the wrinkles!! OH MY!!

Steve was gone this last week on a mini vacation to Mazatlan and while he was away I decided to paint the red room. Two of the walls were red and I hated it from the day I originally painted it, but I kept the two walls red cuz Shane just had to have them RED... I had painted three coats of red and it never went on the way I envisioned it to... it was ugly!!! So while Steve was away I went in and painted it two shades of dark taupe's. I painted all the trim work in white and I love it now!! Of course there is nothing on the walls yet etc but if you had seen the before pics you would know why this room makes me happy now!!

I mentioned that Shane rolled his ankle again last night... playing basketball without a brace... Quite pretty huh?? I have put an end to the activity he loves... We have a countdown for bootcamp and he can't be injuring himself at this point... Ya think he would learn??

Really I should be sewing ... and trying to make a little money these days. So hard to be motivated!!! With tax money we will be paying off bills and then the stress of sewing will be relaxed a bit... I want it to be fun when I sew.. So the goal is to be debt free and happy.. NICE THOUGHT!! LOL...

I have to get a few dolls done this week for the WSOAPP shoppe!!! So I had better get busy and quit sitting on my butt here!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Two posts in one day!!

2009-03-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

Wow I have things to write about!! Well now it's official Shane will be leaving on the 23rd of June for boot camp!! Yikes,,, now its really, really happening!!! He is excited and apprehensive also... alot of the unknown to expect but he looks forward to the future and a career. His job will be in security forces. So tomorrow we are off once again to Roseburg to sign on the dotted line!!! He had to have this put on his rear window of his pride and joy car... can't tell he liked it!!!??

On another note... Our 3 white pillars were removed this last week and the new ones are up!!! Now when the rain stops falling, we will primer them and paint them white. Very pleased with the finished job...now a check goes out for $1,000.00. At least we are pleased and know as long as we are in the house we won't have to replace them again as this time they were done correctly!!! So...when weather permits again I will show them painted...and then there is that dreaded front door to conquer!!!! Dad where are you??? LOL

Snowmobiling!!

2009-03-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we ventured up the mountain to Diamond Lake for what could be our last snowmobile trip for the year. Laresa and Shane both went along. It was gorgeous when we arrived, great day for riding!! As you can see the sun was shining and it was about 32 degrees. We rode for hours , had some mishaps... Laresa got stuck(minor and easy to pull out) The powder was amazing.. haven't seen it this thick in a long time!!Hmm... I was turning around on mine and decided to hit a parked trucks winch,,, and one other time decided the large snowbank about 8 feet tall looked inviting!! I did not hurt myself or the sled.. just dumb moves when I try to u-turn the dang thing near a standing target.. LOL. After about 4 hours we started to have problems with Shanes sled... just got it out of the shop last weekend and have put too much money into it for an older sled. So we turned it over to the mechanic and gave it to him! Yep we walked away from it and will be looking to buy another one.

For the most part a very enjoyable day...

By the time we were leaving... this is what the weather looked like!! Glad we were going as it was 23 degrees and the visibility on the trails was horrible.... All in all a nice Sunday afternoon together....

A Hint of Spring...

2009-03-17T18:41:00.001-07:00

Had to take a picture of my small rhodies that are just starting to bloom. I can't wait to have the bright colors in the yard once again!!! The last week has been so cold and wet with one or two days in between that have allowed us to mow and I started weeding. Oh how I hate that job!!! Lucky for me its all fairly easy as the soil is loose and we use bark mulch every year in the planting areas so makes that awful job of weeding much easier. But I still hate the dirty job and emptying the wheelbarrow across the street. And oh my talk about being sore the next day!!! My poor left arm was killing me!! I am just too old for this kinda work!!! LOL

As you can see I'm not the only one that's been busy ... the bumble bees are buzzing around like crazy at the first scent of nectar in the flowers.

I have totally not been productive in the dollmaking area at all!!! Still naked bodies lay on the floor in my sewing room. Ugh this is awful progress!!!! I finished one doll in the last week.. how sad is that?? She is adorable though I must admit... The Little Sailor Girl has been listed on ebay and added her in my WSOAPP shop. I hoped to be a little more productive this last week but seems I'm wishing more than I'm actually doing these days. Again thursday Shane and I are off to Roseburg to meet with his recruiter. They are meeting to talk and will be doing a community service with a local radio station filling easter bag/baskets. I think I will spend that time he is busy shopping!!! No money but I can look for FREE!!! Funny how I can shop without any problems now why can't I create that easy??

We Are Back!!

2009-03-12T09:49:00.001-07:00

Well it's official and a done deal. Shane was sworn into the Air Force yesterday morning!! I am a VERY PROUD mom!

I do believe he is making the right choice for himself and no one is talking him into something he doesn't believe in or into doing something he truly doesn't feel good about. He has chosen several jobs that I feel confident and secure to do so I as a mom am happy. Now is the waiting patiently time. He can probably expect to go to boot camp in June or July but if a job is found sooner he will be called up earlier. I'm sure when the time comes I will be sad and the day I go to Portland to see him off and his final swear in will really hit me hard. BUT I have to remember that he is almost 20 and needs his own life aside from me.

While waiting yesterday in Portland for all that to take place Steve and I had some time to waste. So we went to breakfast at Elmers. I had the side order of biscuits and gravy... OH was it ever good!!! Sometimes the gravy can taste like it came right out of a jar but this was very pleasing or I was just that hungry! Then we went shopping. Went to IKEA. Never having been in one I didn't know what to expect. And now having been in one I'm not sure I need to go back in one. Too modern for me although they have alot of furniture and accessories it just wasn't my kinda things to buy. Then we went in this other store where Steve bought me this wonderful little cabin that lights up in the back. Of course taking the picture I couldn't get it to show lit up that way but you can see its adorable. I like shopping trips like that!! It was a long two days and I'm happy to be back home now!! I need to sew but have a list of things to do before... like get on the treadmill!!! So now instead of talking about it... I'm off to my walking!!! Have a beautiful day!!!!

WOOLLY WOOL SALE!!!!

2009-03-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

I love the wool that is sold at Crowing About Primitives... and right now she has a great sale going on... HURRY LIMITED QUANTITES!!!! If you have never used her wool its a must!!! CLEAN and she is very good to ship fast!!! So drop on by and see what she still has to offer you won't be disappointed!!!

BURRR..............

2009-03-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Well the newscasters all said we may see snow and to our surprise we woke up to some white dusting.... When I went to bed at 1 am it was 23 degress.. I think thats a tad bit cold for the month of March here at sea level on the coast!!! As you can see it's just a dusting but for us it's snow..LOL

I spent my weekend sewing,, and not on dolls or dresses that I intended to make....but on scrub tops for Laresa. I was only going to make the one but then started another and well that lead to another. She was pleasantly surprised. Now I have four more cuts of fabric here to make her four more but they will sit a bit I am afraid... I have got to make money!!! So today is focused on my dolls dresses. At least one needs to be completed. Tomorrow we take off for Portland and come back late wednesday, so you can see I dont get much of a week to work!

I Need to be creative and innovative.... any suggestions??? LOL.....

