Thursday, I am back!!!

 See this little boy!  He is 5 today! Headed off to kindergarten. I cannot believe Oliver is 5. Time goes so fast when the kids are little.

I had a wonderful time with my daughter and her two boys.  We stayed 5 days in Delaware and went to many beaches.  Beautiful weather.  Very humid, which is so different than the desert heat we have here.  We then went into Philly and spent 4 days, wandering the city.  Independence hall the Liberty bell, The Franklin Institute, ran up the Rocky steps, spent a day at the Zoo.

We walked and walked a lot.  Like averaging 15,00 steps a day.  Food was very expensive.  The cabbie's said tourism was way down for foreigners and everyone was suffering some. It is much less expensive to take cab's and Ubber's rather than renting a car. Other than day cares and summer camp groups we saw very few people at either the Zoo or the Insitute. People who rely on tips are really suffering there.

We got back on the 25 and I stayed at Jethelyn's to help her start and get things put together in the master bedroom.  I made a custom pleated bed skirt for the king size bed and dresser scarves and such.  We ordered curtains and bought curtain rods, and she is going to order wallpaper for one of the walls but that is a project for another visit.

I came home to a happy dog who missed me, although Dan loves him and he was not neglected in any way. My garden is going crazy, and weeds are nuts! I need to dead head flowers and get out and weed and spray desperately. Picked a bunch of tomatoes.  Kay has already frozen a couple bags. I do plan on canning tomatoes this year. My onions are doing great, and some are ready to pick. 

It is 107 today so not much will get done outside other than watering, just too hot.  The chickens are laying little pullet eggs, so that is fun. I made a long list of things to get done in the next month and I am starting to tick them off.

Called the county assessor about my property being over estimated, he came out this morning and was very nice and it looks like the values will be adjusted next year.  I can't do anything about this year. But I feel that at least I was proactive about them not continuing to rise and rise. I do have a view of the river that is unobstructed and that makes the property much more valuable.  Half of the 1/2 acre I own is a city easement for water drainage and not usable.  I told him to take is back and then send someone to weed it for me.  Oh, and deal with the rattlesnakes. He thought it would be easier for the county just to lower the taxes and have me take care of the mess. Nice guy.

Oh, a sadder note, Kikki ended up getting quite sick or she was sick and just fooled us.  She had cancer and had to be put down while I was away.  She is in Kitty heaven, and I will need to clean all her things out of the garage. I will not be getting another cat.  Unless a stray shows up here and lives in the garage.

Animals are expensive, and I just don't need the worry every time I go somewhere. Plus, the vet bills, the food and the litter. I loved her but until the shop closes and I don't see that anywhere in the near future, I will not have a cat.  If I could have a cat inside, I would get another, but not with the shop.

I will be taking Kiki's belongings to the animal shelter, and her old chair to the dump.  This will free up the already overwhelmed garage space.  She was the queen out there and had several thrones.

I have a few things to list on Facebook marketplace, and some general decluttering to do around here.

Now I have to get back in the saddle. But it is nice to come home to a shop that is not screaming at me.

Missed you guys, anything exciting happen while I was gone? Fill me in please.

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

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Kiki and the academy

 See how many charts Kim can fill when she works hard and is not out spending money in town.  No groceries, no gas.  Just stay home and work.

Now let me tell you about the most gifted cat in the world.  When Kiki was found she was not moving.  She was dirty and limp.  Not bleeding but obviously had what we thought as a spinal injury.  Not moving her back legs at all.  So, she sat in a carrier with food and water she did not touch for a couple of hours. I was taking her to the vet at 4:30.

I did bring her into the house where it was cool and checked on her frequently.  My neighbor who found her came over and decided to hold her for a while and we talked, while she stroked Kiki and I finished up the Indian regalia.  All of a sudden, I noticed Kiki pushed with her back foot.  Did I just see that?

But again, no movement with her back feet. We decided to put her on the floor to see if she would react.  She gets up and ambles under the chair. She is fine.  Now she has always been a dirty scruffy cat.  We constantly go out and wash her off with clothes.  Which she loves by the way. So, what really is going on? We have no idea.  But we do know she is a good actress. I called the VET and they have a term for it.  

Magic Door syndrome. The minute you walk through the VET doors the animal miraculously recovers. But you still get a bill and some embarrassment to go with it. Kik's is back outside in her garage domain.  She had an afternoon of love.  She does get a lot of attention, as she demands it. But what an actress. The academy has been contacted. She is ready for her close-up Mr. D'Mille.

One more worry off my plate and I also completed all the shop things by 3 in the afternoon!!!!!  I am done until I get back from vacation.  I feel so free.  Made porkchops, squash from the garden and red potatoes for dinner. Dan and I went a got a dairy queen last night, we were watching Rooster Gogburn and the lady, and I fell asleep on the couch. Wen to bed early. I think yesterday really tired me out.

Now I need to think about packing and what I am going to take on this trip. The ironing basket needs love as most of what I want to take with is in there. But I have time to think and plan.

Sissie and our friend are due in this afternoon.  I am excited to spend some time with them before I leave.  Now I can.  Rather than being hooked to the shop until the last minute.

I still need to go out and do a little more spraying and I need to thin the beet and the radishes that have come up and have not been eaten.  I am not holding my breath.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, when it rains!

 I know a little sacrilegious, but I feel this way at times.

So that wedding dress from hell is gone.  Thank goodness as I wanted to light a match under it.  Took me 4 hours to complete.  Most of it is hand sewing....

Needless to say, my neck is a little sore.

But onto more important stuff.

Kay was leaving yesterday morning, and before she got far out of town, Dan called her to say his heart was acting up.  She returned and he was in A-fib.  So, I got to babysit Dan as she left town again.  Made him stay up here in the spare room so I was close if he needed to go back to hospital.  Kay has the car.

It was a long day yesterday, and I made a new sewing rule.  I no longer line bodices on corset gowns.  If you buy a sheer corset gown, find someone else or don't buy it.   It takes hours of hand sewing and I clearly underbid the dress.  I just don't want to do it at any price. There I have spoken.

My neighbor just came over with KiKi or garage cat who has clearly been attacked by a coyote.  I believe she is paralyzed on her back half, and I will have to put her down. Just what I need right now. I have her in a kennel in the house with water, but she is not eating or drinking.  She does not appear to be in pain. Poor darling.

Called Vet going in at 4:20. If she was in pain, I would have paid for an emergency visit. Oh my, life just throws things at you left and right.

