Thursday, Ready to camp!

 

I think we are ready, still have to go get Ice and figure out how to fit everything in and not leave a kid tied to the top of the car. But it is a thought.

I have heavily watered everything and have given the chickens extra food. Called a neighbor to check chickens on Saturday as we will be home late.

Dan and I scared another baby marmot in our garden area yesterday and found another place where the little turd crept in.  Now I have to replace all the green cabbage plants.  I think we did it this time. I swear all I do is fight weeds and critters.  I know I have said this before, but it needs to go on a T-shirt.

Sissie is keeping Roscoe, and she refuses to help with the chickens.  Such a Princess. I wonder if she will water? I am afraid to ask.

I did get quite a bit of sewing done yesterday, but not all, just too many interruptions. But I did get all the planning and shopping done, with Sissie and Dan's help. Sissie hates camping, she also hates watching someone get ready to camp. 

Ran to take a piano lesson last night in the mist of all the chaos.  No new song added as it is summer, and we have to work out the choir schedule of when everyone is in town. What Sundays I will be gone etc.

Well wish me luck, that I won't get eaten by mosquitoes. Not worried about bears.  Last time we went camping Signe' and I went on a 5 mile hike and we took the wrong pass back and ended with an 11 mile hike.  We will not do that again.

Do any of you camp?  If you do is it tent, or camper?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Yikes!

 

Dang that adulthood and dang me as I spent the day in the yard and not in the shop where I should have been. Now I must pay the price.

I have to have all camping gear out sometime today and also get to the store for what I need.  We will pack up tomorrow morning and be on the road by one. Why did I procrastinate? Now I must hurry and pay the price. But I knew that and did it anyway.  So, no one to blame but myself.

Dan and I put in a removable temporary fence to keep out whatever was eating on the garden. It needed to be done.  We also found three holes that were made and got those fixed to keep out the little creatures. I planted 15 plants in the flower garden and replanted the radishes. 

I am still trying to fill the long flower bed with perennial's that I find on sale. Always look at Wal mart and Home Depot for mark down plants that are past their bloom time.  That is where I get most of my plants.  I have hundreds of tulip bulbs that Dan and Sissie pulled up I will plant next year.  Also, I will stop by places that have perennial's that have gone to seed and ask to dig up a few.  No one has ever said no.  Most are grateful to get rid of a few plants that are taking over.

I picked Signe' up early at a place where she is getting the oil changed in the truck.  I took her to work and will go back and get her for lunch.  Then I have to go pick up the kids from school and William and James will spend the night here. I have to get the piles done today, 

Here is the list.

1. alter two shirts

2. alter a pile of hems 

3. hem and dress and a pair of pants

4. hem 4 pairs of pants

5. fix and mend Indian regalia

Then

1. check pantry and freezer for camp food

2. go to stare to buy what we need

3.pull out tents and sun them also camp chairs and cots

4. check flashlight batteries, and make sure all kids have their own.

5. find the whistles they have to wear around their necks

6. make a list of all the crap one needs it is a long list

I get to do this with 3 kids in tow that should be interesting. I have never set up camp without Joel, so this will be a first.

Pray for Kim, she will need it.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, should be Monday,

 I know this is large, but I wanted you to see Grandpa Bennet's record.  He never talked about the war.  He was in Pearl harbor when it was bombed.  He had been taken off ship as he had the mumps and was quarantined on the Island. Short quarantine as during the aftermath he was put in some kind of scrubs and made an orderly.  He said it took his mind off losing all his buddies. Then given a choice to go stateside or on another battleship. The mumps saved his life.  He went on to serve as above. This is an amazing record.  If he called, you a horses A$$ you knew you were loved.  Died at 94 buried with honors.  Could have been buried in Hawaii aboard ship by divers but chose above ground with grandma.  He was and is quite the man.

I come from tough stock.

Dany (grandson) found another snake last night, but it was a bull snake, so we let it go as they are known to eat rattlers.  Daughter left this morning with Dany, I have James here.  It is going to be back and forth this summer with James.  Between orthodontia appointments and summer space camps, James will be crossing the state.

We had a rip-roaring weekend with Family.  All three of my Lil sis' girls were here and all three of mine.  All of my grandkids.  Also, our Travis was here with one of his daughters and her baby.  I am telling you that baby has been a balm for Travis after losing his little ones. Travis was so excited to be with family, and it showed. All of us older generation are exhausted but happy. 

I was so tired of BBQ after BBQ.  We ate way too much.  But everyone had so much fun.  Don't know if Lil sis will ever recover.  But she insisted that everything be at her place.  I think she will be wiser next time and allow me to host a meal. Live and learn

I also finished another chart last Friday.  