Another day

2009-03-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

I've been busy!!! Not sure why other than to pass the time away each day. Ebay and sales are so slow, this economy needs more than a stimulus package to get things moving in the right direction..but you truly don't want to know how I REALLY FEEL!!! Anyways..... sewing is about all I have been up to in my absent days from here. I have naked doll bodies to dress on the floor... just not sure which direction to take them all. Probably a really good time to work on santas for the fall and get a little ahead. The pictures shown are all on ebay or the WSOAPP updated today.....

Tuesday we are off to Portland for Shane to have his physical reviewed etc with the Air Force. If all goes well he will be sworn in on Wednesday. Hard to believe and yet I'm very happy and excited for him. The economy being so slow and him being almost 20 I think he is making a wise choice for his future. I can only put it all in God's hands and pray for his safety and guidance. Shane wants this more than anything right now and I think I will see my young boy turn into a young man. So as much as I may be sad when he eventually takes off for bootcamp I have to be positive right now.

On another note... Laresa is going back to college part-time !!!! She has decided medical assisting pays nothing!!! So she will be doing the night class thing working on getting her prerequisites out of the way for the nursing program. I'm proud of her and if anyone knows her she won't stop til she gets what she wants. For the meantime she will continue to work her full time job and somehow fit in her studies. Glad she's young!!!

Soon I will be showing the work being done on the front of our house... seems the white pillars are rotted off at the bottoms and need to be replaced. So we are having new ones built and moving some around while at it... they aren't centered correctly with the front door. Speaking of the front door!!! They are shot, well the finish is shot on the frontside. So after looking at doors and seeing the four digit number $$$$$...to replace them.... I'm looking at having to do the work myself. UGH... now,,,, how and where do I start?? I am thinking of painting them black and having either wood panels put in the place of the ugly glass with wrought iron or having someone do some kinda of glass work in that place. Obviously I need matching hardware on the door knobs,,, even uglier now that I'm looking at the pictures!!! I dunno I have alot of thinking to do regarding these doors!! Regardless I have to wait for the weather to warm up.... they are calling for cold snowy showers here and in the valley!!! Well for now I'm going to go relax... sit back in my recliner and look at a magazine!!! Tomorrow is a new day!!!

2009-02-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Oh its been such a long time since I updated!!! Where has the time gone? I haven't been productive at all and finally listed Hope today. I think I have been working on her since my trip to Hawaii....She is available on ebay and hope this week to somehow get motivated and make something new and creative....???

So hard after being gone to get myself back into sewing. Last week I tried to be motivated and my sewing machine was acting up so much I had to pull out my old one. I guess this new one needs to visit the machine doctor.. ugh there goes some pennies!!! Happy I saved my old machine!!!

Wednesday Shane and I drove to Roseburg to visit the Air Force recruiter. If all goes as planned he will be joining. He feels it is the right choice for him and I have to support his decision. This time I do 100%. With the economy the way it is and him being still layed off from Les Schwab he realizes he needs to make some decisions about his life. So hopefully if all goes well we will know something in the next few weeks.

Friday evening Steve and his brother and sister surprised his mom Shirley with a 80th birthday party. Went over very well with around 40 showing up we had a wonderful dinner at our favorite restaurant Benetti's. I spent all day saturday shopping in Eugene with Laresa. We both had a great time and we both spent our birthday money!!! Love those gift cards!! Sunday Steve and I were invited for brunch at his parents home where Debbie cooked a fabulous breakfast!! ( no that isnt "ME" Debbie cooking, Steve's sister is also named Debbie) This pic was taken after we ate of his immediate family.

Nothing else is happening too exciting here,,,,, RAIN is falling like no other in years!! Can't believe how hard it has rained here and finally I see a bit of sunshine peeking through the clouds.

So now my day is half over and I need to sew!!! Dinner is in the crockpot so now onto ME time!!! :)

The Last day and Home again

2009-02-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well tuesday was quite the day... got up checked out of the condo and then drove into Lahaina ... found a really nice restaurant to have breakfast and then I went shopping and Steve off to the tattoo parlor. About an hour later he was done and well I wouldn't say I was but we met up and left my favorite part of the island. Drove down to Kehei, walked through small shopping centers and tried wasting time.. Yes our flight wasnt due til 10:30 pm which meant a day of doing something but didn't really want to do anything but get home. So while driving around we venture a new way up to the Iao needle. After all the times on Maui I have looked at brochures and said I wanna go there and we just never had. Since we were so close we drove up there. Well worth it,,, It was gorgeous rainforest!! Huge philodendron leaves, waterfalls, and tons of stairs to the lookout point!!! Well worth the walk up there but my calves sure felt it yesterday!!

We arrived at the Portland airport after a detour to Salt Lake City since the original plane we were to fly on was delayed from LA to Maui we got on an earlier flight but longer. Flying in first class makes those long trips much easier!! Was so happy to finally get to our car and head towards home. After a 4 1/2 hour drive in the car we made it to our humble abode!! Was so happy to see my cats and all the stuff I needed to do staring me in the face. Extremely hard for me to get back into a routine. Yesterday I dealt with a horrible headache and neck pain and felt like crap but today seems to be pretty darn good so far! I hope to sew!!! Crossing my fingers for progress!!

Another day in Paradise...

2009-02-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

Another day spent paradise... This was a picture taken last night from our condo of the sunset. Quite amazing the pictures and memories made on this trip to the islands. I have to say Maui must be my favorite and this was the best time we have had on this island in years!!! Again today we went into Lahaina... bought all our souvenirs for the kids to take home and had a wonderful lunch at Cool Cats overlooking the park and town. OH the best Lava Flow and chicken
sandwich!! I have to say we have had some wonderful food while here. We stopped at a small Expedia kiosk in town and booked a cocktail cruise. They guaranteed to see whales for about an hour. Little did we expect to see them for the full two hour trip ,,, they were right near the boat and so worth the money!! We have decided further trips to Maui will definitely have trips out on the ocean to whale watch. These are a few shots taken tonight on the sunset cruise

Tomorrow we check out of our condo and have to spend the full day waiting to fly out. We will do the lower part of the island maybe have a nice dinner. Our flight isn't til 10pm so will be flying the red eye home. Not so bad being in first class ( the only way to fly!!) Looking forward to seeing the kids and especially my cats... I MISS THEM SO MUCH!!! Next time I post I will be back in wet, cold Oregon coast, Coos Bay where it snowed this morning!! What a change in temps I'm going to have... until then... Aloha... :)

Rainbows and water

2009-02-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

Beautiful start to our day!!! We were greeted out our balcony with a rainbow over the ocean. I knew it would be a good day after that start. They say this island hasnt had this much rain in years...its just beautifully GREEN!!! Steve and I drove to Lahaina and then onto the dock to get on the Zodiac raft. We barely got out on the ocean and the whales were plentiful. We watched whales breaching, slapping fins, fighting, babies riding on moms backs and baby whalesbreaching about 30 feet and closer from our boat. So worth the money to do!!!!

After being on the ocean for 2 hours we had lunch at Moose McGillycuddys... OH YUM!!! My Mai Tai was heavenly too!! Walked down the street a bit and then decided to drive back to the condo. I need a nap, seems the sun and water took it out of me and I have one of those crappy headaches that are hard to get rid of..... Not sure what our plans are tomorrow as of yet,,, we talked about Steve going on a snorkeling /whale watching trip ...he'd snorkel and Id watch the whales. Im no longer interested in BEING in the ocean waters after seeing a man drown.... I will enjoy being on land or boat. We will play plans for tomorrow by ear..... Enjoy todays pics....