I have three sister missionaries weeding my garden bed right now!  Isn't that great! I can so use the outside help.  I don't want Dan out in the heat, until we get an all clear on him.  Kay should be back tomorrow afternoon.

SO now that my day has been blown up what am I going to do next? Well, the piles. I have been waiting to do these all week. Let's list them just so we know where we are....

1. hem pants, and take in top

2. enlarge waste on pants

3. fix pockets in three pairs of shorts

4. hem a skirt and alter a neckline

5. shorten sleeves on three dress shirts and hem a pair of pants

6. hem 4 pairs of pants

7. put zippers in Indian leggings 

8. Alter a pile of tops 5 and fix waist on pants.

Okay can I get this done today?  I hope so.

On your mark get set go!

I feel terrible about my cat.

Kim

Tuesday, I don't want to!!!!

 

This is how I feel about the dress I am working on.  Bride came last night, and I pinned on lace, and it took forever.  All the pieces would not line up. I will get that done first thing even though I don't want to. Then I have to line the bodice by hand another thing I don't want to do.  I have to fix one of the darts again!!!! But she did like the fit so that is good. Beat head against wall.

Went out this morning and watered chickens and did more picking up in yard.  Then cleaned up and hosed off a mess the grandkids had made of the porch.

Now the back yard and deck are returned to normal.  I was able to freeze over a gallon of apricot puree last night. But too worn out or lazy to do dishes.  So, I did those this morning. I am trying to find chores to avoid this dress, but I think I clear ran out.

Okay Kim, set a timer and get to work.  Also need to slide in a piano lesson this evening as my teacher is leaving and so am I. Boy these paragraphs would not pass inspection in an English class.  I am jumping from one thought to another.

Sissie left for Missoula to pick up a friend. Dan is without a car.  I will run and pick him up this evening to go get a sandwich.

It is going to get to 104 today.  Love the heat, but I seem to spend most of my time in the airconditioned house. So maybe?

Say a prayer for me on this dress it is a real stressor. There are 7 piles to complete 2 are rather hard and wouldn't it be lovely if I could get to a few of these today?  A girl can dream.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, One dress left!

 

I am too tired to figure out how to get rid of the above chart, so you get a bonus picture. I am just not going to rack my memory right now.

I just had a wedding dress leave and I have one more to go.  That bride is coming in after 5 tonight. Then it is just piles.  Which believe it or not I am excited to get to. I have 4 days to get things done and I am a working fool.

Had a nice weekend.  I woke up on the 4th not feeling great.  But I persevered and made it to Kelly's with the family.  It was hot and noisy, and I do not mind either usually, but I also had everyone coming over later for a sundae bar and I was not my best.  I excused myself and went home and had a nap.  I am so happy I did.  When everyone arrived, I was feeling somewhat better. Signe' knowing I was not on top of my health stayed the night with me and the kids.

Boy did those kids have fun!  Poor Sissie was not her best either, but I made her a homemade vanilla shake her favorite and she collapsed on the sofa during the late-night fireworks.

The next morning Oliver had me up at 7:30 and started breakfast for the crew of 16.  Had the bacon and sausage done and warming and then at 10 started the overnight waffles.  We had cut up fruit and whip cream, syrup and eggs. Everyone left full and happy.  I did not get the dishes done and put away until noon.  SO, from 7:30 until noon I never sat.  Now I was tired.  I was due to have both Kelsa and Oliver the rest of the day into the next, but Signe' recognized I needed a rest, so she took the kids up to her place and I took another nap. Then I went and picked up Kelsa and Oliver at about 8o'clock and brought them home to stay the night and give Signe' a break.

We made individual lemon pound cakes with a really neat pan Sissie bought for me.  It makes 24 little loaves of bread and takes up the whole oven. They were very good, and the kids insisted on putting chocolate chips in the left-over batter and we made some muffins. We took the little loaves to choir practice. Where I overheard one of the men say, "I hope Sister Haverfield brought treats today."

Then home with the kids, for lunch and I took them to Sissie's pool for 1.5 hours and then home to rest.  Braunwyn picked them up about 5 and I laid down and slept until 10:15. I was up for about an hour and back down to bed.  I think last week really tanked my energy reserve and I just had to sleep and build it back up.

 

I am feeling great now. I had the kids go with me to pick a bucket of apricots. I don't have time to do jam this week, but I do have a nice batch pureed and cooked up which I will freeze to do jam later. I also made 6 large containers of turkey/chicken broth over the weekend and froze that along with two packages of turkey. I will pick a couple more buckets this week and puree and cook and freeze then when I get back, I can make jam.  I think this shows you I am getting a little smarter, because old Kim would have been trying to make jam now. Know your limits.  Something I struggle to learn.

They delivered the green house in boxes today.  Kelly's will go up first and when all the mistakes have been made, they can tell me how to do mine. I am such a good sister. I am letting her go first. 

My poor flower boxes need water so bad I have not either been awake or home the last two evening to water and they need to be watered every day. I have to wait to water until evening so as not to burn the plants. Dan is coming up later to help me, I hope they can gasp until then.  Poor darlings.

I cannot hardly wait until this bride comes to get this last dress done.   That will leave three waiting for me when I get back.

Did you guys have fun on the 4th?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Happy 4th of July!

 Happy 4th of July my friends. Do you ever look back and realize how much you have compared to your earlier life?  Whenever I start to feel anxious about the world, I remember how hard I prayed for a beautiful home, a financially solvent life.  The blessings of a loving family and friends. A country that allows me freedoms not experienced in other parts of the world.  We are all so blessed. It is easy to soak up social media and think we are on fire, but are you on fire right now, I mean personally?  Probably not, so live with joy this day, pick up the woe tomorrow if you must.

I woke today with a bad headache, still not feeling my best.  Sissie not feeling well either.  Great! Two old sickies.  But we are both up and moving.   It was weird getting up today and not having a mental list of sewing. I have two more wedding dresses started that will be tried on Monday.  One is a nightmare. I worked on that sucker until after 10 p.m. last night.  Redid one of the hand darts 4 times. Might be why I woke with a headache.  Way too much stress on my neck for way too long. I will be happy to see this dress gone!!!!

Completed another chart, onto # 14 which should be done before the end of next week. Then I am off! I am so excited to get to go on a real vacation. 

I have many little bills to pay before I leave and then will face the music when I get back. I still have 3 major things to save for before the end of the year.  Actually 4 if you count Christmas.

I hope all of you have wonderful 4th. I am excited to get everyone together just wish I felt better.  Might be coming down with a sinus cold, hence the headache.  I will ignore it as much as possible.