So now I am onto # 11. There are many piles in the shop right now and two wedding dresses I must get done soon. I am just taking a deep breath after all the company. We are leaving on Thursday night to camp for two nights with the boys. So, I only have a couple of days to get anything done. I am not sure today is going to be a get anything done day as I am bushed. Company although so fun takes it out of you. Even though I didn't really have to do a thing. 

I need to go pay my taxes for the house and stop by the pharmacy.  I am going to do that right after this blog.  Dan is coming over later to help me put up a movable fence as we had something eat down all the radish tops and decimate one of the cabbages.  So, the little buggers have found the garden and will soon bring their family and friends.  I will have to replant the radishes.

Dany mowed my lawn and got the pressure washer going.  He had to drain things and get water out and whatever.  He is so handy. 

I picked up 10 more geraniums that were marked down to $2.00 and two large peonies that were marked down.  I need to plant those today.  Also need to pull camping gear from shed and make sure it is clean. I am going to get James to help me plant the flowers and replant some of the garden.  I will run to Home Depot and Wal mart for replacements. 

I don't really have any goals for the week other than to get through it.  It is short with holiday and camping.  It will not be cheap, and I will not earn a lot of money.  But that is okay. Making memories with grandkids is far more important. I am not big on camping.  Joel loved it and I do this in memory of him.

Next week I have to take James back to Twin falls for an appointment and then will return with him in one week.  So, I had better get all this sewing done!!!.

I am off hopefully to do something important. Not take a nap, but boy is that a temptation.

Have a great and productive day.

God is Good

Kim

Friday, Frugal Friday

 Thanks for the support on my moan session.  They left this morning.  And my daughter and the boys arrived about noon today.  A breath of fresh air.  My in laws are really great people and truly believe that if I would follow their example, I would not be sad and I would be blessed.  Maybe I would, but I am not going there right now. I don't have time; I don't want to make time.  I do enough. I just always feel so demoralized after spending time with them.

Well, the week did not shape up the way I thought it would but that is okay. The things that were most important to be got done.

1. only had 2 no spend days

2. ate out once could have been more but that worked out to stay here

3. cooed from pantry and freezer

4. made two pies

5. got the yard sprayed but not the bottom half

6. did the ammonia trick animals are loving it, as in still eating everything but worth a try.

7. I did get enough money saved to pay the taxes with the $400 from last week I have enough from this week to get the $1500.00 paid Yeah!

8. I kept up on sewing!!!

It is going to be a rip-roaring weekend, I have a large salad to make, and a Texas sheet cake.  Get to visit with my kids!  So happy.

Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend,

Kim

Thursday, Fish and company...

 My feeling right now.  Pretend that little light thingy hanging from that fish forehead is me.  It only took 2 days for my mother-in-law to start harping on me about religion and how much I do. Well today is #4, it has really hit (the huge guilt trip) with a nag session about genealogy.  Again, Kim feels worthless and like she can't do enough and will never be good enough.

I have a stubborn streak and held my ground. But now I am riddled with guilt. They (mom and sister) both started working on genealogy when they were 12 and what blessing it has been to them.  Well, well I did not have those advantages and adding one more thing to my life right now is not the answer. 

Banging head against the Keyboard.

Lucky for me police photos are being taken in the Valley tomorrow and I have been overwhelmed by uniforms that need rank changes. Nothing like last minute around here. So, I am hiding in the shop with good reason. Remember how I tried to get all things caught up so I could spend time with people. That is over.

My eldest daughter and her boys are coming in late tomorrow night and I am so excited to see them. Lots of relatives will be in, all from my side of the family. Of course, everything will be held at Lil sis's, I have no say.  All marching orders come from Sissie. Good I, me and mine will come and bring what we are told and go home. I don't have to be responsible. I am used to being left out.  It feels great!

The fridge is full of bits and bobs of leftovers, and I am trying to see what I can do for dinner. Everyone else is going to Applebees for dinner, but I just don't want to eat out again. But who knows by the time it is dinner I will probably need to escape the cage and will do anything to avoid talking about religion again.

Sew today it is a dress hem, pants to hem, uniforms to rank change and I will probably work on a wedding dress as an avoidance tactic. I can do this. Last night I went to bed at 7:30. What does that tell you?  I slept until 10:30 was up for an hour and back in bed.

Banging head on keyborad.

Kim

Wednesday, Company crazy

 Well tourist season is upon us in the great Noeth West.  We have had our first death by buffalo.  There is one every year.  These animals are massive, as in the size of a Volkswagen.  Their skull is the largest part of them.  As in a freight train coming toward you. They are very docile and slow moving until they are not.  Stay far away.  Yes, they roam freely in many areas and parks. Do no pet, do not feed. 

It has rained all week, and today it is sunny with rain coming, late this afternoon.  I cannot spray due to wind.  Such an aggravation.  Sis brought me a 25 # bag of flour yesterday to fill up my storage and one of the bottles of bug spray (the one for squash bugs had a leak and drained out soaking the large paper bag and we had to throw out the whole of the flour.  Took spray bottle back to Home depot with receipt and the receipt for the flour. Replaced the spray and got a 10.00 off coupon.  The flour was 10.77 so I thought they did right.

