Something very nice just happened. There was a knock at my door, and when I opened it, the two little girls from upstairs were standing there. They asked my permission to clean the snow off my car. I said sure, "How much do you want?" They just looked at me with strange expressions on their faces. I said, don't you want any money to do it, and they said no, we just want to clean off the snow. I said, okay, just be careful. And right now, they are working diligently cleaning off the almost four inches of snow piled on my car.
And therein is the difference between life in a small rural town compared to life in a big city. When I owned my house in a rather large suburb of Chicago, I would have youngsters come knock on my door and offer to shovel my sidewalk and driveway, too, but for a price. I usually took them up on their offers as long as they weren't too expensive since snow shoveling is not one of my favorite things to do. Having arthritis in my joints, my body does not really like the cold, so I try to stay as warm as possible during the winter. Having someone else shovel the snow and clear my walks and driveway was an absolute must.
Anyway, my point to this post is that here in the small rural town where I live now, these two young ladies not only aren't charging me for cleaning off my car (they are almost finished as I write this), they even came to my door to ask my permission before they did it. And I think that is a very nice thing for them to do. Hmmm, I just might have to fire up the oven and bake some cookies this afternoon, since they wouldn't take any money. After all, one good turn deserves another!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas to All
I had a wonderful evening with my family yesterday. The new baby was there, but still inside of her mom. She's reluctant to put in an appearance for some reason. All but one of my twelve other "greats" were there, too. Unfortunately, poor Michael had to stay home with his dad Mike 'cause, as his big sister Hannah put it, he had "green snot". I'm not sure exactly what that is, but it sounded pretty bad and his mom didn't want to take the chance that he would infect the rest of the kids.
The rest of us, though, had a very pleasant dinner followed by a modified gift exchange. We used to make a huge production over Christmas Eve dinner, but this year we took a more laid-back approach. There was fried chicken (from J.R.'s), lasagne (from GFS), and a couple of salads, along with desserts (pies by Marie Callender and cheesecake by Eli's). The order of the day was EASY. We also told the nieces and nephews that they didn't have to bring anything. I brought the two pies, my brother and his wife brought the cheesecake. Two of my sisters, Karen and Diana, split the cost of the chicken and the third sister, Janis, bought the lasagne. A couple of the kids did bring things like cookies and candies and a cheese tray, but nothing complicated. As a result, we were all able to sit down to dinner without too much fuss.
After dessert,the gifts were handed out. We had decided that only the aunts and uncles would buy for only the greats instead of the whole family exchange that we used to do. We didn't want any of the nieces and nephews to feel bad because they couldn't afford to buy for everyone. Afterall, the recession has hit us just like it has everyone else. So, the rule was nothing excessive. I sewed a little goodie bag for each kid that I put a toy, a baggie of cookies and candy, and a marshmallow lollipop in. Someone else gave each of them a puzzle, someone else had given them socks, another gave another little toy, and Uncle Mike was the big hit when he gave each of the kids a little case that contained a $15 universal gift card.
We all sat around chatting for a while and telling stories of Christmases past. Everyone went back to the dessert table for seconds (thankfully). Then we started packing up and heading for home. We had spent almost three hours together without anyone having to stress out over a big to-do with a big dinner and tons of presents (trust me, when there are 30 family members exchanging gifts, it is a very big to-do and a whole lot of presents). I think that this was one of the best Christmas Eve get-togethers that we've ever had.
This morning when I first got up, I put a loaf of whole wheat bread into the oven to bake. Once it was done, I headed to Christmas morning mass with Karen, Diana and Ken (Diana's husband). Janis and her family had gone to the 4:30 mass yesterday before the dinner and had gone to Indiana for Christmas with her daughter-in-law's family early this morning, and Mike and Dawn (my only s-i-l) were on their way to dinner with their daughter, who had to work last night. After mass, we went to Karen's house for coffee and Christmas cookies. Karen's husband, Hap, had to work today. He went in for 8am and is scheduled to work until 11pm. Karen was going down to her daughter's for dinner today and Ken and Diana were headed for their daughter's house to see what Santa had brought the kids.