Now time to break out the sparklers!!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, let's get her done!

 

This was me this morning. I spent most of the day yesterday with Dan and daughter Signe'. She came by after I picked Roscoe up from groomers, and we decided to go and get groceries for the 4th.  Mine was mostly loss leaders as I base my bringing's around those. Also, we had Dan and decided to go pick up two greenhouse kits at Costco, because the truck was in town and we had Dan's back.  Poor Dan.

Anyway, just as I suspected they were sold out as the greenhouses, had been marked down $500. But we were able to order online and had them shipped free to my address which is in Idaho and has 3% lower sales tax.  Win! One of the houses is for Lil sis. I gave daughter $1000 in cash I had been saving for the green house as she ordered with her CC.  So, it is paid for. I am sure there will be more expenses concerning this as it will have to be put on a foundation of some kind, although I might have those here. I am excited as I am hoping this will really help with expenses in the spring. I spend a great deal on flowers and plants, and I know how to do my own.  Plus, I can share with others.

All the running around really cut into my day, but I managed to get done what I wanted to get done.  Signe' wanted me to come up to her place and help her purge her closet.  I enjoy spending time with my daughters and helping them.  As we had no kids or husband to distract, I said yes and went up about 7 last night after I had watered and taken care of things here.

We pooped around for a couple of hours and finally at 10:30 at night.  Yes 10:30 I said," Well I want to be in bed by midnight so let's get crackin."  I piled as much on the bed as possible and then grabbed item after item.  KEEP? DONATE?  If she took too long, I said DONATE!  We completely cleaned that closet, sorted, and hung by style all the clothing.  She had three large bags of donate. Then I vacuumed and we were in bed by midnight.  Lots of laughs. I even found a few things of mine... Those lulu lemon sweatpants I was missing, a pair of Dansko sandals, a swimsuit cover up, and a summer dress.  I also helped myself to a really nice coach pocketbook she never uses.  Go me! Left there this morning about 9:30.

I had a piano lesson at noon today, and I have two wedding dresses getting picked up today.  I hope!

Sissie and Dan are coming up to cook dinner on my grill and I put the whole chicken in the oven that I had pulled out yesterday.  It is done and cooling and I just put a small turkey in the oven to roast this afternoon. Had to get some things out of the freezer.  I will make a chicken salad for the weekend and then slice up the turkey for sandwiches and freeze the rest.  Plus make a pot of broth.

I have everything for my Sunday bar for the 4th.  Saturday morning the 5th we will do big breakfast at my house.  Could be as many as 20 people.  Will do bacon and sausage, overnight yeasted waffles and eggs. I will get Kay and Dan to come help.  Then I plan on making a triple batch of rolls for turkey sandwiches and leftovers from the 4th. Between the bar, the dining table and the outdoor deck seating I can do 20.  Who am I kidding, will I get to sit down? 

I will also have Oliver and Kelsa this weekend this should be interesting.  Therefore, help from sister and Dan necessary. 

Today I have two mothers of the bride dresses to hem, one is a nightmare and then I want to start on that last monster wedding dress if possible.  The more I get done the easier next week will be.  Even though I have 5 days, I know how my schedule can change in a minute, and I just want to be ready.

So, I am going to force myself to get to work, even though I really do not want to. I have to say I am thoroughly tired of sewing. However, that is not an excuse to slack. I wish it was.

Are you ready for the 4th celebrations?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, I am Smoking!

 Isn't it nice to have friends that understand you...

I was one busy beaver yesterday along with my foul mood, but I have quickly brought myself back to cheerful.  Just can't abide foul for too long.

I was able to actually get three wedding dresses done yesterday.  I still have to sew up the inside of one dress and that is the first thing I will do today.

I started to pick the lace off the bottom of the fourth wedding dress last night and I have to hem the under skirts and call the bride to come in so I can place the lace. That leaves one bridal dress left before I go.  It is also a really, really hard alteration, and I am dreading it.

So, in actuality I have two more wedding dresses left, one I have a good start on, which I am happy about.  Then I have two mothers of the bride dresses and of course the piles.  I will try and get all the bridal stuff done except the one hard dress before the fourth.

I need to run out and do errands today, as in pay a bill, cash some checks, and go to a couple of grocery stores. 

Sissie and I looked through my freezer and I pulled out a turkey and whole chicken that need to be cooked.  I can do this and pull the meat off the bone. Will probably make some homemade rolls for turkey sandwiches and then will freeze the rest and make broth for later.  I just need the room in the freezer.

Took the dog to the groomer this morning and she has a huge apricot tree that is loaded, so I will pick some apricots while I am down there when I pick Roscoe up.

So next week all I will have are the piles which I can get done in one day and the zippers on some Indian Regalia. I can handle a week of that.  Kim needs some down time. I might go ahead and pick all the apricots from my baby tree, as they fall off and the marmots eat them.  I think I will pick up the culls at me neighbor's house for my chickens. I see myself, making apricot jam next week.

It is so nice to finally feel like I can see light at the end of this tunnel.  Still there is a lot to do and I can't rest on my laurels, or my butt for that matter.

I was able to get all of the weeds picked in the front yard last night after the sun went down, so now I can mow without guilt.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, I am tired, but can't quit.

 I sewed all day yesterday and now I have two wedding dresses that I can finish today and then start on a third. I finally figured out what my problem is... I am tired of sewing.

I actually really enjoy sewing, but trying to keep up is getting old.  I am not behind like I was last year, so I don't have that stress but trying to keep up from getting behind is also a stress.

I am reaching a point now that I will not be able to take on any new sewing until I get back from vacation.

I had another wedding dress come in yesterday, that someone's grandma was supposed to do and then grandma realized it was too hard.  Wedding in two weeks. So, in reality with the dress I did yesterday for my little sister's stepdaughter and this grandma fiasco added two more to the already tight list.  I am over it.  No more. This girl is done.  I have this week which is short and then next week, and I am out of here.

We are in our hot season.  102 yesterday and 104 today.  I was able to get 1/2 the weeds in the front yard pulled last night after the sun went down and will do the other 1/2 tonight.  The chickens need fresh cool water, and I have been giving them corn cobs every night which they love. I change the water twice a day.  Also, I cannot skip watering as all the flower beds, pots and part of the garden are hand watered.  This takes me almost an hour.  So right now, a minimum of 2 hours of yard duties and I really should spend more time out there. I am in the keep it alive mode for the next month.