Yesterday was crazy with company.  Sissie came up and cooked fish chowder and popovers and a dessert called a posset.  It was lovely.  I sewed 3 mother of the bride dresses and a zipper and started on a wedding dress. We had 8 to table and after the dishes were done, I was wiped out. I know Sissie was tired. Our eldest cousin on my mom's side came with her hubby.  They have a motor home and were able to park it across from Sissie's, at her elderly neighbor's house. Sissie and Dan have adopted Miss Jane who is 88 and lives in a big house across from them.  They help her with the yard and drive her places.  She is a sweetie.  I need to get over there and help with some of the yard work.

We have all my girls and babies, and all Lil sis's girls and our nephew/little brother, (the one who lost the babies a few years ago in the tragedy) plus this cousin all coming this weekend.  It will be crazy busy and all the houses full. So, my goals of not spending money or eating out, are out the window!

I will have to contribute to the food and cooking for this crew.  I have not been given my marching orders yet. Sissie will rule, I will follow. I am excited to see everyone and so happy Travis gets to join us. He still suffers and will always suffers the loss of his two little ones.  All we can do is shower him with love.

I had a bride pick up today and another will later this afternoon.  I have to go get the kids from school and my youngest is coming down with Oliver, so they can all see Grandma.  I have decided on roasted veggies and salad and pizza for dinner.  I just can't do more right now. This grandma slept terribly last night.  Lots of pain in hips and shoulders and wrists.  Not when I moved just that throbbing nerve pain one gets when joints are angry.  Don't know what I did to make them angry, but they were screaming most of the night.  I am fine today but sleepy.

Yesterday on top of everything else, I was able to finally sell for my neighbor, a large threes story cat cage and a large, overstuffed recliner. I had them listed for her on Facebook marketplace.  This neighbor has Parkinson's, and Sissie and I keep a close eye on her. It took about an hour to move furniture and get the chair out of her house and into a truck and then dis assemble the cat cag and get everything tied down.  I was a sweaty mess.  But that is off my list of to do's and the neighbor was so happy.

Well, I am off! We are going to Effie burger for lunch. I want to get something done in the yard, but I don't know what it will be. the wind is not cooperating.

Have a great and productive day

 God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Another chart!

 I completed another chart, and I hope to complete another before the end of the month but that might be wishful thinking. So, number 10 is in the works!

I have to get busy and sew today, I got the zipper basted in and now I have to machine sew it and I also want to get a couple of mothers of the bride dresses done and look in on another wedding dress.  As I have company here all through the next couple of weeks and then will have to take the grandsons home in June, I need to get everything done and out.

I also will be taking my first trip of the year to Rehoboth Beach with my oldest daughter. We will do that in July, so I need to free up most of July.  I am excited.

The shop has been busy all morning with piles and dresses coming in at a good pace.  Which is great. Now I just have to do the work.

I made biscuits and gravy for breakfast, with an egg, and yesterday I made two strawberry rhubarb pies.  We took one up with some ice cream to Joel's nephews house and had dessert there after dinner.  We have a whole pie left for today!  

Sissie is here cooking up a storm and all I want to do is take a nap.  I have a bride picking up today.  I had to realter her wedding dress because she got pregnant. I don't know why I am so sleepy but I am.

Ran to Home Depot last night to get ammonia and weed killer, and some Seven spray for squash bug if they appear. I went out and thinned the radishes which should be ready in a couple of weeks, and I plan on planting more.  My bush beans are not coming up well and I so I think the seed was not good.  I will replant where the holes are after I thin them and try and transplant the thinning's to the holes. Found evidence of something eating the ripe strawberries so I think we will be putting up a rabbit fence along the back. This means I will have to store the lawn mower in the garage for the season, as it won't fit through the garden path.  But that is okay I cut what little grass is back there with the weed wacker.

I spend more time fighting critters and weeds that I do anything else.

Well, I am off to sew or to take a nap have not decided, but Sissie will be back and you know what she will decide!

Have a great and productive day.

God is good

Kim

Monday, New week, First rattlesnake of the season.

 

This was me last week.  I was a napping fool.  Saturday Sissie came up and cooked all day and made me sew all DAY!!!.  I am caught up and it was hard. I sewed for 6 hours.  Whine, sniff, snort. But it had to be done.  I had company coming and needed sometime this week to spend with them.

Mom (my mother-in-law) and her sister arrived last evening.  We had dinner at Jole's nephews house and then brought them here.  They are watching the two Popes.  Such a good movie.  I have called all the people I have sewing ready for.  I also have to take Rosco to the vet this afternoon to clip his toenails. also get a Rattle snake vaccine.