I headed back home, fixed myself a nice ham salad sandwich with my fresh baked bread. Then I sat down in my recliner and watched a couple of Christmas movies on television. I had turned on my Christmas tree lights and just enjoyed the feeling of not having to do anything or go anywhere. And I am very glad that I didn't have to drive anywhere since the rain that was coming down this morning, turned to snow by about 2pm. And, it is very windy out there. Better to stay in my nice, warm apartment. My friends had invited me to come to their house which is about 20 miles away, but I had told them that I was worried about what the weather was going to do. Looks like I was right. I'll just try to get out to see them sometime in the next few days.
In the meantime, I hope everyone had a really good Christmas, too. I also hope that Santa was good to you all, and not just with gifts. I hope that he brought all of you the true gift of this season, too. Merry Christmas, everyone!
The rest of us, though, had a very pleasant dinner followed by a modified gift exchange. We used to make a huge production over Christmas Eve dinner, but this year we took a more laid-back approach. There was fried chicken (from J.R.'s), lasagne (from GFS), and a couple of salads, along with desserts (pies by Marie Callender and cheesecake by Eli's). The order of the day was EASY. We also told the nieces and nephews that they didn't have to bring anything. I brought the two pies, my brother and his wife brought the cheesecake. Two of my sisters, Karen and Diana, split the cost of the chicken and the third sister, Janis, bought the lasagne. A couple of the kids did bring things like cookies and candies and a cheese tray, but nothing complicated. As a result, we were all able to sit down to dinner without too much fuss.
After dessert,the gifts were handed out. We had decided that only the aunts and uncles would buy for only the greats instead of the whole family exchange that we used to do. We didn't want any of the nieces and nephews to feel bad because they couldn't afford to buy for everyone. Afterall, the recession has hit us just like it has everyone else. So, the rule was nothing excessive. I sewed a little goodie bag for each kid that I put a toy, a baggie of cookies and candy, and a marshmallow lollipop in. Someone else gave each of them a puzzle, someone else had given them socks, another gave another little toy, and Uncle Mike was the big hit when he gave each of the kids a little case that contained a $15 universal gift card.
We all sat around chatting for a while and telling stories of Christmases past. Everyone went back to the dessert table for seconds (thankfully). Then we started packing up and heading for home. We had spent almost three hours together without anyone having to stress out over a big to-do with a big dinner and tons of presents (trust me, when there are 30 family members exchanging gifts, it is a very big to-do and a whole lot of presents). I think that this was one of the best Christmas Eve get-togethers that we've ever had.
This morning when I first got up, I put a loaf of whole wheat bread into the oven to bake. Once it was done, I headed to Christmas morning mass with Karen, Diana and Ken (Diana's husband). Janis and her family had gone to the 4:30 mass yesterday before the dinner and had gone to Indiana for Christmas with her daughter-in-law's family early this morning, and Mike and Dawn (my only s-i-l) were on their way to dinner with their daughter, who had to work last night. After mass, we went to Karen's house for coffee and Christmas cookies. Karen's husband, Hap, had to work today. He went in for 8am and is scheduled to work until 11pm. Karen was going down to her daughter's for dinner today and Ken and Diana were headed for their daughter's house to see what Santa had brought the kids.
I headed back home, fixed myself a nice ham salad sandwich with my fresh baked bread. Then I sat down in my recliner and watched a couple of Christmas movies on television. I had turned on my Christmas tree lights and just enjoyed the feeling of not having to do anything or go anywhere. And I am very glad that I didn't have to drive anywhere since the rain that was coming down this morning, turned to snow by about 2pm. And, it is very windy out there. Better to stay in my nice, warm apartment. My friends had invited me to come to their house which is about 20 miles away, but I had told them that I was worried about what the weather was going to do. Looks like I was right. I'll just try to get out to see them sometime in the next few days.