I just responded to a txt where a client who wants a fitting on Saturday.  She tried the same thing last week.  I am not open on Saturdays and Sundays. People will just push and push for their convenience, and I am over it!  Is it an emergency? As in a funeral?  Then no come when I am open.  Oh, Kim is developing an attitude. Remember the Fridays off?  Well, that has not happened for a long time, and I knew it would not work during high bridal season, but that is coming back my friends.

Okay enough feeling sorry for myself and complaining.  I need to get to work.  When I have two dresses done and ready to go out, I will feel better and less anxious.   Alos need to quickly pay my bills it is the first!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, Only 4 days this week?

 

This is how I feel about me today, well almost every day if you want to know the truth. I only have 4 days to get as much done as possible. Let's see. I see 9 major jobs, 5 of which are wedding dresses, plus whatever other small stuff is hiding. So, if I divide it up and get 2 done a day, I might be on even keel. I was hoping for less as I worked so hard last week. 

The weekend was fun with swimming, and trips to the park and tea parties.  I helped Kay and Dan put in a cut garden.  We layered soil and Dan rototilled.  Then laid out sidewalk edging.  Sis and I set out plants, and we went a bought pea gravel for around the steppingstones.  I have not seen the final product, but I am sure it is lovely.

Took Kelsa swimming at Kelly's house where we met Kelly's step granddaughter and they hit it off instantly. Swam and swam. Kelly's step son's wife came over with her wedding dress and I am going to alter that today as they are leaving tomorrow. 

Kelsa and I made two batches of cranberry /orange scones for choir practice on Sunday. Cooking with a 4-year-old is so much messier than cooking by myself, but I am making memories. Sometimes after it is time to clean up, I think I am making nightmares.  How can one spread flour that far? Must be a gift of some kind.

I tried to get up Saturday morning and de Kelsify the house.  After an hour and a half, it looked a little decent. But this morning it looked like I had not touched the place in a month. So, I started again. I still have to vacuum, but as the princess is watching a cartoon I will wait. 

We are having a big Family celebration at Kellie's new pool on the 4th and then everyone comes here to watch the fireworks from our viewpoint.  I am thinking of having a Sunday bar for dessert here.  It will be easy.  Ice cream and toppings everyone makes their own.  Then I will have both Kelsa and Oliver for the weekend as Braunwyn and Dan have to work, and Oliver is easier to take care of when Kelsa is here.

I need to go and get groceries, and I need to pay bills for the month.  Hard to believe it will be July tomorrow. I need milk, bread, fruit, and some easy protein options. 

I had an unusual turn of sickness again on Saturday evening.  Just got sick out of the blue, for no reason.  I jumped up and ran for the bathroom, Kelsa was upset by it, but it passed as soon as it came.  So weird.  Was it something I ate?  Could not figure it out.  But she is still talking about it. I guess Grandma's cannot get sick.

My goal this week is to have at least 500 to put toward a greenhouse I am buying at Costco. I still have three more major savings goals for the year, but I need to get back from my vacation to concentrate on them. I have not been as frugal lately and it shows in mt bottom line. 

Financial goals for the week.

1. save 500 for green house

2. get 9 items done in shop

3. 2 no spend days

4. get all monthly bills paid

5. eat at home from pantry

6. stick to list when getting groceries

Last week I went to Albertsons and only bought 4 loss leaders. One package of brats, one package of bacon, cheese, and chips for the holiday. Albertsons had great loss leaders but everything else is so expensive.

Well, I had better get busy sewing, it is not going to do itself.  Dang it!

Any plans for the 4th?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, I made it, almost!

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis. We need to remember who we are surrounded by, even the least of us is an immortal being of such worth.

I think yesterday I was a little blue and out of sorts.  I was having stomach issues, but I was also a little depressed.  I just needed Sissie time.  I am alone so much, and I don't mind being alone, I just like to do things with someone. I needed to run errands and the thought of doing it alone was just not in me.  

So Sissie and Dan went with me to the bank, and Home Depot where I paid off the $1400.00 for the yard equipment.  It was on a no interest offer until Sept. Stopped by hobby lobby for sewing supplies. Then We grabbed a protein bowl from a fast-food place and went to Albertsons for their loss leaders and to fill and pick up a prescription. It was nice to have company. 

Then home to finally get to sewing.  It was late in the day and Kelsa was due in at 8.  I had three more pairs of pants come in yesterday, so I added those to the 6 pair that still needed done.  I got those all done and started on a wedding dress and now need the bride to finish.  I also ripped and got another formal dress ready to sew.  I did not feel like I had wasted the day being blah!

This morning, I went to my piano lesson and then had my nails done.  I have Kelsa, and I left her with Kay and Dan when I did my nails.  Now we are home, and I need to make several phone calls for the shop.

Got a new hymn for choir at my lesson and it is an African spiritual.  I really like it.  Love the rhythm. I have been neglectful in practicing lately and need to improve. I was so disciplined for a long while and I need to get back to that.

Went out early this morning and replanted carrots, and beets and radishes. I could have bought a lot of veggies for what I have spent on seed. But I will win this, I swear!!!!!

This has been a very productive week, and I need to keep at it in order to leave town in the middle of July with a clear conscience. Tomorrow I am helping Kay and Dan at their place and then I think Kelsa and I will go swimming at Kellie's in the late afternoon.

I was able to get zippers at Hobbie lobby on sale for .99 a piece.  These would have been well over 14.00 at Joanns.  Plus, they have leather supplies.  The leather package was $3.99. Normally I have to buy an entire hide at the shoe shop.  Then I cut the hide into fringe and sell it on the reservation, so I don't waste the money, but that is a pain. Now I can just buy a small strip. Love that.

I am trying to convince myself to get some sewing done today. Kelsa is busy playing with playdough.  I think the playdough sounds like more fun.

I have to substitute music with the children this week and play for choir.  I think Kelsa and I will do homemade scones for the choir treat.  We haven't done those for a while and everyone loves those.  I have cranberries and blueberries that need to be used in the freezer.

So, I will have a busy weekend ahead of me. Signe' has William up in Spokane at hockey camp and Kelsa is with me until Monday when Nate gets off work.  It is a grandma weekend.  I will love every minute of it!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, getting tired...

 Chart # 12 done! I certainly will be able to pay off the home depot card now. Plus left over for the next savings plan which will be spending money in Rehoboth Beach in July.

I am dragging today.  Just not feeling great. Don't know if it is a bug.  I have gotten plenty of sleep, just really struggling to stay awake.  Plus, my stomach is not happy. But I am sure this will pass.