Kauai bye-bye Hello Maui!!!

2009-02-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well we left Kauai today...and woke up to this absolutely gorgeous sunrise!! I have never in all the times to the islands ever had a chance to see a sunrise so beautiful with these colors. BREATHTAKING!!! We had an early flight to Maui. Much warmer on this island and prettier than the last time I was here. Its whale mating season and the whales are very active here. Steve and I can sit on our balcony overlooking the ocean and watch them slap at the water and every now
again breach. I have always wanted to do the ocean whale watch tour so we booked one for tomorrow morning!!! We will be on a large Zodiak raft out in the Pacific and they guarantee to see whales.... Just want to see one of them breach once in my lifetime close up!!! ( well not too close!!)

Anyways... hope to have more wonderful photos tomorrow night. Here are a few others to share from our condo unit today. Until tomorrow.....

A Thousand words...

2009-02-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Can I say a picture or pictures are worth a thousand words??? The helicopter ride was a GO today!!! I was so lucky to get the seat next to the window ...just glass between me and the world below .... What an amazing experience to see the island!! We also ordered the video of our trip but on here you will only get to see my pics..... We were taken over the valley, through the canyons, places unaccessible to humans in cars, inside the volcano and along the coast. Lots of waterfalls and pictures cant do them justice. So with all that sit and enjoy the pics until I post once again!!! Tomorrow we are off to Maui!!! ALOHA!!!

Pretty day!!

2009-02-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

Steve and I started our day traveling down the road towards Princeville, I was going to do the whole snorkeling thing but after watching a man being pulled from the ocean and later finding out that he died I chose to keep my butt firmly planted on a beach towel on shore!! But Steve did and said it was beautiful. Along the way we stopped to watch for whales but seems the whale watching is better in Maui then here,, maybe next week I will have better luck in watching.
Today is Laresa's birthday!!! Happy 22nd my dear daughter!!! Sorry I can't be there to share it with you!!! Heres a pic taken last week in CA after the fundraiser on friday night.... Love this picture....
We got a phone message that the helicopter ride is confirmed for tomorrow morning so hopefully it all goes as planned, I really, really want to see the island in places you cant go by car!!!
Anyways...until I have more to write about...ALOHA!!!

Good Morning!!

2009-02-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

Well another day on the island... it poured last night here so looks like once again we won't be up in the air today. Oh well... we will find other things to do!!! Here is looking out our balcony this morning.... beautiful even though it's not clear. Until later this evening .....

SIMPLY GORGEOUS!!!

2009-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Well as you can see I am enjoying Kauai!!! We were set to take a helicopter ride today but was cancelled due to wet/windy conditions...better luck tomorrow... WE ARE CROSSING OUR FINGERS!!! The temps are mild with cool breezes. Evening is what I call cold and windy. I hope for better weather on Maui saturday. For the time being pray we get nicer weather to enjoy Kauai.

We did have a horrible site to see today. Steve and I went to Poipu beach. We had visited here last year and thought we would sit and enjoy the views of the ocean and watch the surfers etc. We found a picnic bench on the beach and planted our buns facing the ocean. Just shortly after doing so a lifeguard is motioning towards the water and one is on a surf board in the water. Yes as you can only imagine,,, someone was unconscious in the water. And I truly believe he never ever woke up again. It probably took more than 5 minutes to pull him to shore where he was worked on with no responses. Makes you sick to see someone drown... Sad and shocking as well. So kinda put a damper on the day. On a lighter note we had a wonderful lunch at the Olympic cafe in Kapaa. I had a grilled avocado brie sandwich.. OH YUM!!! As a side I had a Lava flow ,,, oh YUM!!! We drove back to our condo and made Strawberry daiquiris and Lava flows and now watching American Idol. Hopefully tomorrow we will be in the copter and I w ill be posting pics tomorrow night....If not we will possibly snorkel and definitely going to do some whale watching. So til tomorrow Aloha!!!

ALOHA!!!!

2009-02-01T18:38:00.001-08:00

ALOHA!!!!! Yes tomorrow I am off to Portland and tuesday off to the islands!!! Sand and sun and a heck of a lot of drinks!! I hope to blog from there but that will all depend if I have internet in our condo or not.

I had an absolutely wonderful birthday in California. Brian's fundraiser was the same day and hundreds of people attended. Was like a reunion,, lots of hugs,, lots of people I hadn't seen in years. Truly WONDERFUL!!! Not to mention I was given great gifts.. it just couldn't have been better!!!

I finally updated my WSOAPP shoppe!!! If you get a moment take a peek, you will find the small bunny in his carrot and my Blue Angel doll. A few other dolls lay here not quite finished but they can wait til I return from my vacation..... ALOHA til then!!!

WE lost a good one...

2009-01-25T16:10:00.000-08:00

Today was a day that I dont want to repeat anytime soon. RIP "Soly"

Soly as known by the kids was our honored National pole vault coach of Marshfield high school. Both my kids were coached by him in track and truly a wonderful man. He passed away last friday due to complications from kidney cancer at 69 years old. The track program will truly miss him. So today is one of those days thats very draining on a person. The memorial service was held in the gym and was attended by hundreds. Just very sad...

I dread wednesday!!! I have a crappy dental appointment I dont want to go to but have to... Oh how Id like to be able to skip it....but I think I chipped a molar and I had better have it looked at,, ,ugh!!! NO MORE popcorn!!! Love the stuff but it doesnt like my teeth!!

I finished another doll and listed her last night.... she is better in person than pics show but hard to get a decent picture when its raining outside and dark inside. I so wish I was more productive... but Im not. Maybe this hawaii trip will inspire me to return refreshed and full of ideas...??? LOL Well... its a good thought anyways!!!

Wondering minds...

2009-01-20T15:10:00.001-08:00

Here is a pic of the two biggest accomplishments in my life, my son Shane and my daughter Laresa.

A few weeks ago I had posted about my daughter Laresa that was having heart issues. She has seen a cardiologist and found that she has a hole between her two atria that is causing her to live with afib on a constant basis. He instructed her to go off her medication and use it as a pocket pill only taking when she feels an episode coming on. BUT what that does do is experience the crummy afib, high racing pulses etc and you pop a pill and it takes 20-30 minutes to help. After having a few episodes the doctor she works for said to go back on the beta blockers. She was asked if she minded if they had her case reviewed at a large conference with doctors that specialize in heart etc problems. So today was that day.... and the results are not what I wanted to hear. Since it is an electrical problem within her the only thing they can tell her is that she will need a pacemaker eventually.... maybe 30 years from now or maybe tomorrow. Now I can honestly say my heart broke to hear that news. Not sure what the future holds or what her doctor will tell her tomorrow when he returns from the conference.. until then there doesn't look to be anything they can do for her......but wait : (

Good Morning..!!!

2009-01-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful day in Coos Bay, sun is shining and no clouds!! Very mild temps in the 50s..PERFECT!!! Wow another week went by and not sure I can brag I did much. I've spent alot of time in the sewing room. Have 5 naked doll bodies now, one doll on ebay, one almost done and three santas in the making. YES I said santas!!! I have an order for a special one and while doing that I figured might as well sew a few more . I love making them and if I can get a good supply made I will be that much more ahead when the season starts....??? wishful thinking!!!

