Use It Up Tues

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I want to figure out some sort of schedule for topics for Northwoods Ramblings.  

And as happens when one asks God for help - He answers!  Here is a rough plan for the time being.

Monday - (Children's) Ministry Monday - I am sort of  in charge of our children's church ministry.  I set up the schedule. Together with our Children's Ministry Director we equip our volunteers with what they need.

We do not have a curriculum.  We teach the same passage that our pastor is teaching - but geared for children.  Not everyone feels comfortable with 'walking the tightrope without a net'.  Personally, I love the challenge of creating curriculum - so on Monday's I will put up some ideas for teaching, crafts, music, games that will help the kids understand the passage or story.

I will send a link to the folks who are teaching that particular weekend to hopefully (!) help them out.

Tuesday - on Tuesdays, I will share my progress on busting my fabric stash or other repurposing projects I might have going on.  I will either call this Re-use Tues or Use it Up Tues.

Wednesday - I will share whatever is on my heart.  Whatever Wednesday.

Thursday - Thankful Thursday - I can get so focused on my getting my to do list to be done, that I forget to breathe and count my many, many blessings.

Friday - Frugal Friday.  I come from a long line of tightwads.  I will share some of what I have learned or what I am doing on Fridays.

So in the spirit of Use It Up Tues, my plan this month is to make 5 Christmas stockings from fabric I have (and have had for years!) on hand.  It is not doing anybody any good stuffed away in a box in the basement

 I am very happy to be able to report that stocking #1 is finished. And the other 4 are all cut out.

I went outside in the below zero windchill to take an artsy picture of it.  Turns out I am not that great at artsy particularly when the windchill is -20*  And the sun don't shine.

 Not that great at indoor artsy either.

One down - four to go!  And I should probably add to my New Year's goals - LEARN TO TAKE BETTER PICTURES.

November's end

this Christmas cactus was a gift from my sister Suzi, in 2008

Pat's work computer is on dial-up.   My camera is not on speaking terms with it.

My computer is not on speaking terms with dial-up.  So, in order to upload photos  to the 'cloud', I must go to the local coffee shop (a hardship, I know).

Now, Pat's computer has a 'trojan virus'.  No workee.

This morning, I could not check email, blogs, facebook etc. at home.

It is amazing how much real work I got done. Before I left for the coffee shop, anyway.

Hmmmm....

summer summary

There was sewing:

turning a thrifted dresser scarf into a lap quilt

a quilt for Lainey (due Sept. 29!)
need to confess - this was already pieced yardage that I'm tying and binding

a Christmas pillow

Time with family:

Mom and Dad are doing fairly well. It seems like we have visited various doctors quite a bit.
Alzheimer's continues to make inroads into Mom's brain, but she is still so very sweet. Dad has had a few diabetic episodes, but we carry on.

treasured visits with family

Pretty flowers:

I also enjoyed a week with Kristi, Josh and Sadie while Jon was on a mission trip to New Orleans.

Lots to tell, I'll pop back in here once or twice a week to chat with you. Hope you are all well!

not much, how 'bout you?

You may have noticed.

I have been in a blogging funk lately. Thinking about quitting, deciding not to, back and forth.

Posts will be less frequent for the time being - a few times a week (and hopefully better quality than of late...).

For now, though, I'm thinking about visiting these adorables. Soon.
What is going on with all of you?

sorry for lying etc.

I mentioned the other day that I was close to 2,000 posts and that there would be a giveaway to celebrate that milestone. As I was doing some editing (yes, I actually DO edit my blog despite appearances to the contrary), I noticed I had several posts (in draft form) which had never been published. As I went through and deleted these (cuz it didn't seem right to count them in my 2,000) my new number of posts was: 1, 916.

Bummer. That is nowhere near 2,000.