Yesterday I finished my quota early and started to look around at the piles and realized I had 11 pairs of pants to hem, so I started on those. I was able to get 5 pair done, so that leaves 6 pair for today plus another two dresses.

I believe Kelsa may show tonight depending on when Signe' leaves Twin Falls. I will have Kelsa for the weekend or at least 3-4 days.  She will slow things down a bit and that might be a good thing.

I was able to do a little spraying on the hill, but I think I need a bigger spray nozzle. It was also too windy to change to a larger spraying can. I really need zero wind as it is down by the chickens.

Bought new carrot, radish and beet seed, to plant in the beds now that we have them surrounded.  I also picked another 3 small zucchini, which I will fry for dinner.  Yum! Still don't know if this new fencing is doing the trick, I guess we will know when the new seedlings emerge, or I get a cucumber growing. It is a waiting game now and I do have to get out a plant seeds.  Just too tired right now.  I am sure I will get my mojo back soon.

Scheduled a nail appointment for 5 today, they need done badly. But right now, all I can think of is a nap, so I will go take one and then get up and sew.  Or sew into the evening. I have done that before.  I think I will call Sissie, she might be able to help me. I really don't need help, just her presence.  She will energize me or hit me I am not sure which. 

I really don't like sloggy days and this is one of them.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Sticking to the list

 Does anyone else have this problem?  It is an aggravation I tell you.

I was able to finish my quota yesterday.  Took about 1.5 hours longer than I thought.  I always think I can do a whole list in a shorter time frame than is possible.  Have been that way my whole life. But the list is done!

Today I have two dresses to finish, and they are both started. I am supposed to have three dresses picked up but so far no one has come in to pick up.  Just work has been dropped off.

The Elders and boys came last night and got the hill cleared.  It took 4 large garbage cans full to clear the acreage.  Luckily a neighbor lent me her can and one of the men brought two from his neighborhood. Now I just have to get out and spray the tiny weeds.  Hope to get that done later today.

Sissie came over with the last of the bricks from her place.  I will not start on the blueberry bed until later this summer.  Too hot, and just not enough time.  I will plant new bushes in the fall. But at least the supplies are here for when I want to start.

Now I am just praying that the fencing Dan and I out up will deter whatever is eating the cucumbers down.  At this point I am ready to give up. But I just can't.

I need to make an appointment to get my nails done some time before the weekend.  They are a wreck. Better put that on my list of to do's. Kelsa called me last night from Twin Falls where she is staying and wanted me to come over and see her.  It was so cute.  Like I can just hop in the car and be there in a few minutes.  It is 8 hours away. She is having fun at dance camp and getting thoroughly spoiled by Auntie Jessie.

Well, I had better get busy, those dresses are not going to do themselves. Will report back tomorrow, so I can be accountable.  See what y'all do for me.  I just know you will know if I just sit on the back deck and enjoy the sunshine.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Little engine days!

 I think sometimes I live by this motto. I am very good at hiding my true feelings. What are my true feelings?  I don't really want to dwell on that, so let's get to work!

Dan has finished the second garden bed.  Now I can replant carrots, radishes and beets.  It is only the third time no big deal! The money and the time I have put into this garden area is absurd. But I will win dangit!

Good news and boys from our ward are coming over this evening to finish weeding the hill. I will only have them for an hour, but 8 to 10 boys can pull a lot of weeds.  I am going to set a sprinkler down there this afternoon to help loosen the soil. I hate to waste water on weeds, but the more that come out the less I have to deal with.

Actually, saw a blossom on the cucumber plant, so if it is not eaten off tomorrow, I will know that we are going in the right direction. 

I was able to get my quota done yesterday and I had a bride here this morning and I will finish her dress before I start on today's work.  I need to add some lace to the arm area and hooks in the back to reinforce.  Then I just have to steam, and she is done. Hoping to get all this done in an hour.

I have a mother of the bride dress to hem and a flower girl dress to alter, and I have already ripped out the flower girl dress.  Then I have another dress to hem with horsehair braid so that is my crappy task for the day.  If I can get all this done, I will be on schedule. * Snort*, Kim is on a schedule..... Imagine?

I am in my little engine that could routine.  Here I thought this was my easiest June ever, I had things so under control. Well, that blew by really fast as I swear people are just not planning ahead and coming in later and later to get things done.  It is crazy.  But as I am motivated by money I seem to say yes. I think I can, I think I can, turns into I know I can if I work hard enough.

I have two wedding dresses getting picked up tomorrow, so that is less in the shop, and makes me happy. I also cannot forget that I have a few piles.  They are under all the wedding dresses. Have to get them on the schedule.

Well, that wedding dress awaits and I am going to set a timer!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, what just happened?

 Finished another chart last week, onto #12.  Last part of last week is a blur.  So busy, between grandkids, and sewing and all other responsibilities, I was not even sure what day it was. I woke up this morning and asked myself, "What just happened ?"

Signe' took James back home along with her two kids last Friday morning and will stay the week in Twin Falls, which means I have no grandkids, so I have no excuse not to really get things done.  Don't worry I will probably find an excuse. It is one of my many talents....

One poor soul from the church showed up to help with the snake fence, but he had an air compressor stapler. It took two hours for him to fix the fencing.  I went around with the weed eater and cut down all the grass to expose the dug in part of the fence Then took a pulaski and chopped out several large thistle plants. the dug in fence was all secure. Then while he was going around the property, I started weeding the hill.  But after 2 hours my back gave out and I am 1/3 of the way done. I don't believe in asking for help and then watching people work.  If they can work, I can work.  I guess if I was incapacitated, I would sing a different tune. We have a little over 1/2 and acre and 1/2 of that is a steep hill covered in large rock.  Perfect habitat for snakes.

Sissie in the meantime brought up two loads of bricks that had to be trudged across the property to where I will be putting in a blueberry berm. She has all these extra building bricks, you know the large funny shaped stones they are building retaining walls with, all over. They are very expensive, and I will not let them go to waste. After two carloads, I said no more, I had been at the yard now for over 4 hours and I was done. There is still one more load of bricks and they can wait. I took an afternoon nap, and no one needed or deserved one more.

It seems no matter what we do to keep varmints out of the veggie garden it is of no use.  So now Dan and I are actually fencing the individual gardens.  So much work and expense. But we will win this fight as we have thumbs! This is Dan's favorite saying.

So now the marmots cannot get into the yard from the back rocks, but we found a family living under the big shed at the bottom of the property.  They cannot get out of the yard.  I am calling the county for traps.  We will trap them and put them over the fence.  What a lot of work and worry. But I cannot poison or shoot them.