My daughter is moved now into another place. This time a duplex. Super cute two bedroom for a tiny bit more than she paid before. Nice carpeting and layout so she seems to be happy with it. When I get over there again I will take pics.... BAD thing is I got one of her cats back!! Of course I get the one that doesnt listen and is Male so has a mind of his own. He terrorizes one of my females something awful so just don't know if this whole mom gets a cat thing is going to work out. Love cats but I also like a peaceful house with no kitty stress!!

Yesterday Steve took Shane and a friend snowmobiling again at Diamond Lake. Last weekend Shane's sled was towed in with carburetor problems and once again after spending money to have it fixed over the week it bit the dust again. Luckily we have an extra and Steve had it on the trailer. Shane had a blast on the other one ( Bad thing its Laresa's!!) Anyways... a pic before the death of the sled. Shane loves taking jumps and being a daredevil, all in all he had a blast along with his friend. Later this week it looks like we will be doing some shopping for another snowmobile. Always something!!! I hear Steve took a nasty spill at 85 miles an hour. My sons friend watched it happen but luckily there were no injuries and he was wearing a helmet of course. HMMMM something about taking a curve, on snow and ice at 85 miles an hour sounds like STUPIDITY!!!! Yeah but to hear them talk about it...... its WOW!!! Men... do they ever cease to amaze you ???

So today I have them all home again,,,, I have to cook something for dinner.. ugh!!! I plan to sew all day and watch football... GO STEELERS!!!

Left Alone today...

2009-01-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

I'm not complaining!!! Steve and the kids went snowmobiling at Diamond Lake today..... I wanted to stay home and do things I haven't had much time to do

during the last week. Finally finished the doll that laid naked on my floor. She's precious if I don't say so myself.... Now contemplating what next?? Just so hard to focus on anything these days,, guess there is just too much going on in my brain to stay focused.

Brian is home for another week ,,,, seems the first set of treatments didn't go as well as expected ( they were pretty tough on him ) but very typical of how some handle the drugs being administered. I hate to beg but I'm going to..... PLEASE take a moment and say a prayer for not just Brian but anyone you know or don't know... that those in need of GODS healing hands are blessed with healing and ease all the pain and illness that accompanies them ..... it takes but a second to just pray and truly I would be most appreciative!!!

It's a beautiful but cold day here and I should be outside washing my car since the sun is shining but I also feel like I need to be sewing or cleaning inside... ugh such a dilemma!! Yesterday I did spend a couple hours outside pulling weeds, cutting shrubs back etc... I about froze my buns off doing it!!! So its hard even though the sun is shining to get out there, so I think my thoughts of washing the car and the frozen fingers and toes that will accompany that process is leaving me...lol I think sewing may be in order instead. Crossing fingers for some progress!!!

Hard to get back in a GROOVE.....

2009-01-08T15:51:00.001-08:00

It's amazing to me to be so busy before the holidays, to come in my sewing room and spend hours upon hours sewing and then soon after it's over I am stumped as to what to make. I find it hard to focus on one thing, like I'm in a fog with no sight through it. I finally today finished one doll, with one more laying on the floor undressed and no clue what it will be yet, maybe an angel? This little Valentine doll made her debut on ebay today!!!! My heart is making Santas, and have thought about just continuing on with them,, maybe throwing one on ebay once in awhile. I dunno????

Regardless sitting on this computer is doing NOTHING to help my issues of not being inspired!!! So off I go, hope to show something in another day or so !!!

About time!!

2009-01-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and I have to say it's about time I update!!! I had a wonderful Christmas, got so much stuff it would be very hard to list it all... I will say I was spoiled rotten!! We left for Sunriver for New Years... and what a site to see!!! Simply breathtaking!!! We spent three days snowmobiling trails. Paulina area, Mt. Bachelor and finally Diamond Lake and Crater Lake. Stayed in our timeshare over there and stayed nice and warm while snow fell at night. Pictures are worth a thousand words so this entry will be just that....pictures. I hope tomorrow to finally ground myself to my work room and sew. A month and I'm off for Kauai and Maui for a week!!! Enjoy!!!

OH dangola!!

2008-12-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

Well this night doesnt get any better..... the computer.. well I went back to my old one.. seems something isnt quite right with the new one. So I decide to work on loading all my pics and patterns I had backed up on jump drives. K... also started a box of macaroni and cheese for my son that is sick. So while Im sitting here I smell something burning... hmmm strange whos cooking??? A few more minutes go by... and oh SHIT!!! I run into the kitchen to find a nice black charcoaled mess of marcaroni shells.... eeeewwwww that smell!!! Clean that mess up and start another box... start doing dishes this time so I can watch the noodles boil in the same room. So Im bee bopping around the kitchen wearing socks.... eww yuck theres a smell... I look down and seems one of the cats had a trail of something that left the litter box and my nice socks found it... and yes... I trailed it in spots in the kitchen!!!! OH nasty nasty nasty!!! Now Im cleaning the floor!!! So I get that all done... finish the macaroni and cheese and do those dishes...... go to throw the boxes of empty macaroni in the trash compactor and I slammed my finger in the trash compactor!!! Yes that was me yelling!!! Crying ... looking at it now.. well its ugly, bloody and yep it hurts like a mofo!!! So now that was three crappy things tonight... must mean the rest of my night is going to be wonderful!!! LOL??????

2008-12-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

OH what a pain I have been experiencing!!! This computer crud... My computer is less than 6 months old and actually love the thing BUT.... we bought a new printer and it is wracking havoc on everything I try to do now!!! I couldnt install the software for the printer without uninstalling my virus software (since I cant disable it) So after doing that and installing the printer software ,, reinstalling my virus scan now the computer will close out all windows opened if I x out of anything!!! I cant even add pics etc , pay a bill online etc. So Im trying this test,,, uninstalled the software on the printer and hopefully this works!!! If this posts I have had success and I have stepped away doing the happy dance!!! Will post more later!!!

A evening of lights....

2008-12-17T19:46:00.001-08:00

Tonight Steve and I took our annual trip out to Shore Acres state park to view the lights... If you click on the above link you can watch the video done of Shore Acres by Good Morning America... If you have never been its a must if ever visiting the West coast. Santa to the left sits inside the little house on the property .. every year he is bathing in the bathtub for all of us to see...LOL.... Steve and I were married out here under the gazebo almost 6 years ago in the rain and with all these lights lit up. Numerous scenes are designed from jumping frogs, whales, butterflies in trees, turtles, crabs etc. So with not much said I'm just going to share the pictures taken tonight. They arent the best but you can get the idea,,, there are over a quarter of a million l.e.d. lights,, simply beautiful at night!!! This park is simply gorgeous in the spring when the rhodies and azaleas are blooming also. Click on the pics to see a larger viewing...

The frogs are over water and start down below and jump across in succession and finally there is a splash... very entertaining...Now that was my excitement for the night... time to sew!!!

FLAT OUT FREEZING!!!

2008-12-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

Okay for most that live in places that normally get super cold and have snow and ice this is nothing...but for us Coastal people our temps are normally pretty mild. WE are freezing!!! Its amazing to walk out to give the rabbit a wool blanket and have the ground so hard and crunchy sounding when you walk on it... we dont normally get that here. My pond in the front yard is starting to freeze over with ice and icicles are hanging where the water falls. Im in amazment here!!