In the meantime, I hope everyone had a really good Christmas, too. I also hope that Santa was good to you all, and not just with gifts. I hope that he brought all of you the true gift of this season, too. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Monday, December 21, 2009
My Little Tree
Yesterday, I decided to put up a Christmas tree. I haven’t done that in a few years (too little time when I was working, no motivation since I retired, etc), but I decided that it was time to do it again. I started by placing a wooden tray table in front of the window, next to an outlet. The placement would allow the tree to be seen from outside while letting me enjoy seeing it inside without blocking the view of the television. I covered the table with a snowman themed runner.
I then went to the hall closet where all of my Christmas stuff is stored. I took out a swag and rigged it up so that I could hang it outside my door. Conveniently, there is already a hook there, so all I had to do was hang the swag on it. Then, I chose one of my small trees (yes, trees, plural) and took it out of the box. I chose a 3-foot Norway pine that I got on sale at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. I paid $4.99 for it.
It took about 15 minutes of work to get the branches spread out and looking okay. Oh, and did I mention that this tree was pre-lit. It has 35 mini lights already twined within the branches. So, once the branches were to my liking, I set the tree on the table and plugged it in. The Christmasy feeling started to bubble inside me.
Next, I had to decide on ornaments and decorations. Since this is a fairly small tree, I couldn’t really go overboard. And then I remembered some vintage ornaments that I had bought last year from the White Elephant table at a craft show. There were about 15 of them and they would be just what my tree needed. Total cost of the ornaments: $1.75. I got out the ornament hangers and began to place the balls on the tree.
There were two clear glass ornies that had been be-ribboned and hand painted with snowflakes, three dark blue and gold papier mache ornies and 10 of the old-fashioned glass ornies in pale greens and pinks. They gave the little tree a very Victorian feel. I had some glistening mylar snowflakes left over from a craft project that I scattered around the tree, too. I topped it off with a $.99 frosted pearl garland (it looks like little snowballs) and wrapped the end of a small white feather boa around the base.
The tree looked a little lonely standing on the table by itself, so I added a set of fabric-covered boxes (another White Elephant find for $1.00). There are three boxes, each covered with green and white fabric with a pink fabric top. They each have a candy cane on the front and the lids are embroidered with “sugar,” “spice,” “everything nice”. I stacked them at an angle and the colors really match the ornies on the tree.
Then, following the “less is more” approach, I decided that I pronounced the tree finished. Total cost of tree and decorations: $8.75. I opened my blinds so that the outside world can see my tree and it stayed lit until I went to bed. This morning, I took a picture of my tree, which is attached here. The boxes are on the other side, so not too visible in this photo, but they are there. It is absolutely amazing how having that little tree has put me into a very Christmasy mind-set.
Today, I am going to put together my little gifts for my great nieces and nephews (twelve right now, but number thirteen may be here by Christmas Eve). Tomorrow, I’ll bake my cookies and make some candy (I’m going to try my dad’s fudge recipe). Then, on Christmas Eve, I’ll bake one pie and thaw the other (thank you, Marie Callender) and head for my sister’s house for dinner with the family. And when I come home, my little tree will be here to greet me with its light and help to make the season truly bright.
I then went to the hall closet where all of my Christmas stuff is stored. I took out a swag and rigged it up so that I could hang it outside my door. Conveniently, there is already a hook there, so all I had to do was hang the swag on it. Then, I chose one of my small trees (yes, trees, plural) and took it out of the box. I chose a 3-foot Norway pine that I got on sale at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. I paid $4.99 for it.
It took about 15 minutes of work to get the branches spread out and looking okay. Oh, and did I mention that this tree was pre-lit. It has 35 mini lights already twined within the branches. So, once the branches were to my liking, I set the tree on the table and plugged it in. The Christmasy feeling started to bubble inside me.
Next, I had to decide on ornaments and decorations. Since this is a fairly small tree, I couldn’t really go overboard. And then I remembered some vintage ornaments that I had bought last year from the White Elephant table at a craft show. There were about 15 of them and they would be just what my tree needed. Total cost of the ornaments: $1.75. I got out the ornament hangers and began to place the balls on the tree.