Choir sang yesterday so I played, and I had not practiced for a few days, so I was panicking, but it went fine.  Fingers went where they were supposed to go. I think taking lessons is really helping my confidence.

I have at least two if not three wedding dresses to get out this week. There are 10 dresses that have to be done before I leave in July.  That is if no more dresses come in and I find that hard to believe.  So, my goal is to get 2 done a day during this week. The kids will be back this coming weekend and I need to make hay while the sun shines.

Here is a picture of Kelsa, taken at Aunt Jessies house.  Jethelyn has no girls and spoils her nieces rotten. Kelsa had a princess dress and a wand and a purse and a head band with a braid all waiting for her when she arrived. I love the fake braid. Kelsa's hair goes about 2 inches past her butt as it is, but no we need a fake braid.   The wall behind her is the wall Jess and I papered when I was there last. Jess has an eclectic taste. She manages to put it all together and it looks wonderful. She uses second hand and antique stores and also Facebook marketplace. I love how her ideas come together.

Dan has one garden bed almost completed, and we need to go get more supplies to finish the other.  I will take pictures when we are done.  Then I will plant radishes and carrots for a third time!  I will not give up.  I have to give up on cabbage this year. So frustrating.

Well, I need to get to work. Dan and I already spent an hour outside getting one of the beds surrounded and then he could finish by himself. We will win!!!!!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Crazy town here!!!

 In the tunnel right now, and it is of my own making, so I really can't complain about it. But when has that stopped me? Linda said my first paragraph yesterday was a run on sentence. Really?  Linda my life is a run on sentence. Love Linda, she always sets me straight and has my sense of humor, poor darling.

So, I discovered this morning that I have to feed the missionaries tonight, making tomorrow evening less hectic.  That is good.  Sissie has agreed to do some of my shopping, and I can finish the rest after the mission dinner.  Then I will drive up to kids place and spend the night.

Sissie also agreed to come help with the setup, bless her. She is better at that than I am. Pulled out all the red, white and blue decor, and the kids can help me decorate tomorrow, they love that. 

Was able to get another wedding dress ready for a fitting yesterday, so now I have two and both will be here this week, I can finish one and the other next week. But in the meantime, I have had four more dresses come in, crazy.  I have to get all of this done in the next month. It is doable, but only if I pay attention, something I am lax at. 

Yesterday I also able to rip all 8 of those men's jackets. I will get those altered today and pressed so Signe' can take those back to Twin Falls with her this weekend.  Then I have a few piles and lots of dresses.  Snowing in here again. 

Found two squash bugs this morning, so adding checking the plants every morning to my routine. Still fighting a rabbit or something, but I am putting out large cement bricks where the little buggers are digging.  They are so tenacious.  Never had a year like this.

Sissie's car is still in shop, so I am carless, which keeps me home and sewing. She will bring car back late this afternoon.  We really need to get an old beater pickup to share between the three of us, and then when we do have a car in the shop, we have a third vehicle. But a worry for another day!

Went on a service project last night.  Did not know the people. Now this is judgy and I am sorry for that, but if you ask for help and are able bodied, you need to be organized when people come over to help.  Like what do you really want done? This woman was asleep and did not have a clue. Yard was so overgrown, that you did not know where to start.  Of course there were, rabbits, and gunnie pigs and puppies and dirt and mess.  Watch where you step. Huge piles of old dead branches and most of them blackberry which is treacherous. I mean we are talking years and years of accumulation of old cuttings and nothing ever finished.  There were two piles larger than cars in the back.  This is such a fire hazard.  So, the few men that showed up just concentrated on removing one of the piles and they filled a dump full and had to leave one pile and part of another. If a firework, or lightning struck that backyard and we had any wind the whole neighborhood would go up.

We worked two hours, and I was filthy and tired.  But with the mess there I don't see where we can help except get the piles of dead Debree out. This is the kind of mess you have to spend at least 2 hours a day on all summer long. Bishop agreed to go back again and at least get the dead piles out.  I weeded and trimmed all the bushes around the back deck.  So that looked better.  But I think this, is a sucking chest wound. 

Anyway, I need to get to work.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, the week is getting busy

 I thought this was going to be a nice easy week of just sewing and quiet.  Not so.  I am hosting a book club on Thursday for a book I have not read, and I don't believe many others have either. I forgot I offered to host.  I also need to take missionaries to dinner on Thursday right before book club. Need to go up and stay the night at Signe's as the boys have rocket camp, and she has work and Nate has been called out to Seattle. I will spend Wednesday night there and take kids back to my place after camp is over and then drop kids at her office at 5 and then onto restaurant for missionaries and then home for book club. So, I have to get my ducks in a row, and they are running and flapping...

They have called for a yard clean-up for some elderly couple tonight at 6, so I will be going there. I did do some spraying and dead heading last night in my own yard and still need to address places that scoundrels are coming into the garden.  I have the heavy bricks but have not talked myself into moving then from point A to B.

I was able to get the Regalia done yesterday it was mostly hand work and leather is a beast on which to sew, I was grateful when I was able to use the machine on parts of the dress. I also spent a good deal of time on a wedding dress, that was all hand basting and now has to be tried on to complete with machine.  It was also a beast. So basically, a day of hand work blah!

Not sure what is next in the shop.  Maybe the next wedding dress, I think.  Just found out my friend from the reservation has a few projects for me before the middle of July.  I think a ribbon skirt, a dress and some beaded leggings which need zippers.  Oh, my so fun. You can't say I am not blessed with work.

Now I probably need to get the house really clean if I am going to host book club and what am I going to serve?  Maybe a red, white and blue theme? I will get Sissie on that. I am sure she will be thrilled.... I hope she will be thrilled...

You know if I just sat here and typed I would not have to sew.  It is an idea!

I am off to the salt mines.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

  

Monday, Back in the saddle. Long post!

 I always tell all my nieces and nephews this.  I also think it is true. I am home, have been here for a few days.  We pulled in on Friday about 3 and I had all three grandkids here at 4.  I think I was missed....

Anyway, had a good time at daughter's house.  Lots of projects completed. I did a ton of alterations. Daughter has a judge in her office that has lost a ton of weight, and he sent over 10 suit jackets to be altered. I did three, for him to try as I had not pinned them.  Two fit well the other a little snug, brought 8 home with me and will do them this week and send them back with Signe' as she takes James home and teaches a dance workshop in Twin Falls. 