Our forecast actually now calls for snow on thursday.. will it happen??? Oh we are so hoping, although I will be stuck in the house for fear of driving in it I still would like to look out my window and have a glimpse at Christmas of the wintery white all over. Right now we have remnants of the snow that fell earlier sunday and froze to the grass... its hard as a rock on the lawn.

Yesterday we went to Eugene.... I took pictures while we were driving so spare me the comments about crummy pics.. LOL It was simply gorgeous,,, what is normally a beautiful drive in the pines and ferns was white. Minus the dumb drivers the day wouldve been good!!!

Funny out here we get all giddy with the snow and ice,, to some its a every winter season chore ..........

We visited the cardiologist yesterday with my daughter Laresa and with further tests it is sounding very likely that she may have a hole in between the two atria. Something that was inutero and didnt form correctly. Now when those words come out of a doctors mouth one can imagine as a mom you feel responsible. Yes.. I could've just cried. I see my daughter on a table hearing those words and I feel as if I let her down although I know there was nothing I could've done to prevent it , I still feel terrible. Nothing is definitive yet until all the tests are reviewed so crossing fingers and praying we will have good news.

On another note... I have two more santas to finish this morning and list on ebay for one day auctions and I am done listing for the season. I have an order to fill and then my late nights are completed and hope to sit and enjoy the season, baking and cleaning!!! I won't walk away from my sewing completely as I need to think of the new year,,,,,but sitting in the evening in my recliner instead of in a sewing chair will be so NICE!!!!

If our weather changes I will be out there taking pics!!!

Countdown!!!

2008-12-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

Just finished two more santas today!!! Whew and have two more to go and one order and I am done!!! Not sure thats something to be happy about as I love making Santas...

Its been a great year even with ebay being slow in sales I have met wonderful people online and had a great time creating. I can only hope this next year will be better than this one that is ending!! My daughter will see the cardiologist tomorrow in Eugene. Steve and I will be taking her due to the snowstorm that has landed smack down on Eugene. Seems the ice and snow are pretty intense so hope to show pics of our trip tomorrow when I return!! Crossing my fingers everything goes okay tomorrow at the doctors office.. I just cant take anymore things to upset me!!! To top all this off with her heart problems... her boyfriend broke up with her last night. Makes no sense at all!!! He thinks he needs to figure things out, he still cares alot for her etc. Its not another girl he just feels they need to move forward and he isnt ready for that commitment... and stupid him doesnt realize she doesnt want to get married!!! So lets just say the last day has been very stressful for her, something she really needs to avoid. She will be fine where that part of her heart is concerned... she will move on and he will no doubt be sorry when he sees her with someone else. When he realizes it thought it will probably be too late... LMAO.... I just hate to see my kids hurt or be hurt by someone... just tears me up inside. So tonight Im going down on those knees and praying for good news tomorrow... prayers are accepted gladly!!!

So until I return..... enjoy the holiday season and stay warm!!!

Hard to BeLieVe.....

2008-12-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

Amazing how the time is flying by here. Seems I just wake up in the morning and get started and its time to cook dinner. I have been spending the majority of my time sitting in this sewing room for weeks ( other than my trip to CA ) I am sure my husband will love as this next week approaches its end and I quit pushing myself so hard to sew. I had thought I would be done after the one last santa I have to finish and then I go to an antique store today... LOL. Of course I find a cream wool blanket and oh my beautiful buttons... NOW I have to make a Santa with it!!! So lets see.. one more after this one?? I will push myself to the limit no doubt.... Here are pics of my newest I listed tonight...
I just find it so hard to stop as I love making Santas more than I think anything... maybe its just the season or maybe I just love making them ,, I dunno!!! lol

I received a auction I won and let me tell you.. OH I just drooled last night looking at these wonderful books!!! I want one of everything in them!! I just wish I had the creativity to make and design what others come up with.... Now Im searching for volumes 6 and 7 !!! I got lucky and hopefully will win number 4.

Crossing my fingers no one else wants it!! So now you see what I have been up to the last couple days. Hopefully I will have a few more things to show in a day or so.... then I plan to sit back and enjoy my Holiday season!!

K one step forward and not looking back...

2008-12-11T16:45:00.001-08:00

Well one foot in front of the other and hope not to take another step backward!! I've been sewing all morning and trying to put behind me the crud going on around in my life....So you can see SANTA has been listed!! And another SANTA!!! Whew !!! Hoping for some bids on both along with all the other stuff of course, at this point anything is good.

I heard from my daughter while at work and she has her appt for next week to see the cardiologist... so I suppose the next thing I will be asked is to go along with her on tuesday to the doctor. Gladly of course I will go with her!! Might hit the mall for that last minute shopping if my checking account gets back and working!!! Well back to sewing I go!!!

I'm not going to lie..it sucks!!

2008-12-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'm Serious when I say I'm not going to lie,,,my life just sucks!!! I can't seem to do a thing right, I'm tired and feel like whatever I do there is a catch or something wrong with it. This week has just been one thing after the other and I want to go to sleep and hope that tomorrow is better!

My daughter had her echocardiogram on tuesday and results showed things on it that now she has to see a cardiologist. Kinda scary at 21 to have a doctor tell you that you could have a stroke! As a parent to sit back and hear it makes me very very sad and yes scared. It just tops everything else going on in my previous post. Paypal and my checking are still not meeting eye to eye. I'm waiting on a debit card so I have access to my money and yes.. you name it my day just gets better. Photobucket decided I guess that I was lying about my password when I tried to log in... now that for the life of me doesn't make sense as I had it saved in my computer!! So had to make a new password. I thought things happened in 3's... well I think in my life they are happening by the dozens with no end in sight right now. Just need things to slow down here,, I want to enjoy the holiday and quit stressing over everything and everyone. I'm tired of crying, or being upset!!!

I finally was able to finish a few things and list on ebay... and hopefully in a very short time here I will have two more santas to list. Just waiting on bears to dry in the oven. Then,, who knows what I'm doing... three naked bodies lay here awaiting something to happen to them. Maybe I can get the will to do something with them?? LOL... until then... Enjoy your day!!!

What a memorable trip..... : )

2008-12-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Im back!!! I left last thursday for my trip to CA to surprise my dad for his birthday and my sister and her husband and family. My sister JoAnn flew out and my husband cooked up a BIG surprise and bought my brother James a ticket to fly out from Indiana to surprise them all. It has been so many years since we have all been together and it was just the best weekend I have had in a long, long time. The surprise was priceless, Mom screamed when James walked through her front door and the others were in shock to see him. We enjoyed dinners together, took a trip up to Grass Valley/ Nevada City to shop and see a play, stayed up late at night and laughed. I wouldn't give the time we all shared away to anyone and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
The times were good and I hope gave my parents a good surprise and many memories to cherish. Things are tough in our family right now with Brian and for those that really know me you know the story. All the prayers, good thoughts and blessings are welcomed with open arms and thanks. The battle is just beginning and we are hoping for the fight of his life to be a success. I am asking for anyone that knows anything about the dreaded "C" word, diets to try to prevent or possibly cure please, please email me. My family and I would be so thankful for any and all help regarding it. As I touch on that subject you can now understand how much this trip really meant, not only were we all together we needed to be there for the support Brian needs. He seems to have a reality check on what is happening and plans to fight it with his every being. I dont think it has set in with everyone though and denial can be seen and felt. This is not going to go away by sweeping it under the rug and spending every moment being supportive of him is needed in such a huge way. I think sometimes we take things for granted, our loved ones especially. You look at them and they look perfectly healthy, you think they will be here forever and one day they get news they are ill, or something happens to them you dont expect. It's too late when they are too sick to understand you or they are gone from this world. It will be too late to say I love you, or Im sorry or just be there for them, be their rock when they need you. Life does not revolve around US it revolves around the memories you make, the NOW choices you make. ENJOY the present, be a rock and support to those in need , cuz one day you will look back and say I wish I had and it will be too late.