There were two clear glass ornies that had been be-ribboned and hand painted with snowflakes, three dark blue and gold papier mache ornies and 10 of the old-fashioned glass ornies in pale greens and pinks. They gave the little tree a very Victorian feel. I had some glistening mylar snowflakes left over from a craft project that I scattered around the tree, too. I topped it off with a $.99 frosted pearl garland (it looks like little snowballs) and wrapped the end of a small white feather boa around the base.
The tree looked a little lonely standing on the table by itself, so I added a set of fabric-covered boxes (another White Elephant find for $1.00). There are three boxes, each covered with green and white fabric with a pink fabric top. They each have a candy cane on the front and the lids are embroidered with “sugar,” “spice,” “everything nice”. I stacked them at an angle and the colors really match the ornies on the tree.
Then, following the “less is more” approach, I decided that I pronounced the tree finished. Total cost of tree and decorations: $8.75. I opened my blinds so that the outside world can see my tree and it stayed lit until I went to bed. This morning, I took a picture of my tree, which is attached here. The boxes are on the other side, so not too visible in this photo, but they are there. It is absolutely amazing how having that little tree has put me into a very Christmasy mind-set.
Today, I am going to put together my little gifts for my great nieces and nephews (twelve right now, but number thirteen may be here by Christmas Eve). Tomorrow, I’ll bake my cookies and make some candy (I’m going to try my dad’s fudge recipe). Then, on Christmas Eve, I’ll bake one pie and thaw the other (thank you, Marie Callender) and head for my sister’s house for dinner with the family. And when I come home, my little tree will be here to greet me with its light and help to make the season truly bright.
Friday, December 18, 2009
I'm 63 Today
Hey, today is my birthday! I almost forgot it was coming this week. I am now 63. Not that the number really means anything to me anymore. With arthritis churning through my body, many days feel like I'm in my 90's. Today, however, was not one of those. The weather is a little warmer, so my joints aren't quite so achy, so I'm actually typing up a new post for my blog. I promised myself a few weeks ago that I am going to post more often and this is me keeping the promise.
Speaking of blogs, one of the ladies over on the HGTV message boards started a thread a couple of weeks ago asking people to post their blog links. And are there some really talented crafting and quilting folks out there with their own blogs. I have been adding them to my favorites list as I find them and now I have a list of over 20 blogs that I can (and do) check in on periodically. They are from all over the place, including one from Russia that I had Google translate into English for me. It is amazing what you can find out from other folks who are interested in the same things you are. These blogs have some really wonderful things in them. Everything from holiday recipes to free templates for tags and labels, to unique projects that you can do. I love them all.
What I love most, though, is that there are all of these wonderful people out there just trying to connect with other folks and who are willing to offer their help whenever needed. I know that there are a lot of people who say that you should be really careful when surfing the web and going to unknown websites, and I am careful, but I really love being able to see what others are doing and to read about their lifes. It puts mine in perspective.
So, birthdays can come and go, as far as I'm concerned. I'll just keep plugging along doing my thing until the good Lord calls me home. Until then, I plan on having as much fun every day as I can. Happy Birthday to Me!
Speaking of blogs, one of the ladies over on the HGTV message boards started a thread a couple of weeks ago asking people to post their blog links. And are there some really talented crafting and quilting folks out there with their own blogs. I have been adding them to my favorites list as I find them and now I have a list of over 20 blogs that I can (and do) check in on periodically. They are from all over the place, including one from Russia that I had Google translate into English for me. It is amazing what you can find out from other folks who are interested in the same things you are. These blogs have some really wonderful things in them. Everything from holiday recipes to free templates for tags and labels, to unique projects that you can do. I love them all.
What I love most, though, is that there are all of these wonderful people out there just trying to connect with other folks and who are willing to offer their help whenever needed. I know that there are a lot of people who say that you should be really careful when surfing the web and going to unknown websites, and I am careful, but I really love being able to see what others are doing and to read about their lifes. It puts mine in perspective.