We will still have a giveaway and it will be a handmade Christmas ornament. Any one who leaves a comment between October 25 and November 10 will be entered into a drawing for the giveaway.
~~~~~~

What I really wanted to discuss today, though, has been on my mind for quite some time.

One of my favorite 'reads' is 'Living More with Less' by Doris Janzen Longacre. I bought this book in the early '80's after reading her cookbook 'More with Less'. Both books were life changing books for me. I re-read them often.

The book Living More with Less is subtitled: a pattern for living with less and a wealth of practical suggestions from the worldwide experiences of Mennonites.

This book covers 1) why we should live with less and 2) how we can live with less. Some of the 'how to's' covered are money, travel and transportation, food, clothing, celebration and recreation.

Let me share a quote from the chapter on clothing. We can mull over it and tomorrow, I will share some of my thoughts.

"When we lived in Guatamala, a fourteen-year-old Kekchi boy names Amiliano worked for us. My husband had some shirts he couldn't wear anymore, and I wanted to get rid of them. I offered one to Amiliano, but he said, "No, thank you. I have two shirts, and I don't want more. With two, I wash one while I wear the other. If I had a third one, it would just
mildew."
(this entry was provided for the book by a former missionary to Guatamala).

This quote profoundly affected me. I'll expound more on this tomorrow. If you have any thoughts on this quote - please comment!

out the door

No time for a proper blog post this morning, so I will leave you with a link for a very cute table decoration idea for Thanksgiving.

I think I was especially drawn to this because I, too, have blue and white dishes. Which don't always lend themselves to a traditional Thanksgiving palette.

While I was getting ready to post, I noticed that I am up to 1, 993 blog posts. I think that means that a give away is in order. Anyone who leaves a comment between now and post # 2000 will be put into a drawing for a yet-to-be-determined prize.

And thanks to my fellow music-makers yesterday for not thinking I am a dork. Even tho' I suspect I really am.

not on vacation anymore

If you were to think that these past several weeks of blog silence meant that I was just sitting around doing nothing, you would be sadly mistaken.

In addition to frequently commenting on the heat (wow, it is so hot...over 90 again?). I have been kept quite busy watching the second law of thermodynamics at work. Read the definition of entropy here, ( I prefer definition 2b - fewer and smaller words) not at wikipedia if you want to spare yourself a headache.

Yes, things have been falling apart here. Down at the folks too. Broken tractors, weedeaters and flat tires (at Mom and Dad's). Here? Our two year old fancy schmancy refrigerator quit working, something went wrong with our one and only car and as of yesterday...my bread maker is toast (get it?).

Everything is fixed now - except the bread maker - it had a good, long run though and will now be replaced by my kitchenaid. Be glad I wasn't blogging through all this.

All is well now and the cherries and blueberries that I had tucked into the freezer awaiting a below 90 degree day to can are all processed into pints and quarts now. Thankfully, on canning days it was only in the upper 80's.

Despite the recent equipment failures, we have many reasons for smiling. Case in point:





I did rotate this picture, but blogger switched it back - however, she is just as cute sideways!


Sadie is now three months old and wearing the dress I made for her before she was born. And as one of her daddy's coworkers said 'rocking the baby headband'. She is cheerful, content and good-natured almost all of the time. Her big brother Josh loves her and calls her 'Se' - leaving out all those pesky letters in the middle of her name.


Life is good. I'm involved in two wonderful Bible studies, have completed some projects that I had delayed doing for far too long and have, in general, been having a wonderful time.

I'm looking forward to sharing more with you! How are y'all doing?

thinking about it

Coming back to blogging that is.

All through the hot, hot summer, it seemed as though there was not much to write about. Except about how hot it was (77 days over 90*!?!?!?) and who wants to listen to somebody whine about the weather?

But now that fall, glorious fall is beginning to make itself apparent - why I just might have a thing or two to say about that.

Besides, I've missed y'all!

I'm so glad we've had this time together.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,
to mind your own business
and to work with your hands,
just as we told you,
I Thessalonians 4:11

Based on this verse, some other thoughts I've been having and that still small voice of the Holy Spirit, I've decided to stop blogging. At least for the time being.

I've thoroughly enjoyed blogging (over 1,900 posts these past 6 years!). Sharing my faith, my family, my life with those of you who stop in here to read.

Let's keep in touch though. Most of you I can still communicate with through facebook or email. Or snail mail - we could do our part to keep the post office in business!

I may return to blogging someday - if I do, I'll let y'all know through whatever means I have for keeping in touch. Leave a comment or send me an email if you'd like to keep in touch.

Thanks so much for listening to my ramblings lo these many years. Y'all are the best!

~~~~~~
I'd like to leave you with these Wonderful Words:

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-39

all over the place

fritillary on zinnia

For a brief moment yesterday, our car thermometer registered 100 degrees. I hope to never see that again! Today it is supposed to only 89, with a possibility for some much needed rain.