James is attending a rocket workshop this week with William. Having the kids for 2 days was tiring, but they are really good, other than the messes.  Boy, can they make a mess. Especially Kelsa. She has discovered scissors (safety) she wanted glue, and I said NO! Can't imagine what that would lead to.

So, at Eldest's house I also made elastic covers for a new picnic set they bought that was highly shellacked and in the full hot sun. I knew it would really eat the surface.  So bought 6 yards of heavy plastic clothe and made shower caps for the table. Turned out great.  Then we made 36 pints of strawberry, and strawberry rhubarb jam. That took a day, and I was tired and sore and then realized I had been on my feet for about 10 hours.  We also did some remodeling in her laundry room and made it much more efficient for her family.  Our last big project was wallpapering a wall in the formal front room.  She has 13 foot ceilings, and after moving the baby grand piano so we could get a ladder in, we took turns going up and down.  It took a total of about 4 hours with two of us.  I was very, very sore after this, escapade, but Jess loved the results, making it worth it. Pulling one's body weight up and down a ladder is different than going up and down stairs. I remember being sore like that when I was dancing.  You walk down the stairs backwards to avoid the pain in your thighs. Anyway, it was a good week.  Sissie did most of the cooking, and cleaning and things I would normally do, so I could focus on projects. That was a great help.

Yesterday we, (grandkids) and I went over to Sissie's to give gifts to Uncle Dan. We called it Happy Funcles Day. He is both a grandfather and an uncle to my grandkids.  He is also a lot of FUN.  Kelsa and William always ask if Uncle Dan is coming. He was touched.

I came home to more damage in the garden, and I have to give up on cabbage this year.  Found another hole dug by a rabbit or marmot.  So frustrating. But I will keep working until the little bounders are kept out.  One way or another.  They are so determined. Now I know why my grandfather said Varmints WITH such a tone!

I have so much sewing to do in the next week.  I had thought about going with Signe' back down to Twin Falls next week but decided against it.  I need to stay home for choir and also my clients. I love being at my eldest daughter's place, but my kids here need me also.  Eldest doesn't really need me. Just love my time with her.

I have 4 if not 5 wedding dresses I need to get out soon as I plan to be gone the last two weeks of July into August.  SO, all dresses due out next month and August must be done.  There are piles here I left plus the judge's suit coats that need to go with Signe' this weekend.  I have plenty to keep me busy. 

Saturday after I got home, I had a full day of yard work.  Started at 10 in the morning, I sprayed verge for over and hour, then planted more perennials I had picked up in Twin Falls on a good sale. I weeded the gardens, trimmed the yard, and Dan came up and mowed for me and then I used the blower to clean up grass. I did a deep water and then Miricle growed all the gardens and pots.  I wanted to do some major weeding on the hill, but my back gave out. So that is for another day. But I was pleased with the catchup on the yard. I still need to do some major repairs on the fencing and that is coming up soon.

I did not get to tell you guys about my two emergency brides I had just before I left town.  On Wednesday, as I was coming home from an errand with James I received a phone call from a bride. It was about 5 p,m. and all I heard at first was crying.  James was so confused at the sobbing on the phone.  The bride had tried on her dress and was trying to put in some push up bra pads and the dress ripped right down the center. I tried to calm her down by saying, I had never had a dress I could not fix.  I told her my address, and I would meet her at the house.  She was shocked, Right Now?  Yes, you are getting married in three days and I am leaving town, and you will just cry all night so let's get it done.

When she arrived, sure enough the nude lace in the front was ripped right down to her ?????.  It had lace straps that held it up and the sheer tulle in the front was just for show. I went to my emergency bride box and found two nice oval lace motifs that matched her dress well and tailor tacked them into the cleavage, which was now way, way too low.  However, the dress a little tight in the bust which is why it ripped in the first place.  I then cut out all the tulle with tiny scissors and the new motifs gave her about 1.5 inches more room, so her boobs were not smashed, and she did not need the push up pads.  Actually, the dress looked better. This took about ten minutes, and she was thrilled.  I did not charge her but asked her to send me a picture and write a good revue.

Thursday night just after the kids came, I get a call from another bride who is in Orofino a town 41 miles away. She is getting married on the 14th and I will be home the 13th.  She had given her dress to someone's Aunt and this person did not know how to alter the back of the dress or to how to bustle the dress.  She sent pictures and it was a mess. Told her she had better drive in right away as I was leaving and I did not want her to have to wait until I got back and worry all the time I was gone.  She had obviously cried her way into town.  It took about an hour to alter the straps, which had to be brought up only in the back to take out wrinkles.  Most of it was hand work.  There was also dried blood on the front of the dress, and many dirty spots on the back.  She said she would be taking it to the cleaners.  I said, Oh know you are not!  They will charge you $200 and not get it clean.  I have spotting solution, and I went to work and got every stain out, even the blood on the front.  Cold water and rubbing alcohol. Did I have time for an extra hour that evening when I was trying to pack?  No.  But she left so grateful and Happy. Yes, Ann, I did charge her, she was happy to pay.  Now I was afraid to leave town due to bridal emergencies. 

Anyway, my life if anything is exciting. Now I must go face the shop and see what damage I can get done today. I believe it is Indian regalia and a wedding dress or two. There is a huge Pow Wow on the reservation this coming weekend, so I expect more emergencies.  Usually, they are just little rips and tears and do them while they wait.  It is an honor to be trusted with these garments that are often two or three generations old. 

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, I am draggin!!!!

 I am dragging.  Can't seem to get motivated to do anything.  Woke up tired and grouchy.  But as I am alone, I can only grouch at myself.

I still need to pay some bills and go to the bank.  Waiting on a client.  I need to iron clothes and pack for the trip and can't get myself up off the couch.  I might just take a nap and say screw it.

I have to watch the kids tonight, which will be fine. Just can't seem to motivate myself to do anything.  Shame on me.

I will need to water well this evening and make sure chicken's troughs are full. Sleepy, so sleepy.

Okay I will blog work.  Ia m going to go out and fill chicken feeders.  DONE!  plus, I watered the long flower bed and trees!

My last client just showed so I can now go and do the banking and get bills out. Let's do it. DONE!

See how you are all helping. Remember I said my air conditioner was not acting right?  When we first bought the house, the old owners said that the air conditioner had just quit working right after we signed the buyer's agreement. They panicked as putting in a new conditioner on a house they were selling was not in the cards. Turned out it was just a part.  Well guess what?  The same part!  And it had a 5-year warranty. We were 4 days short of going over the warranty.  Now tell me God is not good! So, no large bill.  blessed.