I was weeding the rock path in the new garden and came upon my first rattlesnake.  It was not a large one, and I am wondering where it brothers and sisters are... Anyway, it crossed the rainbow bridge and now I am on the lookout every day when I got out. It is cold and rainy so less likely to see them but none the less, I need to see them and not step on them.

There are 5 wedding dresses in the shop.  Two are left for June, but they came in, in the last two weeks. I have three mother of the bride dresses, and one zipper to replace. So, I am feeling pretty happy about the shop.

I spring cleaned the front room (well Sissie) and also the spare room and the spare bath.  All that is left in the house is the laundry room.  I skipped the kitchen and the dining room, as the dining room gets redecorated for every holiday, so it is really cleaned on a regular basis and the kitchen is more than I can handle. I will have to engage help for that. But it is clean to your site.

So, what are my goals for the week?

1. at least 3 no spend days

2. no eating out

3. cook from pantry and scratch.

4. make a rhubarb/ strawberry pie

5. try and get the yard sprayed again

6. spray ammonia around the flower beds to detract the marmots! Thanks Cheryl hope this works. 

7. save at least 800 toward taxes, the total is 1500.00 and I have 400 saved so far.

8 keep up on sewing that is coming in.

I think that is a good list.  Now I am going to get a dress ready to hand hem and get a zipper ready to replace.

Have a great and productive day.

God is good

Kim 

Friday, Frugal or not!

 I think I spend the majority of my life actin like I am okay, how about you guys?  Ever feel like you are acting like you are okay.  It is okay to act like you are okay... okay enough.

Did nothing yesterday but had a good nap.  Did not need a nap. Needed to sew.  I took missionaries out to dinner along with my buddies and then had book club, which is always fun even if the book was bad. Love all the girls in the club.

Today I am going to run to Sissies to help her as long as the rain holds off.  Then she will come stand over me tomorrow to make sure I get somethings done before my mother-in-law comes to stay on Sunday.  She has not been here since Joel's funeral.

Was this week frugal?  Well yes in that I did not spend any money foolishly. But I did not bring in much money either.  I was able to scrape a little from my budget. I just have to do better.

1. I did get one of my 2 little bills paid

2. only had 2 no spend days

3.ate out once as planned

4. bought no groceries

5. wanted to get 3 wedding dresses done only one done

6. still have one bridesmaid to do out of 6 so that is better

7. only have 3 of the 9 pairs of pants done that I wanted done

8. only have $400 to put toward tax bill

9. my yard needs mowed in a bad way

I must say it was a lack luster week. My fault entirely, but Sissie is coming tomorrow to rectify the situation.  When I get in these slumps she is here.  Thank goodness.  Kim is slumping.

Kim is going to slump om over to Sissies for some love.

Hey, how about you did you get any goals completed this week?  What do you do when you slump?

Let's form a club. Slumpers are us United!

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in a slump.

God is good.

Kim  

Thursday, Brides be like....

I don't believe that trauma makes anyone better off. Just sayin. But this meme is so true.

I just had a bride that about put me over the edge.  She was sweet and naive and that is the only reason I made it through this morning's fitting. First of all, she called on April 25, for a wedding that is May 18th. Most alterations places would not take something that late. I try to have some flexibility in my schedule for late orders.  Dress was brought in, obviously a TEMU or very cheap China knockoff.  I am fine with that.  I think inexpensive dresses look just as good as expensive ones.

Plus paying thousands for a one-time gig is just stupid in my book.  However, that being said both kinds of dresses cost the same to alter. When I quoted the price, she was gob smacked as it was twice what she paid for the dress. But she had no choice that close to the wedding. The dress was too tight, and I had to see if I could get enough fabric in the seams to make it fit.  Once that was done the dress was too long in the torso.  I had to remove sleeves and take up bodice When she came in for a second fitting, she wanted her feet to show.  So, I had to really cut to her train.  I explained the train and she also agreed to what I was doing.  She comes to pick up dress and now says it is hard to move her arms up and down as I took out the wrinkles in the too long bodice.  Well, that is the nature of this kind of dress. You cannot have smooth and loose at the same time. Then she wants the hem cut all the way around and no train! Something I would never have agreed to do in the first place as a cheap dress is never on grain and getting a hem straight is next to impossible.  I always turn this kind of work away and would have at the first consult.  But I was able to bustle the dress up in back with 5 bustling loops, so it was about even all the way around and she was happy. I was sweating by the time she left. Egad! 

I also was able to spring clean the family room yesterday.  Took most of the day.  I even took the cover off the sofa and washed it and put it back on.  It looks brand new.  Now I am onto the front room and dining room which will be much easier as they are used so much less.

I have to sew today as I was lacking in that department yesterday. I think I am in avoidance mode over 9 pairs of pants that need to be altered.  Not hemmed but altered at the waist and hips.  Very hard to do.  Don't want to do it.  Need to do it. Will have to trick myself into doing it. Haven't figured out how yet. But I will work on this.