Since it has been oppressively hot all week, I've been spending a little bit more time on the computer than usual. I can justify this. :) Pat is sorting through some things that we will be
selling on ebay and craig's list and any where else we can. So, I've been checking prices. And getting motivated.

First stop was this blog. She earns her living by buying things at garage sales, thrift shops, etc and reselling them. She has made some fantastic purchases and I confess I got a little bit lost in her archives. 'Seriously? I've been sitting here for an hour reading about stuff she bought in September of 2006?'


BTW - am I the only one who does that? Sees an appealing blog and reads through some of the archives? Please tell me I'm not.


There is no way that I would want to start hitting garage sales and thrift stores to develop an inventory of things to sell - but it works for her. Besides we have plenty of our own inventory. No need to add anything else!

The other blog I read - which is diametrically opposed to the first- is this one.
I am increasingly attracted to the minimalist sensibility ( though not the Buddhist thought that often accompanies).

One blog about consumption, albeit the second hand variety; the other blog about purging possessions. Yes, I'm definitely all over the place.

And speaking of all over the place. Did you hear this really cool interview? (Scroll down for the link to play the interview - doesn't Carole look fantastic? She is 68!) If I were to ever go hear any popular artists in concert - it would be Carole King and James Taylor. You?

look a likes

If Kimmee Sue ever needs a stunt double or is looking for a long lost twin - she can find

contestant #1 here

and

contestant #2 here.

Which one do you think looks more like Kimmee?

blogged down

When I first began blogging, it seemed like I had more than enough ideas to write about. Several things would pop into my head - ' I should blog about that!'.

These past several months, blogging has become more of a chore and it seems as though I have nothing new to say. I took a three week break several weeks ago thinking that would help.

It didn't.

I mentioned to a few people that I was contemplating quitting blogging. They kindly protested.

And then last week Pat got a very nice retirement gift from his company in the form of two generous gift cards. One, for Best Buy.

We went to Best Buy on Saturday. Our mission was to hunt for a laptop (we have two desktops - no laptops). We looked carefully, couldn't decide and then we wandered by the camera section.

We are now the proud and grateful owners of a Canon Power Shot SX 20 IS. It is way smarter than I am (not saying much..). It is a wonderful camera and already I am improving my photography skills and the quality of shots I take. But I have a lot to learn.

Unfortunately, I couldn't upload anything this morning. Erghh.

You'll have to take my word for it.

Back to the blogging issue. I've decided not to quit, but will be cutting back. Instead of 6 days a week - I'll be posting 3 or 4. If there is no post up by 10 a.m. EST, there will be no post that day.

Hopefully, that will improve the content.

It is a beautiful day outside - to nice to stay inside - I'm heading out to water, prune, plant and take pictures!

away

My computer is sick. So it is going to the computer hospital for a 'bit'. I will 'monitor' the situation. Blog posts will be sporadic (tho' look for a special one on Saturday) as I will be blogging on borrowed computers.

But don't worry, I'll keep busy. Working on some Christmas stockings for the grands and baking for the hoards (good hoards, not marauding hoards) of company that will be arriving in 11 days!

I'll leave you with the words the pastor spoke on Sunday:

CHOOSE JOY!

(and enjoy this laugh)

note to self: iron these

link on

No time to upload pics or write anything this morning...I need to get out the door pretty soon.


But here are a few interesting links for your perusal:

If you are interested in seeing what other people's pantries look like, check this one out!

Read Jenilyn's sweet post.

And of course, this site always provides plenty of crafty inspiration. (Although, I do not understand the fascination with Twilight...)

Happy December, everyone!

failure

I heard someone on the radio say the other day that we should not call ourselves 'failures', instead we should say that we 'failed'.

I have tried a couple of times to post pictures for today's post, but my internet connection keeps 'failing'.

So though I have failed to bring you the pictures and the post I had intended for today....


...I'll be back.

because ...

...I am too lazy to think of anything to write today, I will take you on a little web trip.

Here are a few blogs I have been enjoying lately:

I want to live near these gals.