Other things and moments shared I am showing in pictures.. I have so many and will just pick a few here to share...

This was me sharing the love of the green and yellow!!! GO DUCKS!!! Yes and while taking this picture in the middle of Nevada City I was asked what I was doing by a couple to which they laughed when they noticed I matched the fire hydrant... LOL.

These are the two wonderful cats my mom has in her yard.... hard for me to part with either of them. If I had them at home they'd NEVER go outside!!! Mellow and loving babies and the cat lover in me hated to leave them!!!

And then theres mom and dad.... Love these two more than anything!!!

So I returned home on monday, after a long drive and all the sad goodbyes, I get home to hear my daughter has been evicted for the evil neighbor below her that doesnt like her cat jumping around in the middle of the night. So yes yesterday we were out looking for another apartment!! This added stress is not helping her heart problems. We were at the hospital yesterday morning bright and early for a eckocardiogram to which we are told her heart is doing its own thing. Looking forward to hearing the results and hopefully some kind of help they can give her. At 21 its hard to imagine your heart not working correctly when you look perfectly healthy!! Another worry for me and yes today is dye the hair day!!! Talk about letting the wind out of your happy sails.... My paypal account was compromised!!! YEP to the amount of $2,000. After more than one headache yesterday I was able to get it all back and working again but had to close my checking account and reopen another, change all my passwords etc. A real pain!!! What makes such people do this?? Can't they find better things to do than try to steal from others that work hard to make money? It amazes me!!! So... Im sewing today, I dont want to hear any bad news, I want to enjoy today and finally accomplish some much needed work here!!! Hope I can show some kinda progress!!!!

Well I am beat!!!

2008-12-03T22:34:00.001-08:00

I'm so dang tired and I need to get to bed!!! I've been so busy sewing and updating WSOAPP before the 7th I haven't had much time to just sit and relax and enjoy my tree.

Finally got my nightime shot, so much prettier than the daytime!! Ignore the mess!!! I don't have time to take the clothes basket off the couch at the moment!!!

Steve did tell me today that in exactly 2 months we will be flying back to Kauai and Maui!!!! Oh dang Im excited!!! He booked our helicopter ride this time so it's a done deal!!! Doin the happy dance,, can ya see it??? Well maybe it's better you don't.. LOL Anyways... I think I'm rummy here and so so tired!!! When I return from my mini vacation this weekend I will post more and tell you all how wonderful it was!!!

A Trip to the Pacific Ocean

2008-12-01T08:55:00.001-08:00

Well I begin by saying, my husband asks me just about every weekend lets take a drive out to the ocean, we live probably 15 minutes from it. I always insist Im just too busy so yesterday when we were going grocery shopping I said lets go to the ocean, much to his surprise and we were off!! Foggy morning so some of the pics show the mist in the air but soon it was replaced by sunshine. We have a storm coming in so the waves were wonderful!!! For November 30th the weather was unreal!!! Just a gorgeous day!! But once again after shopping I had to return to much needed sewing and updating of poppy etc. We could've sat and watched the waves for hours! So back to reality... check back later for new items finished I HOPE!!

Two things in life....

2008-11-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Lets just say... first off Happy Thanksgiving to everyone... and I AM SO DAMN GLAD ITS OVER!!! I have to start by thinking... hmm great idea.. Steves parents over for dinner, kids at home, my house is decorated just the way I like it... CHRISTMASY!!! Dinner gets done without and glitches,, food is great. BUT the after conversation was enough to make me drink another bottle of wine ALONE!!! Yep the subject that you dont speak about in this house... well two for that matter..... The wonderful subject of how wonderful this world is now that Obama is president elect ( CHOKE COUGH ) lets just say I have had my ass bitten, chewed and chunks are still laying in my dining room. I didnt have a prayer and YES I am republican and PROUD to be one!!! This truly turned out to be a shitty conversation, one that had my husband at the top of his nice voice asking that his parents quit talking!!! And if you know my husband.. thats not a nice voice. Then we get to hear how bad BUSH has been... etc etc. My sons tattoo gets noticed on his arm... In one direction it says JESUS and you turn your arm it says SAVES.... I love it... they didnt. And of course had to make a comment about the name... calling it HEY ZOOS almost mocking the name . I have been raked over the coals tonight my religious beliefs and my political... I cant take it anymore!!! OKay... second thing you dont talk to me about it religion!!! I am a Christian and proud also to say I am one, so are my children. My husband is Jewish and well lets just say they know everything and Im wrong. Wow not sure I can take Hanukkah this year!!! PRAY for me please???? Im drinking before I ever go to dinner!!!! No pics today... Im TOO upset!!!! Now I need to calm down and sew... hell not even going to sleep tonight cuz I have to be at wally world at 4:30am.... I am so sad!!!! Hope everyone else had a relaxing holiday... I had one I dont want to repeat EVER!!! I miss my mom!!!

OH my tomorrow is Thankgiving!!!

2008-11-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh what the heck!! How did this happen so fast?? I am so not ready for company to be here. My poor house!!! The roll away bed still is parked in the hallway from when mom left on Saturday, I need to vaccum, clean the kitchen floor, bathrooms, fold clothes, oh my and cook. I hate cooking!!! I would much rather be in my sewing room tomorrow working on the 11 projects I have sitting on this floor here! Where has the time gone? Oh and on top of it... shopping!!! The sales after Thanksgiving!!! Yep me and the hubby are planning to be up at 5 am and hitting a few deals out there, and at midnight tonight I'm going to be online and taking advantage of the online sales with free shipping and discounts as that clock ticks over to Thanksgiving! Save a dollar anywhere I can.....

I did manage to list another Santa yesterday.... LOVE HIM!!! I love when you envision something and it actually turns out better than you thought, or when things just come together without fussing over it to the point of not finishing it. Ive had some great luck in the last week,,, maybe it's trying to do things differently with the eyes and finding a body that isn't so large,,, I dunno but I'm pleasantly pleased right now.

I suppose I will write more as I get things done here.... hope that I don't have any disasters tomorrow in the kitchen!!!

Im getting there slowly!!!

2008-11-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Well I have been here 6 Christmas's and finally this year took all the fire stuff down and added a garland... what a change that makes!! While mom was here she mentioned me making the curtain that goes over the front door and adding pipberries and a candle light or two. So today I got on the high ladder,, whhhoooo that was fun NOT!!! Anyways... its done and I LOVE IT!!! Why didnt I do that years ago???

Simple yet adds so much to the front foyer. I opted for one light in the window as the window to the left has two and I leave them on all the time. This will stay after the holidays as it was approved by my husband when he came home for lunch!!! Even if it hadnt been approved it would stay but always nice to have someone say they like something you do. So today I have spent the majority of it decorating,,, not cleaning or sewing much. I sit here now thinking of putting the finishing touches on a Santa and listing him and an angel,,,, just need to get away from the computer!!