It is cold a crappy out, which I do not enjoy, I need to be grateful as at least I am glad to be inside. Have to pick Kelsa up from school and I have a choir practice tonight. We sing on Sunday and Mother's Day practice was a tossup.

Well, I had better get busy as this sewing is not going to do itself.  Wouldn't it be nice if it would? A girl can dream. 

There is an adult prom fundraiser this weekend and I am getting last minute calls for alterations.  I am charging them double.  If they can afford those expensive tickets and wait until the last minute, they can afford me.  Anne are you proud? 

Kim is growing a set. 

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

God is good.

Kim

Tuesday, Look at Kim go!

 That is about as sharp as it gets here.  I was a busy beaver yesterday.  I of course did not stick to my plan for various reasons. I started on an olive-green bridesmaid dress and realized I had two others in that were the same color, so rather than change thread I did all three, knocking the black dress out of the cue.

Then I also finished a wedding dress and pulled two other wedding dresses out to see where I stood on those.  I ripped one and also ripped the black bridesmaid dress, so those will be worked on today.  Hopefully I will get to another wedding dress that is fairly simple.

My plan for today is to deep clean the family room and perhaps the front room.  We will see.  The family room has a large bookcase and too many Knick knacks.  But whose fault is that?

So, I will start with the bookcase as it is the worst part of the cleaning. Then onto the antique dishes on the shelf above the sofa. If I tear everything out, I will have to eventually put it back.... Or that is my method of madness.  Plus, I can cull books that I need to return or donate.

Sissie just took my car to fill it up and have a tire checked.  She is so good to me.  When she gets back, she will be surprised at how I have torn the family room apart.  Actually, she will be frustrated with me but will perhaps help. I am already in trouble for letting my gas tank get low and having a tire light on.  I just think she needs more to do.

On you mark get set go!

Any of you tearing your house apart today?

Have a great and [productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, New plans, new to me goals

 Had a wonderful Mother's Day and I hope all of you did to.  Whether you are a mother or not I am sure you deserve the best in life.

I have a huge week of sewing ahead of me.  Mostly wedding attire or dresses for weddings. I have 6 June dresses, and I hope to have at least 3 of them done before the end of the week. 

My mother-in-law and her younger sister are coming next week for 5 days and although I will have to sew, I want to be able to spend some time with them. Then the following week we have lots of family coming in and plan to take the grandsons camping. I need to have my ducks in a row so I can leave and not have anything for June hanging out there. I would like to be able to go to my eldest's for a week in June without worry.  It will be my first trip of the year!

SO, what kind of goals do I have this week?

1. pay all bills I have money saved for, water, electric, car license

2. at least 3 no spend days 

3. Eat out only once on Thursday

4. buy no groceries

5. Get three wedding dresses ready to go out.

6. Get all bridesmaid dresses done for June

7. get 9 pairs of pants altered for a client

8. Save at least 1/2 of the tax bill which has to be paid next month.

9. keep up on the yard, chickens, and the garden

I think that is enough!

Today I am altering a wedding dress, three bridesmaid dresses and two pairs of pants.

That is enough for today.

It rained hard yesterday, and I hope it dries out enough to mow and trim this evening.

What plans have you for the week?  Are you saving toward any goal?  If so, what? It helps me to know that others are doing just what I am doing to try and make it in this world.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

ewse

Friday, How frugal was it?

 

I love when someone brings up Joel.  It allows me to remember him. I think sometimes people avoid talking about passed loved ones as they think it will make you sad. But it really doesn't.  It allows you to remember good times.  I can give you a chance to relive memories.  It is a blessing.

So here it is Friday, and we need to go over the goals for the week.

Sissie came up yesterday afternoon and helped me straighten the shop and get my head on straight.  So grateful.

I did not get as much done as I wanted as the police vests took a long time and were quite difficult, but they are done, and I charged enough, and they were thrilled.  So, win win. 

Today I am driving to Moscow for my grandsons, preschool graduation. So silly, but it will be cute, and I love seeing the kids. Nate and Signe' are having me up after church for Mother's Day dinner. 

Tomorrow I am Sissie's slave all day.  I am sure it will involve rock.

1. I was able to cash flow both the small bills I needed to pay.

2. I am about $75.00 short of cash flowing the power and water bill, so pretty darn close.

3. Ate on Monday for Lil sis wedding and paid the tip to help with that.

4. Only bought some tortillas, milk, and a cucumber for groceries.

5. Only 2 no spend days. Having a no spend is getting harder and harder.  Need to figure out why.

6. Did not get any wedding dresses out but all the piles are caught up and that was not easy.

7. Practiced the piano every day.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Mother's Day either by celebrating your mom or her memory. For dome of you it is your first Mother's Day without her and my heart goes out to you.