Their art is alternately fun and inspirational. With a little bit of wackiness thrown in here and there. They live in the same state as Jon and Kristi and Josh and do art shows throughout the state, so you never know - we could meet. And Becky, look at the third one from the top.

~~~~
I found this blog through Candy's sidebar, though I know I had seen it before and failed to keep track of it. I'm thinking of bringing these to Bible study tomorrow.
~~~~
And finally, I came across this blog.
I haven't read much of her blog yet, but she is a homeschooler. And look at her fabrics. Yum!
~~~~

Well, that should keep you entertained for a bit. I've got to run now and decorate some Christmas cookies. Yes, I said Christmas cookies. (I do not know why all of this is underlined and I do not know how to make it stop!)

images

The conversation at my aunt and uncle's dinner table covered many topics. Including our recent trip to attend Jimmy Carter's Sunday School class. Mom wanted me to tell the story of the Secret Service's reaction to my camera. So I did.

My cousin's boyfriend, a brand new acquaintance of mine, cautiously asked if he could take a picture of my camera. He works at Best Buy. I am quite sure he couldn't wait to show his co-workers this antique.

I must say, though, that he was impressed with the quality of pictures it takes. And its longevity. As well as its ability to be used as a defensive weapon if necessary.

And...some good laughs.

This isn't my camera, but it looks almost like it.

Standing at a proud four and a half inches tall and five and a half inches wide,

she faithfully records the images I use on my blog.

downpour

Ahhh...rain. Heavy rain that will force us to stay indoors today. But there is plenty to do inside. This past week was beautiful and we had the windows open everyday. From the screen porch, living room and Pat's office the smell of lilacs was heavenly. And from our bedroom window the breezes carried in the subtle fragances of the roses. And lots of pollen. Must dust today.

Mom and Dad gave us some shelving for our garage, so that is another project we can tackle. Filling and organizing the shelves. We have almost lived here a year and we still have stuff in boxes on the garage floor. Not much - but it will be nice to get it onto shelves. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

~~~~~
After posting yesterday about Twitter, I laughed out loud when we received our weekly newspaper from up north. Joe Heller, a cartoonist for the Green Bay Press Gazette, captured exactly what I was thinking about Twitter.

The scene is an internet cafe. A young couple is at one table; an older couple at the next. The younger gal is texting, the younger man is typing away at his (Mac) laptop.

"I've got a blog, videos on youtube, a facebook and myspace page and with twitter I continually update everyone on what I'm doing!" says the young man.

"So, what are you doing?" asks the older lady.

"I just told you...." replies the young man.
~~~~~~

Hope you have a great weekend and find time to step away from the computer, the cell phone, the television.....

Cute. Tute. Fruit.

CUTE: According to those in the know, Joshua had a very good birthday. Thanks for all your well wishes!TUT(E)ORIAL:
To blog from your mobile phone, go to the dashboard page of your blog. To the left of your blog name you will see two icons - a cell phone and an envelope.

Click on the the cell phone icon and follow the prompts which will involve texting the code in the box to BLOGGR (256-447). They will then send you a text telling you it is okay to begin mobile blogging. Then you can text your blog post.

This, of course, is more laborious than blogging on a keyboard, but it is cool to know that you can do it, especially if you are not near a computer and have something to say to your peeps!

Let me know if you need pictures. I am of the opinion that if I can do it, anybody can do it! :)

FRUIT:

The signs are up for the 'you pick' strawberry places. Look out strawberries, here I come!

what I did on my blogger vacation

I thought that a little break from blogging would help me come back refreshed and inspired and ready to write witty and encouraging blog posts.

Guess I didn't take a long enough break.

Let me tell you some of what I did while I was away. First of all, a very special little boy is turning one next week (!!!) so I was working on a little something for him.

Secondly, I was also working on music. Our choir director, bless his heart, apparently has a (misplaced) trust in me. I am working on memorizing a couple of songs for special music. And now our church streams live on the internet. If I was feeling smug and brave and confident I would tell you how to access it. But since those are not virtues I aspire to, I won't. :)

Thirdly, (and I even hate to mention this since I just received a texted picture of newly fallen snow in Ann's yard this morning, ) there was a lot to do in the yard. Planting, weeding and mowing. Don't tell my Northwoods friends that I have mowed four times this year (or is it five?).

I did a fairly good job of staying away from the computer. Pat's work computer has been v-e-r-y - s-l-o-w lately and I was a little askeered that it would break while I was using it. I owe some of you emails and I hope to get to that in the next few days.

So that is what I did on my blogger vacation. What are y'all up to?