Gracious Rain

November 7, 2009November 1, 2020

Good Stuff…

So for the past two days I’ve been far away from home–in Salt Lake City–ok, not terribly far away, I’m just saying…

Anyway, April and I are at the Art Weekend taking “Nicole’s Classes” on computers, blogging and becoming magnamonious in every possible way. Yes, I made up that word. You will not believe how brilliant we are becoming!

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I took a class yesterday on starting an Etsy shop. The good news is that while only about a third of the class already had an Etsy shop, I was one of them. See, the reason this is such good news is because I was BY FAR the oldest person in the classroom–and that includes the janitor that popped in the back of the room to grab trash a couple of times. So I must say that it felt good to raise my hand when the instructor asked if any of us already kinda knew what we were doing. Not to imply that I do know what I’m doing–but it felt good to be on that side of the roster.

Ha! Take THAT all you pretty little youngsters!

I did learn a great deal about how to make my silly little shop into a cute little shop, that people will be captivated by–which of course, is the reason for the class. So prepare to be dazzled in the very near future!

Oh, one funny moment that I must tell you about…

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The gal sitting next to me raised her hand and asked, “What are the demographics of the people who actually purchase handmade items from Etsy? I mean…” and here’s the good part, “…I can’t really picture old people, like, you know, fifty-year-old ladies clicking around buying stuff.”

About the time she said, “old people” I sat up straight and turned my head towards her. But when the word, “fifty” came out of her mouth, I grinned at her and mumbled, “Waaaatch it…” She paused and slowly looked at me as everyone started laughing. Hoping she felt a bit–silly.

I suppose I shouldn’t have teased her. After all…I’m not 50 anyway…

I’m 51.

Ha! again my lovelies.

Oh, and the other good stuff—since I seem to have swallowed a big dose of truth serum–is that April and I have been doing wonderfully on our “lifestyle modifications.” She has lost 15 pounds and I have lost 28.6. She–will be perfect and gorgeous any second now–goal wise, while I still have a ways to go. But I’m wearing clothes that haven’t seen daylight since Laura Ingalls loaned them to me and close friends are noticing, “something.”

I’m liking THAT a lot.

Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!

Oh, and it’s “Hug a Bear Day” so…

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get on that.

November 6, 2009November 1, 2020

So much…

Some days–doesn’t it just feel like there is so much on the plate–in so many directions?

So much to do—a couple of lessons to prepare, hats and slippers to make, packages to mail,

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pants to sew and a ton of grocery bags to sort, cut or recycle.

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So much to think about–books to read, letters to write, dates to remember, lists to make.

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But, on the other hand, there is so much to see–the beautiful leaves, the shedding trees,

the snowy mountains,

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and Autumn working it’s delicious magic everywhere we go.

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So much to plan–all the baking, all the meals, all the treats and gifts and pies and candy that Thanksgiving and Christmas bring.

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So much to be thankful for—my sweet babies—the big ones and the small ones,

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and kind friends who make the planet so much better of a place.

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Best of all…

this–our most favorite month—made especially for counting all our blessings.

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Week #35 Food Storage Prompt: 10lbs. powdered milk

November 5, 2009November 1, 2020

Everybody’s Slippers

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Here it is—“the” pattern. The reason it is called “everybody’s slippers” is because you really can adjust the size to work for babies, children and grown-ups pretty simply.

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As you can see, I’ve made them for everything that walks on two legs at this place. My friend Lynnette has asked for the pattern since last year and I guess I’m about ready to try my hand at writing it all down. The pattern I’m sharing will be for a woman’s slipper. Be kind–I’m new in these parts.

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If something is unclear–please email me.

Here goes…

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I”m using Peaches and Cream 100% cotton–it isn’t as sturdy as wool, but I like the feel better. Choose the yarn you like most against your skin–that will be the best. I use an “I” or “J” hook.

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Womens’ Slippers

Chain 29.

Row 1: Single crochet (SC) in 4th chain from hook and in each stitch across. Chain 4 at the end of row and turn.

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Row 2-13: SC in back side of each stitch across. Chain 4 and turn (the chain 4 will make a small loop at the end of each of these rows).

Row 14-18: Double Crochet (DC) in each stitch across. Chain 3 and turn.

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Row 19: Decrease–Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop–four times. Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook–for toe.

Row 20: Decrease this row by drawing up a loop through remaining stitches as one…

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Pull stitch through all remaining loops on hook.Fasten off.

With needle and yarn, sew the top part of slipper foot together leaving the ankle area open. Sew up the back of slipper as well. Turn slipper right side out.

Chain two 65 stitch “laces” and thread them through the loops at the top of the ankle area of slipper.

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Tie in a bow.

These slippers make wonderful Christmas presents and can be made to fit any foot just by increasing or decreasing the starting chain and making more or less rows to fit the individual foot.

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Good luck!.

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Oh, and in case you didn’t know–today is National Donut Day.

Take the appropriate precautions.

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Womens’ Slippers

Chain 29.

Row 1: Single crochet (SC) in 4th chain from hook and in each stitch across. Chain 4 at the end of row and turn.

Row 2-13: SC in back side of each stitch across. Chain 4 and turn (the chain 4 will make a small loop at the end of each of these rows).

Row 14-18: Double Crochet (DC) in each stitch across. Chain 3 and turn.

Row 19: Decrease–Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop–four times. Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook–for toe.

Row 20: Decrease this row by drawing up a loop through remaining stitches as one…

Pull stitch through all remaining loops on hook.Fasten off.

With needle and yarn, sew the top part of slipper foot together leaving the ankle area open. Sew up the back of slipper as well. Turn slipper right side out.

Chain two 65 stitch “laces” and thread them through the loops at the top of the ankle area of slipper.

Tie in a bow.

These slippers make wonderful Christmas presents and can be made to fit any foot just by increasing or decreasing the starting chain and making more or less rows to fit the individual foot.

November 4, 2009October 26, 2022

Pumpkin Crisp

I suppose you’ve heard of Apple Crisp, or Peach Crisp or even Berry Crisp. Well now it’s time to meet their little brother…

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Pumpkin Crisp!

So crunchy and spicy and perfect for the holidays. Whether you are sharing with company or sneaking off alone to nibble a bowl with your favorite ice cream–you’ll love this twist on an old crisp.

Pumpkin Crisp

Ingredients

1 can (30-ounces) pumpkin
1-1/2 cans evaporated milk
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cloves
1 yellow cake mix
2 sticks of butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Directions:

Mix pumpkin, milk, cinnamon, ginger, eggs, sugar, salt & cloves together well. Pour into a well-greased 9×13 pan.
Sprinkle with cake mix & drizzle with melted butter. Then sprinkle with chopped pecans–if you want.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. Let it set for about 15 minutes.

Serve over French Vanilla ice cream—you won’t be sorry.

Pumpkin Crisp