I am going to sit in the sun for an hour before I have to drive up the hill.

Have a delightful weekend.

Kim

Thursday, Yesterday was hard!

 I have now determined that I will never be caught during bridal season.  It is like someone opens the flood gates and I get bombed with things. But I will persevere. I will not do it willingly.  I will do it while whining a lot. So, get ready. Feel free to take me off your reading list. 

After picking up Kelsa (who fell asleep in the car on the way down the hill) I was trying to get a suit altered and then another mother of the bride dress.  My machine kept pulling the very ornate fabric down into the guts as I was sewing on the horsehair braid.  You all know how I loves me some horsehair braid (NOT) So when I went to roll it back onto itself, I realized I would not be able to get the machine to properly stretch the braid and not eat the fabric.  Then I had to hand hem the braid to the huge hemline.  What a Pain. I had two other dresses to hem both with linings, and I was not done sewing until 9o'clock last night.  Thankfully my brother in law came by and watered for me.

This morning has been nonstop clients with huge piles of things, and I am warning everyone that I am out at least 2-3 weeks. Trying so hard to stay caught up this year and I think I will and then I look around and realize that might not be possible. 

Anyway, trying to stay positive, but I do hate getting overwhelmed.  I can do this.

Sissie will be up in a while, and she will help me down from the mountain of stress I have climbed. Either that or she will be disgusted with me. Who knows?  I will wait and see.

I am taking the day off tomorrow come hell or high water.  I think that will help my mood.

Today I need to get the Sheriff uniforms done and I also have three bridesmaids' dresses to do.  I have a bride coming in for a fitting and I need to start on another bridal dress.  Next week will see major bridal sewing.

The weather is beautiful, and I want to be out sitting in the sun. I think that is my biggest problem. Acute want to be in the sunitis.

Have you ever suffered from this condition?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Busy day!

 There are days I live this moto! I just feel like it and I do it, it is cathartic.  Try my method trust me it helps.

Yesterday, was just one big rush. So many clients, and I was trying to get the master bed and bath spring cleaned.  Of course, I thought it would only take and hour but....  Kim plans God laughs!

I was a running sweaty mess when I got a call that I might have to play prelude for a funeral today.  My nails had been through the garden planting and all the yard work the last two weeks. I called a got a 2 o'clock appointment for the shameful hands.  Rushed to that rushed home to finish up bedroom, still had not sewed a darn thing and I had a list.

I persevered and finished my quota about 7 p.m.  Sissie and Dan up for dinner so I did not cook.  Dan did my watering bless him. Sissie stayed the night as she needed my car first thing in the morning for dump runs.  My car is an SUV with a hatch back and it can hold a lot of junk, compared to her sedan.

One of my goals after I complete all my savings challenges for the year is to get an old beater pickup.  We three sisters need one so badly. But that is down the road...no pun intended.

I went to a funeral today, for a friend who passed from liver failure.  She never drank.  She was brilliant a true academic. She was very different which was why I was attracted to her. The world is not kind to people who are different. And I am afraid church people are the worst to people who are different. So much for the Saviors teachings.  Felt so sorry for her Husband and daughter. It was a lovely service. Now I am home and ready to get to work.  I have to pick up Kelsa at 3 today but will need to leave no later than 2:30. That does not give me much time to sew.  But I will continue into the evening.

My master bath is so clean it sparkles.  I still have to clean the master bedroom windows, and some little monster spilled something in the doorway of the bedroom.  So, I will need to borrow Sissies carpet cleaner to get up what I suspect is chocolate milk.  Hmmm I wonder who?

Today I have a suit to alter and a dress for a June wedding and also two other dresses to shorten.  Then I have a raft of Sherrif bullet proof vests to mend.  Holsters tear the crap out of police uniforms. I am constantly patching and mending uniforms where the gun has rubbed a hole in the vest or shirt.

I have a lot to do in the shop right now, so I am hoping it does not derail my spring-cleaning plans. I want to do the family room and front room next.  We will see.  I just have to fit it in as I can.

Every morning now I have to check on the chickens and fill feeder or fresh water, then I check on the garden for moisture.  I have newly planted gras that must be kept moist, so I water twice a day. I just have to put that in a pattern as I am so scatter brained. I really struggle with consistency. I can get a lot done but I spray (like a male cat ( now that is vision)). It is so hard to follow a consistent plan and path for me.  I have to really concentrate. It drives Sissie crazy. Too bad!

I am now singing the Broadway tune, I gotta be me!!!!

Okay so what is next on your list to spring cleaning jobs.  I need to know so I can compete.  I am very competitive, and it will keep me motivated.

I am off to start ripping the sleeves on a suit jacket, maybe I can get this done before I have to leave.  Wish me luck!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Spring cleaning begun

 Yes, I can no longer avoid the cleaning.  The garden is done.  I found a pumpkin plant when I went to buy a hose last night.  I have no excuses this house needs a spring clean.