I just have to share before I get off of here my little baby... her name is Brandy. While mom was here she moved the cat couch in my sewing room and seems that is all it took for Brandy to decide she really likes it and spends her days moving back and forth from the couch to my shoulders. Isn't she precious??? love love love her!!!

OH A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS!!!

2008-11-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well the day started out an a very early time getting mom to the airport... to find that it was too dang foggy to land in North Bend so they diverted the flight to Medford... OH POOR mom...she got up so early, no breakfast and spent the whole day on airplanes or sitting in airports..!!! Im sure she will spend time bloggin on her day but now onto the rest of mine!! My daughter called me and asked if I wouldnt mind going to the pet store with her to buy double stick tape for around the Christmas tree and deterrent spray to spray on her tree to keep her cat away. So we go,,,, we buy the goodies at the pet store... then onto the mall!!! I did what I had to do and then we had to stop by the little place in the mall that takes in kitties and other animals for adoption and sells them. OH HELL.. there went my day!! Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE cats and kittens. I feel such pain for animals and have a hard time dealing with any that hurt or are mistreated. Well.... I of course had to hold a kitten,,,, then Laresa had to hold a kitten and she just fell in love with this beauty!!! OH my she slept right in her hands,,,, she took the one I was holding and she just curled right up and went to sleep,,,purring and not a peep of crying. She was hooked!!! SHE BOUGHT HER!!! So we take her home to meet her new brother... the devil Kegger.... not sure how they are going to get along at first but this little princess just seems to act like its her house and he better just tow the line or she will put him in his place..LOL I love her!!!

Speaking of the DEVIL kitty Kegger.... This week while mom was here visiting I bought a really cute bear with wood pads on the feet and on the nose... just adorable.... I gave it to Laresa since she collects bears and thought it would be cute in her apartment. So I give it to her yesterday,,,, Kegger took a liking to him right away... smelling, licking it. I told Laresa I thought she had better put him up away from Keg but nope she didnt.... Well you can probably guess what happened.... Laresa woke up this morning to a headless bear!!! Yep took that head right off!! Now I gotta figure out how the heck other than stitching it back on to reattach his poor head to his body. Theres a nut and bolt that attached it originally.... arrggghhhh!!! Suggestions are welcome.. LOL

So now I have wasted my whole day, its 5pm and I need to start doing something productive!!! Wish me luck!!!

Another one !!!

2008-11-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

Guess Im on a roll, two posts in one day!!! LOL. Just sharing my new santa... love this guy!!! It has helped having my mom here to draw ideas with though,,,, I will miss that when she leaves. Always nice to have someone give tidbit ideas as you are trying to create something. Anyways.... now onto getting moms blog started!!!

Where did I go???

2008-11-21T08:21:00.001-08:00

Oh I have been busy!!! I wish I could say it was just sewing but it hasn't been....although I did manage to get this guy done and listed on ebay. My mom came up to visit last week and for the most part we have been non-stop on the go. We have shopped and shopped, took a day to wrap presents and yesterday spent the morning decorating my tree!!! I think this is the earliest I have ever put a tree up but wanted to do it while my mom was here. It's a fake one so no worries with it drying up or watering it... my kinda tree these days!! I will take more pics when the dang sun isn't shining through the windows sometime,,,, it is much prettier in person...lol I bought a Bethany Lowe angel this year and am thrilled with her!!

We have had some interesting things happen this week. Medical issues with my daughter, my sister and my brother in law none of which makes any of us rest easy. Prayers are needed this holiday season and truly we will be thankful this year as we celebrate our Thanksgiving. Speaking of dinners... ugh I gotta cook!!! Oh dread cooking, clean up and a day of no sewing. Not to mention eating the dang stuff that tastes so dang good but packs on 10 more pounds to the old rump!! I still have to stress about dessert to make... I hate pumpkin pie and a few others don't care much for it either..... so gotta find a recipe that will work for those here..... so much to do and I just wanna sew!!! Yep Im stressing here!!! And we wont even start about what a mess my house is!!! So what am I doing??? Im sitting here on this computer doing NOTHING!!! lol :)

Busy , Busy!!!

2008-11-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

New santas listed today!!! Progress on the horizon here!!! Still have 5 naked doll bodies on the floor but with much hopes of getting them dressed very soon!!! ONWARD!!!

Register to Win!!!

2008-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

Before I forget.... Enter my giveaway and you can win this wonderful angel!!! On December 10th I will hold my drawing and announce the lucky winnner. It's FREE, no shipping!!! Approx. 18 inches long and in a vintage baby doll dress... precious and free!!! So if you get a moment click here and register to win and enter, takes a moment of your time and who doesn't love something FREE??!!! Good Luck!!!

Wet Friday..

2008-11-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Another week has gone by... can you feel fall in the air?? We have had rain all week here and see nothing but rain in the next week. Oh don't get me wrong, I love this time of year and I love even more that snow is falling in the mountains and I have a new snowmobile sitting in the trailer waiting for me to ride!!! I cant wait to take a day and relax on my sled!!! But in the meantime I sit inside this sewing room, sewing, sewing and more sewing. Yesterday I updated WSOAPP and sold things instantly. Wow is all I can say!!! Thanks to everyone!! Listed on ebay yesterday I was able to add a couple new santas and some ornaments. This little guy is one of my favorites I listed.... I tried something new for me with the eyes using the watercolor pencils and I really liked the end result. So what am I doing now?? I have one santa that will be listed this morning on ebay, and I have one in progress... and four naked bodies laying on a box, three snowman and an angel naked thats a special order. I have got to be busy today without fail!!! No trips to Wallyworld, or JoAnns fabrics. I think I will save those trips for next week. My mom is coming up to stay for a week!!! I am so excited to see her although somewhere in between the shopping I will need to be sewing. Maybe I wont sleep?? lol I think my Christmas tree will make an early debut this year with mom here. Great way to get in the holiday spirit and heck someone to help me decorate!!! So with so much going I really need to get off this computer and get busy sewing!!! Hope to have progress to report tomorrow!!!! Enjoy the day!!!

What else??

2008-10-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

OH my should I even ask that question these days?? What does a box cutter blade and a tire marked with a white x mean?? Let's just say $1026.00!!!! Yep there went some hard earned dollars today. I'm not going to post on here what I think happened but I have a pretty clear idea and it came from driving out of my garage. Enough said. I left , went to Walmart. Went in and when I put my car in drive( didnt move the vehicle) my warning light came on that rear tire pressure was low in the right rear. Fancy little thing there, tells ya all the information BUT I didn't want to see it on!!! I drove right to Les Schwab tires and they proceed to show me the blade and the news. Due to this being a odd size tire, and of course a Michelin and not what they sale and an ALL Wheel Drive vehicle I need to have all the same tire tread running on all four tires... or it can mess my whole system on my new car. Not even 5,000 miles on the car and Im replacing all four dang tires!!! Peeved... well thats an understatement... theory.... What comes around goes around !!!

I'm tired of bad news...need some good karma coming my way , so crossing fingers the sales keep coming on ebay, and with new items being listed in the shoppes things pick up. Life just seems to throw stones on some days and I'm a bit bruised and battered here!!! Not to mention I think Im getting sick... that just bums me out!!!