So, all bills are paid for the month, Halleluiah! Now I have to iron and pack and water the pots and back garden. I don't know when the kids are coming to add chaos to the rest of the day.

I pulled out the iron and board and sorted the ironing. Now I have to do it. Blah!

Oh, I was able to put $500.00 toward the home depot bill so far, I need about $700 more before the end of the month to reach my goal. 

I will be gone for the week, will try and check in if I want to fight with computer. Have a great next 7 days!  I know I will.

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Getting things done!

 This is my mantra, but Sissie😈 is worse. I guess having kids teaches you that something is always going to go wrong and you really have no control you only think you do.

I have a nail appointment in 15 minutes, so this post will be short.  I am almost done with the second wedding dress just have to steam.

I have a pile of 5 pairs of pants that need to be hemmed by tomorrow, so I will get those done when I get home.

Just trying to get everything caught up around here.  I need to do ironing badly, and I hope to get to that tonight if possible. 

I did get the yard sprayed yesterday, and I will get Dan to hopefully mow the yard.

Sissie is coming up to watch the shop while I am at the salon, she is a trooper.

What are you doing today?  Hopefully it is more fun than my day.

God is good

Kim 

Tuesday, Things I need to do!

 I always made wildflower crowns for my girls and nieces when we camped.  We called them Fairy crowns.  Kelsa loved hers. She is a girly girl. 

I have a list of things that I need to get done before I leave. 

1. need to get nails done

2. need to spray yard

3. need to pay the rest of non on line bills

4. Finish up one wedding dress and do another

5. finish Indian regalia

So not a bad list.  I don't have a car right now as Sissie's is in the shop, and she has mine. I am not one to go many places, so it makes sense that she has my car.  If I need something I call her, and she gets what I need. Or takes me where I need to go. Eventually after I pay all my bills and plans, I will buy an old beater truck.  We desperately need a truck in this family. Between us three girls we always need a truck for yard waste and projects. I have a lot of land to park things on, and we can park it here.  It will be a second vehicle if needed. But I don't believe I will be able to do that until next year. It is a future plan.

I finished a wedding dress yesterday.  Sewed almost all day it was mostly hand work.  Bride will be here this evening for finishing touches. I will start another wedding dress today, bride talked to me yesterday and I told her it would be out by Thursday.  It is nice to have less pressure this year.  I miss the money, but the peace of mind is priceless. It will just take me longer to get my goals made. I am not patient, and boy am I learning patience.

I called my church brethren to help with the snake fence.  They are putting together a team to come and help. But having a little problem with the word snake... I told them to wear long heavy pants, and boots.  I will be out with them but can't do this alone.  My hands don't have the strength needed to fix fencing over and over. Also, my neighbor who has Parkinson's boarders my land and my driveway. She cannot fix her fence, and I will get them to do it. It affects my property. Kay and I do a lot for this neighbor so she can stay in her home. This is just part of it.

I will call for a nail appointment after this post and get my mail bills ready to send off.  Then start on the last June wedding dress.  If I can get it done, I can spray later today. Oh, my plans! now to stick to them.

I love to plan; God loves to laugh. I love to waste time. 

Making beef and broccoli for dinner need Oyster sauce so will call Sissie.

What are you plans for today? Have you got the monthly bills paid?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, June? Oh my!

 This is Sissie and I at Lil sis's pool in about 20 years. Actually, this is Sissie now. 

We survived camping! It was a massive amount of work, but the kids had a great time and that is what counts.  Uncle Dan enjoyed himself as he terrorized the kids.

The mosquitoes were horrid.  So, we were slathered in sunscreen and repellant which makes one sticky and then you are in a camp spot that is covered in a fine dirt. 

We got used to seeing each other dirty, I mean very dirty.  I think we just gave up.  By the third day your hair is stiff, and your skin feels stretched. But we survived.

Lots of laughs. The kids were fishing, and we didn't have good bait.  So, they brought down a hot dog which the fish just learned to chew off the hook. Kelsa was holding the hot dog and when they went to get more, she had eaten the hotdog. Finally, Nate went to town and got a can of corn and some worms.  The boys spent all afternoon catching sunfish and returning them to the lake. 

Note the patent leather dress shoes worn camping.  Kelsa is styling as always. The kids had so much fun, the adults so many laughs watching the kids.

Signe' and I went on a walk making sure to take the right roads as to not repeat the 11-mile adventure of the last trip.

We returned home late Saturday and were busy putting away the gear.  When I opened the garage, I noticed garage cat was stuffed on the third shelf up in a unit where I keep paint supplies.  I thought that is weird she has all these nice places to lay with blankets and a special chair.  But oh, weel weird cat. The very last item I stood in the corner of the garage almost hit a rattlesnake!!!

So, we had to kill that.  It was much larger than the last two and in talking to Kay and my neighbor we all realized that garage cat had been sleeping up on shelves for about three days. After snake was killed, she returned to her normal sleeping arrangements. Meaning that the snake had been in the garage for a while. The cat was the barometer. I was thrilled! NOT!

Snake blood on the shovel. I am going to have to put on heavy overalls and my muck boots and go walk the line.  there have got to be holes in the fence to have this many snakes already. I am ever vigilant when I go outside.

So here it is June. It will be a busy month with some travel for me.  I only have two wedding dresses left for this month, and I plan to have them done this week. I will be taking James back to Twin Falls on Friday, as he has an ortho appointment next Monday.  Then we will drive back Thursday of that next week so he can attend a rocket camp with William and then Signe' will take him back home at end of the month. I have to get my ducks in a row to leave town.

So, what are my plans for June?

I was able to get the taxes paid for this half of the year last month and this month I want to be able to pay off the Home Depot card.  As I have 0% on the lawn mower and rototiller.

Things are slower this year as far as wedding dresses are concerned. I think the COVID boom for weddings has dried up and that is okay with me.  I still have one major saving goal and a few smaller ones to get done for the year.  It will be slow going.  But I will persevere.

What are my plans for finances this month?

1. Try and have at least 3 no spend days a week

2. Use up food in pantries and freezer.

3. try not to spend money foolishly when I travel. (this will be hard)

4.Pay off home depot

5. try and save at least 1000 toward the next savings plan.

I think I can do this. 

I have to get started on a wedding dress today and also get the yard sprayed the spurge is going crazy.  I cannot leave it for two more weeks. It will take over the rockery and I have so much rock!

Any great plans for June? If so, what are they?  Are you saving for anything right now?

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

God is good

Kim

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