We had a nice time with Lil sis's dinner after her courthouse wedding. I love Mexican food. Came home and finished bunding a baby quilt for a client and practiced the piano for an hour. Then went to bed. I was able to get a wedding dress ready for a try on yesterday, and pile of clothes ready for a client on one day notice.

I had a phone call from local police to fix some uniform ranks, and of course he needs them today. Men they are the worst for waiting to get things done I swear. Got to love them though.  When said officer gets here, I have chores for him. I have some heavy things to move around in the garage. 😇

I actually started to spring clean the master bath and bedroom.  I have things moved off dressers, so I can give furniture a good dust and polish. I have scrubbed the grout on the bathroom floor, and what a difference.  Took down all the decorative things and towels in master bath to wash and I have a large pot of murphys oil soap water ready to scrub the cupboards when I am done with this blog.  After I finish bathroom, I will continue on bedroom.  It should not take too long to finish up.  Maybe a half hour to 45 minutes. I am setting a time for 15-minute intervals.  It keeps me motivated.

Segue:  I have had 6 people in here in the last hour.  Clients lined up.  June weddings are upon us. Blessed with work.  Police patches done.

I need to finish lengthening an Indian (American) dance dress, and I have 4 pairs of pants to hem before I start on hemming bridesmaid dresses.  I would like to get at least 4 done today.  I just don't want things piling up and causing stress.

What do you mean I think I live on stress. 

But I am now going to scrub the bathroom cupboards.

Have any of you started spring cleaning?  Do you spring clean? If so what have you done?

Onward and upward!

Have a great and productive day?

God is good

Kim

Monday, New week, New goals

 I was excited yesterday to start a new week and woke with a blaster of a headache.  I thought it was going to take me down, but after a diet coke I am feeling somewhat better. See how medicinal my habit is?  Okay we all know the truth don't get snotty. (this note is for my kids)

I was a rip-roaring weekend.  I made a very long list of things I wanted to get done in the yard. Dan wanted to help me plant the garden, and we were able to get everything in the ground in less than an hour. But I had a really long list of other things some of which I would need help with.

Friday, I was trimming some low branches that kept me from mowing under the apple tree.  I had to tip my head back to trim correctly all around the tree.  Then I had to bend over repeatedly to pick up said branches and drag them to the burn pile.  This set off my vertigo.  I was trying to finish mowing the lower part of the yard.  It is steep and very unlevel.  

My son in law pulled in as I was trying to stand up with my head spinning.  HE could see that I was not doing well and came down and said, " leave the mower there, it is not supposed to rain tonight". He would come finish mowing tomorrow.  Bless is heart I was about done in, with the spinning.

Saturday, we planted the garden, Signe" cleaned out the upper tool shed, and Nathan told me what to keep what he wanted and what to sell or throw away. Nathan mowed, and trimmed the apple tree some more, and then took a huge truckload of things to the dump. I got rid of an old rusted out wheelbarrow, I use to plant flowers in, but I am trying to downsize hand watering and wanted it gone! Then he moved the bird bath for me. All heavy jobs that I cannot do alone.  He and Signe' took the load to the dump, then Nathan made us all panini pressed sandwichs for dinner. It was a long day.  We even had people pick up and pay for things that were in the shed.  Nathan posted them and they came right away! It was wonderful. I could not believe I got everything done on that list and then some.

So now I have a very busy new week ahead of me.  Lil sis is getting married by the Justice of the peace this afternoon., then we are meeting at a Mexican place. Wednesday, I have a funeral for an old friend, I have a preschool celebration for my grandson Oliver, and widows lunch on Saturday.  I am forgetting something else I have to do. Just a busy, busy week of obligations besides the shop.  So, I will have to be organized with my time, something Kim is not really good at. Ugh!  I will have to pay attention.....I am already starting to sweat.

I am so happy the yard and garden are in a place I call done.  Well other than the upkeep which is still a lot of work.  The lawn (is you can call it that) still has to be mowed and trimmed twice a week.  The garden will need weeded and checked on.  I also have to feed and water the chickens and all the flower boxes and beds daily and that takes about an hour. But the re3ally hard work of getting it already to be cared for is done!!! I am very blessed and happy. This has been a concerted effort for weeks.

So, what about this new week?  What are Kim's new goals?

1.  I have a couple of small bills I want to cash flow before Friday

2. I want to cash flow the power and water bill by Friday

3. If there is any left-over money it goes to the tax bill

4. I will eat out once where I have to pay

5. I will not have to buy any groceries

6. Get at least two wedding dress out and all the piles!

7. try harder to not spend money but need to buy another hose and a larger pot for and inside plant. It is always something.

8. practice the piano everyday

I have numerous piles in the shop, and they came in last Friday.  It is amazing.  I also have a wedding dress fitting today so I need to do that first. I am blessed with work.