I did just list a new santa... So many other things here not finished so need to get busy tonight. Hubby is away and its time to pull a longer shift in the sewing room!!! No rest for the weary!!!

Lucky to be alive....

2008-10-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day,,,has to be a reason. What I learned tonight I had to post about. My son asked to stay the night at a friends house last night after the movies. They came by the house, got clothes, visited with me and left. So as any parent would.... I go to sleep and all is well... WELL was it?? I never got a phone call in the middle of the night nor in the morning. Seems no one felt I needed to know....???? See after they left our house they went up to Burger King and sat talking to friends, and then two girls showed up ,, they all decided to go to the ocean. Well they take the long way, the curvy way, the so called short cut. Luckily my son decided to get in the back of the Jeep with his two buddies. MIND YOU THEY DIDNT WEAR THEIR SEATBELTS!!!! The two girls were in the front. Seems the girl driving is either a horrible driver or she was showing off driving fast and reckless. NO alcohol was involved this was simple fun joy ride that took a turn for the worst, but couldve been deadly.. So by the photos you can see they are all lucky to be alive. The door opened is the door my son opened to get out.... Luckily no one was killed, but there are some minor injuries. The girl in the passenger front seat messed up her neck, shoulder and hand. My son has marks on his shoulder and is quite sore today. Needless to say,,,,, I am glad they are all okay,,, floored I wasnt notified til my son told me about it this evening when he got home. I think angels were watching over them last night.....This mom job is hard!!!

2008-10-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well today has been a good productive day.... I listed my large angel and a small santa. Now will they be successful and sell on ebay??? Oh one never knows this year. With this election looming and the doom and gloom of our economy and the media I think making it seem even worse ...its going to be a thin Christmas this year!!! But I keep plugging away doing what I love to do. I have a million things I want to do and seem to not getting much completed. Alot being made and not completed these days!! So I plan to finish items tomorrow... prepare for the updates on Poppy and WSOAPP.
Things seem to be getting better in the household... taking deep breaths where the kids are concerned and trying my hardest to get Shane studying for the Coast Guard. I think the Marines is still in the back of his head as his easy way in..and his stupid thinking that it would be fun. OH my!! The last thing in this wonderful world that can be considered fun!!! So I keep pressing forward with my talks of this messed up world and the uncertainty of our military and all they have to go through and see. I know others are fighting for our country and I am proud of them....Im just not ready to have my son fighting in another country. Well enough said... slowly I think my words are sinking in....time will tell!!!
Onward to the sewing room once again!!! So much to do so little time!!!

I think I'm tired........

2008-10-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Wow what a day it has been... I am so tired of boyfriend/girlfriend problems!!! This takes so much out of me.....Top it off with housework that is never complete and trying to get my son to study for asvab tests is enough!!! I need a break!!! I did manage to finish this wonderful Santa,, oh how I love this guy as the picture just doesn't do him justice. Using an old baby coat I have had here it worked out perfectly for him to wear... he is very regal sitting there. I also finished another santa holding a stocking... Another one of my larger santas which I will probably not make alot more of. With postage and the time making him I will probably concentrate on more of the smaller varieties. I have three more dolls laying naked on the floor here in hopes of getting dressed in the next day or so. One to be another angel in a long baby gown, I am excited to get her finished.

Another week and Lemon Poppy Seeds will be updated with ornaments and hopefully a couple dolls and on the 7th WSOAPP will be updated with ornies and dolls and for the first time for me... We will be having a Open House giveaway to anyone that enters.... If you choose to enter my personal giveaway all one has to do is go to my blog on the Whispered Sisters of a Primitive Past and enter in my add to mailing list. I will draw a winner and you will be notified in the month!!! I will be posting a picture here and also on my shoppe on the 7th. So ... although I've been kinda busy with all the problems in life I seem to get some of my sewing done,,, oh well if the laundry sits on the couch folder or not folded, or a bed isn't made, or the bathroom needs to be cleaned.... My house is lived in and primitive!!! Just no surprise visits from anyone!!!

Productive....???????????

2008-10-20T17:50:00.001-07:00

The day started out wonderful, I woke up to rain!! I love rain, I love staying indoors and working when it rains. BUT it stopped, sad to say and that dang sun came out ! OH I cant wait for winter to come, its my favorite time of year!!

On another note... I did get two dolls listed on ebay, one is Faith my angel and another is my woodsman santa. Pleased with the finished products other than it looks to me I need to fix Faiths wing,,, I think she has a lopsided look here!!! LOL. She is already listed on ebay but she will be fixed before it ends!

Alot is going on in my life right now and its amazing I can stop to sit and sew at all.... I keep plugging away in hopes it can take my mind off the insanity that looms over me. I sat down this afternoon and have about a dozen dolls in the making... PROGRESS??? Time will tell and I will be back to show the end product!!! Enjoy the rest of the day!!!

I'M BACK and getting busy!!!

2008-10-16T08:25:00.001-07:00

OH so happy to be home and get back to sewing and updating!!! I spent a week in Indiana, beautiful weather and warm temperatures so different from home. This is a picture of the backside of my sisters log home. OH what I would do for that house!!! It is my dream home!! And the yard they have... well lets just say acres with woods surrounding them... just wonderful.

We played cornhole, and many games of Aggravation and that is exactly what it caused me. My mom and sis weren't so nice to me!!!

Blessings were seeing my brother and his family which I hadn't seen in years. It truly meant alot to me. He has two daughters that are just adorable!! If you follow SimpleTresures you will see how photogenic they are!!! Love those two girls!!!

I think everyday we did something, did alot of shopping!!! I bought things I cant find here on the west coast so was in heaven!!! I spent alot of money and even worse when I tried to get home overweight in my luggage! One of my favorite days was a little outing with Pam, Linda, my mom and I in the rural area of Indiana...driving on these narrow farm roads with a business out in the middle of nowhere. A Amish home where we went shopping in the little basement, no electricity and no working cash register. Everything done on ledgers and arithmetic done the old fashioned way. Very interesting way of life. Going down that road we passed Amish children at play during their school day, all various sizes in their dresses and boys attire... they all waved as we drove by. ADORABLE!!! An outhouse next to the small school, I just cant imagine living life like that in these times. Reminded me of Little House on the Prairie,,,, a hard life , but a simple life, so different from our hustled life and credit crunches. On that same outing I picked out my wool for santa beards, learned to needle felt with a cookie cutter base, and shopped!!! Some of the cutest stores in towns back there!

AS much as I loved my little vacation its now time for a reality check. Crunch time to get busy and sew and update my shoppes and ebay!!! Hopefully in the next day or so I have something to show in progress!!! Until then.... Have a beautiful day!!!

A few new items

2008-10-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

I finished my poppy items late last night and updated. I am pleased at the little santa finished. Sometimes I envision something that looks nothing like I wanted it to and I hate it.. this one I was pleased with. Also added some mitten snowmen ornaments. With leaving in a couple days I feel I am limited to doing much of anything... so much to do and Im not doing any of it!!! Yes you guessed it... still no packing done, havent even got the suitcase out yet!!! Maybe sometime today I will at least get that done. I hope to update my WSOAPP tomorrow for the 7th as I will be gone when new items are to release. Just hope to have something to put in it!!! So better get busy here and do something productive!!!