So, birthdays can come and go, as far as I'm concerned. I'll just keep plugging along doing my thing until the good Lord calls me home. Until then, I plan on having as much fun every day as I can. Happy Birthday to Me!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Craft Show Season is Almost Over
Well, another year of craft shows is coming to an end. I have my last show this Friday and Saturday. It's a "Santa Shop" at an elementary school and geared towards kids. It runs for three hours on Friday night (6-9pm) and three hours on Saturday morning (9am-12pm). We set up starting at 4 on Friday. I've decided that I'm only going to take my low dollar things to this show since it's aimed at kids. I will, hopefully, maximize my sales that way. And believe me, in this economy, I have to do as much as possible to do that.
The past two years have not been good ones for craft show vendors. The recession hit us pretty hard. With so many people being out of work, there just aren't the buyers out there for our crafts. Last year, of the six shows that I did, I only made back my table fee at two of them. This year I've only done only four shows, but I've managed to make back table at each, so far. At my big show this past weekend, I actually made some money! Hopefully, I'll make some this weekend, too. At least it's a short show. And I only have to drive 20 miles!
My show last weekend was at my former parish in Chicago. It was my 19th year as a vendor at this particular Holiday Bazaar. The bazaar, itself, has been going on almost 25 years. I love going back as, besides being a good money-making show for me, it's also a chance to catch up with some old friends and neighbors. And, I get to see how much the kids have changed in the past year. Some of the youngsters that I know pretty well were just infants when I started attending this event. Now, they are in college and a couple are even married and parents already. Talk about feeling old!
The only bad thing about this show, however, is that now that I've retired and moved down home again, it is an hour plus drive each way to get there and back. And I have to do it two days in a row. I told the organizers that if I'm still able to do this show again next year, I'm going to get a hotel room up there so that I don't have to drive two days in a row. That way, I can arrange to have dinner with friends on Saturday night and not have to get up at 5:30am on Sunday to get to the show. Maybe then I won't be so worn out that it takes another full day to recuperate!
I've also decided that I'm going to work really hard this coming winter, designing and creating new things to sell. I have lots and lots of fabric, thread, and a new sewing machine to play with. I've been giving serious thought to going back to my doll making. I keep wanting to create something fantastical and beautiful, so I think that I'm going to try and do just that. Then I'll be all ready for next year's craft show season.
The past two years have not been good ones for craft show vendors. The recession hit us pretty hard. With so many people being out of work, there just aren't the buyers out there for our crafts. Last year, of the six shows that I did, I only made back my table fee at two of them. This year I've only done only four shows, but I've managed to make back table at each, so far. At my big show this past weekend, I actually made some money! Hopefully, I'll make some this weekend, too. At least it's a short show. And I only have to drive 20 miles!
My show last weekend was at my former parish in Chicago. It was my 19th year as a vendor at this particular Holiday Bazaar. The bazaar, itself, has been going on almost 25 years. I love going back as, besides being a good money-making show for me, it's also a chance to catch up with some old friends and neighbors. And, I get to see how much the kids have changed in the past year. Some of the youngsters that I know pretty well were just infants when I started attending this event. Now, they are in college and a couple are even married and parents already. Talk about feeling old!
The only bad thing about this show, however, is that now that I've retired and moved down home again, it is an hour plus drive each way to get there and back. And I have to do it two days in a row. I told the organizers that if I'm still able to do this show again next year, I'm going to get a hotel room up there so that I don't have to drive two days in a row. That way, I can arrange to have dinner with friends on Saturday night and not have to get up at 5:30am on Sunday to get to the show. Maybe then I won't be so worn out that it takes another full day to recuperate!
I've also decided that I'm going to work really hard this coming winter, designing and creating new things to sell. I have lots and lots of fabric, thread, and a new sewing machine to play with. I've been giving serious thought to going back to my doll making. I keep wanting to create something fantastical and beautiful, so I think that I'm going to try and do just that. Then I'll be all ready for next year's craft show season.
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