Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year, New LR Furniture Arrangement


So yesterday I took down the Christmas decorations and rearranged the living room. I separated the bookcases from the TV stand, accidently demolishing the hutch in the process. But I think it looks better now. (Enlisted my SILs help in moving the TV as I would NOT be happy if it were to get demolished. And it's heavy.)
Still needs pictures on the walls and the kitchen is now a disaster zone. But only the kitchen. I feel pretty good about it.
I plan to re-do the monogrammed pillow that I received as a gift for my birthday last year. It's too large, so I'll alter it to be a smaller pillow, with a flange. I think its proportions will be better that way.
I've read some about Fung Shui (sp?) and have made my "future" corner more attractive. Here's hoping it works. Will read up some more on that. I see it as kind of a Vision Board, only more subtle.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

White Elephant Gift

I went to my sister's for Christmas and was invited into the gift exchange (she had a few extra presents, just in case). I wound up with this delightful alligator TP holder. I've taken a poll on Facebook and most of my friends say Keep It!
I'm thinking I'll try it out. I can always box it up and bring it to the White Elephant exchange next year.
Especially if it frightens the grandchildren.

But I may have to add false eyelashes. What do you think?

Doodling with yarn


After receiving a leaf-shaped dishcloth knitted by a fellow retreater, I've been doodling with cotton yarn. This yellow one was finished yesterday.
It's knitted. I finished a crocheted red one for my daughter and a brown and white one for my granddaughter.
Sometimes it's nice to have a very small project available to do.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve - Broccoli, Rice and Cheese (Product)

Broccoli/rice/cheese casserole is being made. Easiest recipe ever.

Cook 1 cup of rice.
Shred 1 pound of Velveeta into it. (Or chop it up if you can't find the grater.)
Add two square packages of chopped broccoli that you've cooked per package directions.
Stir well.
Keep warm on hot plate.
Stand back.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Post Deleted

yada yada yada

Baking Day


The pumpkin pie looks good. The pumpkin cake looks even better. I've learned to use the oven thermometer, as the oven runs a good fifteen degrees cooler than it's set for.
Cranberry sauce is made. The list on the fridge reminds me of what to do tomorrow.
We'll have Christmas dinner tomorrow, me, my daughter and SIL, their four children and one DIL, plus my two ggks.
I think I'm glad it will be at DDs house, not mine.
Half the presents have been delivered; the rest are in a box in the car.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

More decorations

I did up the light fixture in the "dining room". I like it. Makes me smile.
Put up the lights outside. Half of them went out. Made me frown.
Wrapped a present and put it under the tree. Smiles again.

Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead?

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Christmas Decorations

I've put up my tree and installed Happy Santa on my bookshelf. He's a small plaster Santa with his arms flung wide. My ex MIL gave him to me, saying that he reminded her of me, since I was so outgoing and happy. Boy, that was years ago. Wish I still had that attitude. But he makes me smile, so he's staying.
I haven't found my nativity set yet. It's one of clay figures that I bought for pennies when I lived in Rota Spain in the late sixties. I'm hoping that it will turn up. My sister says that she remembers seeing it here at this new house.

The Twelve Days of Christmas quilt is up. I won it in a raffle at the Dripping Springs library many years ago. Linda Woodward hand appliqued and quilted it. The center is from a pattern and the border is her original design. The colors are muted, but it still looks great. Once it was slightly water damaged, but I've restored it pretty well. There are still a few minor smudges, but pretty much unnoticeable.


Today I did the Pflugerville Historic Home tour and got some more ideas. But the parade and my family called, so I didn't get to do much more. I did cover two throw pillows in the living room with quick Christmas fabric covers, though.

My quilt group had a party Thursday to see everyone's decorations and Christmas quilts, so all my Christmas pieces are out. It was a fun day. I dressed up and felt good.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Thanksgiving

So nice to have DD, SIL and DD's MIL over for Thanksgiving. The turkey was good, as were all the sides.


The next day, GD Kim and the GGKs came for a weeks stay until they could move into their new house. Sweet children, well behaved. They love playing with Pop.




One day, GGS and I went to the park while GD enrolled GGD in school. He ran everywhere and really wore himself out. Took a 2 1/2 hour nap, which allowed me to rest too. Such a sweet boy. Usually.