I think the headache is almost gone and I can get to work.

Any of you have plans for the week?

have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Frugal ways, weekly wrap up, May goals and Garden pictures!!!!

 

What better way to start out a frugal Friday post than with a picture of the last savings chart just finished?

1. I did not get, and spring cleaning done so fail

2. I did plant all my flower boxes, used gift cards given to me on my birthday for flowers so no spend

3.Have all plants except pumpkins but will plant garden tomorrow

4. Did not pay 100 to my savings as I had to pay piano teacher

5. Paid important 1st of month bills

6. did not eat out

7. practiced piano every day

8. when buying plants tried to find ones that had two plants in pot so I could divide.

9 watched sales on plants and cherry picked what I needed

So, it was not a horrible week.  I would have liked to have taken in more money, but I will call it a success.

So, what are Kim's no May goals?

1. try and have 10 no spend days

2. pay daughter $240.00 I owe her for something she ordered for me

3. save 1500.00 for taxes due in June

4. no spend on groceries unless absolutely needed, or too good a bargain to pass up.

5. start picking alfalfa every other day for chickens

6. keep garden weeded and thriving

7.try to only eat out once a week, sister's lunch

8. Pay for lawn mower and tiller put on a no interest deal $1000.00 

So, Kim will have to work hard to make this much money and squeeze it out of her budget. But I have a lot of June dresses to put out, and I think I can do this.

Now for the treat you have all been waiting for> Pictures of my new garden space, it is done except for planting. So excited!!!!

Yes, I spray painted the Bean cage and all the tomato cages the rolled-up wire is for the cucumber trellis that will be hooked to the shed.  Did not spray paint this, but I am thinking about it.

Then I spray painted all the old lose in the head tools that should have been thrown away, are they not cute little soldiers.

Sprayed the gourd and other trellis for gourds and climbing veg. Strawberry bed was free from Sissie's. 

Sissie and I made these steppingstones for her house in DC and she brought them with her and gave them to me.  I have grass seed planted around them.

I love the two hanging baskets I got from Sissies place. Spraypainted of course.

This is my favorite part.  My little sitting area.  The bench was a gift from the kids. I bought the three Mexican pieces on the ground from TJ Maxx on the clearance shelf.  My first unnecessary purchase of the year. Well, that and spray paint.😇

I can sit out here and read and drink a cold soda.  Sissie and Aunty bought the other two pieces of pottery. I have garden plants ready to be put in the ground tomorrow.

So, I consider this done.  After I plant, I just have to take care of it. I am very proud to me as this was so much back breaking work.  Dan and Nathan helped on the very heavy stuff, but it was mostly me. And I was able to do it for very low cost, by taking anything free I could get my hands on and repurposing it for my own use.

Well, I am off to mow the yard, and trim and spray.  It is never ending!

Have a great and productive day 

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Sissie bought a new board!

 

Kim needs to step away from the spray paint as she is having way too much fun! Step away, STEP AWAY!!!!

Thate Sissie went a bought another ironing board, when I had planned to go look for one second hand, she had to have a certain kind.  Can you believe that? Picky about ironing boards. But then again, she does most of the ironing. I can walk by that basket and ignore it for months. Or until I am out of pillowcases.

So, it is May 1st, oops, just remember my mother in laws 97 birthday, stop order flowers... okay done.  ADHD brain at full tilt. Tried to order chocolates from a place that was opened by her great Aunt in Weiser Idaho. but they are closed for remodel.  So, I guess the chocolates come on Mother's Day.

I am now in official garden planting mode, though have no real plants for garden except seedlings I started, which I think have contracted a fungus.  Just my luck.  I will go do plant search later this afternoon.  I need to stick around home for clients.  Plus, Sissie has my car. Now that will keep you home.

Just a few things have to be sewn today, I could get some of my spring cleaning done, but where is the fun in that I ask you? It is a beautiful day full of sunshine and good spring smells, and one needs to be outside with a can of spray paint. Put the paint down now Kim!  Kim, "But I am having so much fun!"

I cannot be controlled, kind of like someone running our country.  Okay enough politics. A lady never discusses politics or religion. I am a lady, with a can of spray paint.

So now how did we do with April goals, you are dying to ask?

1 Put 900 toward the 1000 challenge, it was a tough month to save money, but 900 nothing to sneeze at!

2. saved money in my penny challenge

3. try and complete as much of the garden area as possible, It is ready to plant so that is a win.

4. pick up taxes and pay accountant and the taxes. done

5. No spend days a Fail!  only 7 

6. eating out I only paid for one eat out so that is good!

7. New to me lawn mower and tiller

8. put extra money on house taxes.... What extra money????

Overall, not a bad month.  Just so many expenses with the yard

I will do new goals for May tomorrow, right now I am going outside, where is that spray paint again?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim