Tuesday, Let's be honest

 This should say all year, not all summer.  I want myself back. Darkness is my old friend again. I have not said hello to it either. Is it the holiday blues? Not really.  Just a feeling of blank nothingness that overtakes me.  It is hard to get anything done.  I do things with Sissie, and she does roust me around, thank goodness.

This, morning we went and paid our taxes on our houses.  Ouch! I talked to Sissie, little about my feelings, but no one wants to be that person.... This just keeps going on and it seems to be getting worse.

Yesterday Lil sis and Sissie and I made Rosettes and lefsa all day long. I still have one more cookie I want to remake as we have eaten them all and they are Dan and my favorite. I will probably frost cookies tonight.

Tomorrow I am driving up to the Temple with a friend. 

But I have neglected the sewing all last week, so today I really must get things done. What I really want to do is crawl into a dark corner and be left alone. Alone, with my aloneness. 

But alas, there is work to do.  So, let's make a list that always seems to help.

1. mend a pile

2. mend a pile

3. shorten overalls

4. mend a pile

5. go to JOanns for zipper

6. replace zipper and mend and item

7. replace zipper and mend an item

Say a prayer for me.

Kim 

Friday, I can see the light!

 Well after a week of solid baking and also sick grand kids, I think we are down to just a couple of cookies left.  Rosettes, which are a pain and lefsa which is actually a bread.  We will be doing these next Monday.  But the majority of things are done.

My house is just box after box of treats and goodies, and we need to disperse them into trays and deliver. That is always the fun part. 

But alas I have neglected the sewing, which has come in, in dribs and drabs and now constitutes a large pile of piles.  So, I need to get that taken care of also.

Kelsa and William were sick most of the week, with some flu virus.  High fevers, chills, and awful things not to mention.  Signe' is triple booked as everyone wants to get into Dentist before the end of the year.  Nathan is on the hill and as it has started to snow, he is constantly getting called out to accidents even when he is not working.  He is closest patrolman to scene.  When you live in the country you go.  Two fatality accidents this week. It is so hard on him.  SO, guess who gets the sick kids? 

Both kids had the chills and then they both started to sweat, and I knew their fevers had broken, so I went to take Kelsa's temp with a forehead scanner, and she went berserk, like I was going to kill her.  William offers to let me do his forehead to show Kelsa it did not hurt, and she is watching intently, and just before the scanner registered William pretends to be electrocuted, sending Kelsa into hysterics.  It is at this time I knew he was getting better.  Fever of 102.3 and he can still tease his little sister.

Anyway, on top of sick kids who were easy when they were sick, but when they start to get better are a pain in the butt. I was still able to get quite a bit done.

Kelsa has her Christmas dance recital tomorrow. Last year she stood and looked at the audience for her whole number and at the very end lifted one leg in the air.  We called it her first solo and were so proud.  You know you just have to grab at those chances when you get them.

I have several zippers to replace; it is that time of year and I really dislike replacing zippers, really, I just dislike work let's be honest.  Went out to sister's lunch with uhm..... my sisters. Was not sure if I would make it as I missed every event this week except playing piano for the Rotary club, because of sick grandkids and even though I did not get exactly what they had I had several symptoms that kept me close to home for a few days. I have never washed my hands as much as I have in this last week and the house smells like disinfectant. 

Have to play for choir on Sunday and I would really like my house back.  It will be nice to get all the cooking done and everything put away. Signe' has agreed to wrap all my packages as I am a bad wrapper. So happy about that. It is such a relief to know I don't have to do it.

Kay and Dan's Christmas tree is so beautiful.  I have a kid's tree.  You know every ornament they made out of macaroni and pipe cleaners. I keep thinking one day I will have a really beautiful, themed tree and then we get the decorations out and I just have to put the nasty little memories out again. It is a mother thing.

All Christmas shopping is done, I still might pick up a few things for Eldest daughter's stocking. 

By the way Happy Lucia day!  IN Sweden Christmas starts today.

Kim

A Blessed Sunday and work is being done! Come work with me!

Sissy here and I and up at Kim's having spent the night to keep her on track!  Honestly, she asked me!

Well, the House needed love and that is what I do.

Up at 4:30 this morning and it is now 6:30 and I am finishing my third cup of coffee.  The Sun is coming up, but it is overcast and gray out! A little rain is falling.

I have managed to get the guest bedroom made up, the dishes done, the kitchen rugs washed and another load of laundry.

I have two more loads to do, but do not want to wake Kim, and need to do a pass through her bedroom.  I will let her sleep until nine and then up for Church.

There is a ton of ironing as usual and I will knock that out while Kim is at Church.

Daniel is coming up later this morning to reorganize Kim's garage.  It needs love.

Kim has all Christmas up and it is beautiful!

Daniel and I finally have all Christmas decorating done, and I worked so hard yesterday organizing my basement storage.  It is coming along, and I broke down five large moving boxes that held Christmas.

We have whittled down as much as we can, and I have a load to go to Kim's eldest at Christmas and took two large boxes of Christmas to the Salvation Army and they were thrilled to get it. Not bragging here (and maybe I am) but we have nice stuff, and they will profit nicely.

It is now 7:30 and I have swept and organized the Shop as much as possible.  I need Kim to help me go through the piles as Her unorganized brain knows where everything is and if I move things, it messes her up!

Earlier this week I made one batch of Almond Roca (my specialty) and one batch of Peanut Brittle.  I messed up the first batch of brittle, by forgetting to put the butter and baking soda in. I had everything laid out, but my kitchen is such that I have no counter next to my stove and I simply took it off the heat and poured it in the pan and then discovered the missing ingredients. Well, I tried to save it but alas it went into the garbage.  (Won't do that again.)

I also managed to get my check mix done and then proceeded to make a large batch of Gluten Free mix for a Friend and burned it! Yep, into the trash.  I am having a hard time with an electric oven, as I have cooked with gas for over forty years.  But I am determined to make it work and there will be fails along the way.  I want to make a batch of peanut brittle this morning and will start on that shortly and then I will be done with the brittle.  I will attempt to do another batch of Gluten Free Chez mix this afternoon when Kim gets Home from Church so she can watch me!

Fast forward - Monday morning...4:30 a.m....well yesterday I left my typing about 8:00 when I discovered that I had not brought the Caro syrup from Home, so went down the hill to fetch it, and when I pulled back into Kim's driveway here was little Sis unloading her car and it was baking day and Kim and I completely forgot!  Probably because I was so busy Saturday with my own House that I did not look at my Calander!  (Slowly being pulled into Kim's world) So plans changed, and we worked on cookies until 5:00.  Kim managed to get to Church and Lil Sis and I made the Spritz, and fudge and the Citron while she was gone!  Dan came up and ran referee, while declaring himself the official taster!   Wow were we all tired!

We were able to knock out the Spritz, Citron Sacha Kaker, Mexican wedding cakes, pecan fudge, peanut brittle and cocokase!  So, six of out thirteen are made for cookie trays. WE did an experiment cookie, with orange zest and cranberries and it is good. We have so many cranberries to use up and I want to add some toasted pecans also. I mean these were really good and will make it into our regular rotation.

Dan cleaned up the kitchen and I made dinner, and we crashed. A quick salad and remember those chicken and beef pies I made and froze, well one of each went into the oven, and dinner was served. They were delicious!

We have left on the list more Almond Roca, Frosted sugar cookies, lefsa, rosettes, divinity, caramels and I will make more chex mix.  I am hoping to get at least one batch of toffee done this morning before I run my errands, and Kim is going to do the Caramel.  We shall see, as our plans often go array.

The three Sisters will meet again next Monday for a long day and will probably tackle the lefsa which is labor intensive, takes time and is messy. 

Today I must go and fetch more baking supplies after I finish the Toffee.  Now it is time for a second cup of coffee and then the shower!  I need one!

Did not get the ironing done yesterday as planned and that is on my list for today!

Now everybody...get to work!

Hugs;

Kay
 

Thursday, The list shrinks

 

My daughter Signe' sets out Kelsa's clothes for Nate to put on her in the morning as he is a dad dresser.  (those of you who have girls will understand this) Then she requires a picture be sent to her to check his work as he was failing the assignment given him.  This is the picture she received the other day.  I love his sense of humor; he fits right in with the village idiots we call family.

Sissie has started the Christmas baking at her house.  I am continuing to sew and waste time, which I am good at, let me tell. you. I was able to complete everything on Monday's list except one zipper that I have not completed out of sheer laziness. Also, a strong trait of mine.  If you are going to have traits, make sure they are strong, not necessarily good. Kim's life motto.  (Embroidering that on a pillow)

I am crying off and on so much lately it is embarrassing.  Just trying to get a grip. Taking good buddy out to dinner for her birthday tomorrow along with Sissie and Dan.  Then I will pick up Kelsa for the night and a day with Grandma.  We will make some cookies.

I was finally able to cut out a chair cover for one of Lil sis's friends.  She can't find them to purchase any more.  I cut it out of an old drop cloth and my goal is to have it in the mail tomorrow.  If it fits, she will send me fabric to duplicate 6 times.  It is easy sewing. But I need to get it done before crunch time arrives in February.  Which is really right around the corner.

I am hoping Dan brings up my Christmas tree tomorrow and Kelsa and I can also get that decorated. 

Sending love to all of you who support me through this mess I call life with profound grief. It sucks! 

Kim

Tuesday, Home and Happy

 A picture from a happier time. Little did we know that in less than 12 hours, we would lose Joel.  Poor Slug had a terrible injury on her leg and is still smiling. To say we had a blast is an understatement.  Great friends' great memories. If one wants to leave this world on a high note, I suggest this group!

Had a wonderful time with the kids over Thanksgiving.  Jess was able to get her piano which she had waited 18 years to buy.  Food was great, company better.  I helped get Christmas up and drove the 8 hours home.  I took William with me both there and back and he was an Angel.  I can't say that about most 8-year-old boys.

This has been a really hard year for me.  Actually, harder than the first year after losing Joel. I think the first year was just plain shock and disbelief. It is funny how our brain can protect us from ourselves. Now that I am going on this 2 year milestone, I am hoping I will be better. I spend so much time tunning away from grief, like maybe it won't be here when I get back, but unfortunately....

Thank goodness for family and friends, my faith and my sense of humor, which is more wicked than ever. Sissie and I have so much to do.  She is out running errands including a few of mine. Bless her heart!!!!!

Yesterday was bills and Christmas ordering.  I only have a few things left.  Need to get to baking as I am sure Slug's is waiting for her Christmas crumbs; I will leave her to explain. We have baking to get in the mail and platters to make for friends and family. 

Dan was putting up Christmas at their house yesterday and it is so beautiful.  That man is so talented when it comes to decor. He is going to come help me set my tree up by the end of the week. 

I am making a list of things to get done in the shop.  There is not much to do. It still needs to be done.

1. replace zipper in sweater

2. replace zipper in a coat

3. hem three pants

4. hem 2 pants

5. hem three items

6. hem two pants

7. hem three pants

8. alter a top

9. make a curtain for Kay's kitchen

10. alter a couple vests for Dan

11. hem 2 pants

After these things get done there are still a couple things to conquer.  If I get this list done, I am free to start other projects and just try to keep up as the dribs and drabs come into the shop. 

In the meantime, have a blessed Holiday season. Preparing whatever you normally prepare. Keep in mind those of us who are struggling to find our happy place. Keep your sense of humor, it really helps. Lean on those who lift you up, someday they will lean on you.

Happy Holidays!

Kim

Wednesday, I thought slavery was outlawed?

 Therefore, Sissie is a question????? I just want you to know that if you check the list on the last post, because you are all so intrigued, am I right? You will find most of it done.  Yes, in two days being driven by this creature called Sissie one can accomplish things.

Monday, I was able to cut up two pumpkins and roast and then puree them and freeze.  I have enough for 8 pumpkin pies.  Sissie inventoried bake goods as that is her jam. My eyes would roll back in my head, and I would be heading for a good place to nap where Sissie could not find me if I had to inventory anything.

Dan and I did more Quilling which drove Sissie crazy.  We also went out and purchased airtight cookie containers from a good will store while Sissie was having fun cleaning out freezers. Her idea of fun is a bit skewed.

Dan and I also dropped off goodies to my buddy, while we were on our way to Joanns to get supplies.

Yesterday Sissie and I cleaned out and culled my closet.  Something we have been saying we were going to do since she moved here.  It actually only took us about 3 hours combined. I was shocked as I thought it would take all day. We were able to take over 60 pieces of clothing to goodwill.  Also, a butt load of toys and grandkid paraphernalia, that they had either outgrown or had no more interest in using. It is still a full closet, and I have decided no more clothing.  When your size really does not change you can have clothes from 20 years ago. 

Today I am sewing as I have a few things that need to go out.  Also, took I in a wedding dress that someone else tried to alter and did not really alter so I get the redo. I have a sweater and a coat to put zippers in and a few pairs of pants to shorten.  Just an easy day if I can motivate myself to do all the items.

Sissie is out and about buying loss leaders for us.  We are trying to stock up on butter which is so expensive. We need a lot for out Holiday baking.  We have whittled the list down to about 18 items.  But traditionally Swedes make 36 kinds of cookies and candies and desserts at Christmas.  Three for each of the 12 days of Christmas. I just cannot do that, nor can I eat all of it.

I have a piano lesson tonight and then dinner at Sissies.  I am eating better now that she is here.  No more Pop tarts, or Potato chips for dinner. I did stop by a veggie stand when I was driving home from Twin Falls.  I picked up a large box of spuds for $5.00, and 25 # of onions for $5.00.  So .20 cents a pound can't beat that price.

Now I have to sew.

Kim

Monday, Kim is back like a bad dream!

 I had a wonderful time in Florida!  Slug and Dan that is our next trip! We rent a car, stay with my sister-in-law and her husband and then peruse the coast.  So fun, so warm. 

The shop is really empty not that work is not coming in as it is, and I will have to do it but not today.

Today I will quill with my brother-in-law.  We have made a terrible mess of the dining table, and it is driving neat nik Sissy crazy.  So, I think we will continue in that vein.  Sissy has organized my nuts, as in the nuts in my freezer. I don't think she has enough to do.

We are getting ready for Christmas baking.  Of course we have to do this in an organized way.... said no one ever!!!!

Sissie is counting the pounds of butter and making lists of what we need.  Panicking about how we will store it all.  Not allowing me to eat any of it! So, my revenge is to start one hundred projects at a time.

1. let's clean out my closet

2. let's cook up the two pumpkins on the porch before they freeze

3. let's inventory the baking supplies

4. let's continue quilling with Dan and making a mess

5. let's blog!

6. let's go buy airtight storage for cookies

7. let's take a nap!

8. don't forget to pick Kelsa up at 4:55 from dance

9. let's clean out the two freezers

10. let's run to a friend's house for fun!

You can now see why I drive Sissie crazy.  But I am so much FUN!!!! 

Missed you guys.

Kim

What not to do when cooking!

Kay here and this is a picture of my left hand which I burned badly last Wednesday night while frying shrimp in my Fry Daddy!

I was tired and dropped the last six shrimp and the oil splashed back and "Voila", hurt like heck, and throbbed until about three in the morning.  I immediately grabbed ice and iced it down for hours while Kim finished dinner.  Three glasses of wine and two Aleve and I was able to get to sleep.  I went up to Kim's so She could doctor me and also to get her out of Bed so she could leave town by nine A.M. on Thursday morning.   She made it out by 9:09 so I did a good job, even while injured!

Of course, said hand blistered terribly, but I have been ever vigilant in not using it and it is drying up.  Wow what a dummy!

It is now Monday the 4th of November, and I am up at Kim's creating havoc in her kitchen and trying not to do damage to myself.  

We have been craving Meatloaf and Sissy and I stumbled onto an 80/20 ground beef sale for 2.50 per pound and I bought six pounds and made four meatloaves which will feed Daniel and I and Kim for at least six meals.  Love a cold meatloaf sandwich with a thin slice of onion and mustard.

This will freeze beautifully, and I only cooked meatloaf halfway so I can pop it back in the oven to finish off.  It is now cooled and wrapped and in the freezer.

As there is no rest for the wicked, I proceeded to make....

Four pans of stuffed cabbage rolls (three pictured, fourth still in oven) which will feed Daniel and I for eight meals with sides of rice pilaf or a buttered parsley noodle of some sort. These are cooling and I will wrap and freeze.

More below!

The last pan of stuffed cabbage on top and my mother's recipe for porcupine meatballs on the bottom.  Those two pans of meatballs are at least four meals.  I am filling Kim's freezer as I had purchased 10 pounds of 73/27 ground beef for 1.99 per pound. Greasy but the fat is what makes it so delicious.

I am now very tired and must clean up Kim's kitchen and it is a disaster.

Still have five pounds of ground meat in the fridge and another head of steamed cabbage, but as I said I am tired and when I am tired, I do stupid things, like injure myself.

Our Cousin that we have not seen since before Covid is coming to town this weekend and both Kim and Lil Sister will be gone, and I will be taking care of Lil Sisters neurotic Dog and Daniel will have Roscoe so Cousin and Husband will be staying with me ay Lil Sisters house.  I will take them on a tour of all homes.

My Cousin requested my French Dip sandwiches (which are a tradition, as I have perfected the technique).  Dan helped me (due to being injured) to get down my large Le Creuset and we cooked two eye of rounds (yes got them on sale) and then chilled them and sliced the roast (cooked very rare) with our Krups slicer, which is a pain in the butt to clean but Husband did that for me.  We were able to get at least 24 good sandwiches from the process, again, cooled and wrapped individually with small wax paper rounds and frozen to be dropped into boiling Aus jus at the last minute.  I will serve with broiled ciabatta rolls and chips, small side salad.  One meal out of the way.

Breakfast/brunch will be eggs benedict and hashbrowns.  We may go out the second night, but I am going to thaw three New Yorks Steaks just in case and cook those if we want to stay in.  So, my Menu is planned, and I love that.  I do not want to stress with guests, I want to enjoy them.

It is now 3:32 and I must go and clean up Kim's kitchen...

Kim is having a grand time with her eldest daughter, and they will be leaving for Florida on Wednesday to visit Joels youngest sister.  I want Sissy to have a great time and just take a break and relax.  She needs it.

Now off to the salt mines....I mean the dishes!

Hugs;

Kay

 

Tuesday, I got my list done

 I am so proud of me.  I was able to get all the things on my list done, plus I had a couple of pairs of missionary pants to let down, that needed to be faced. I also picked Kelsa up from ballet. Then I came home and basted binding around a blanket.  I was just a whirl wind.

I was able to face the pants this morning, those boys have to quit growing taller.  Then I sewed the binding on the blanket and removed the basting stitches. Now I am working on the last wedding dress, and it is a b*tch.

It is a full ball gown and has not one but two layers of horsehair braid.  You all know how I loves me some horsehair braid. NOT! I have the under-lining cut and sewn and the braid removed from the inside layer.  SO much work.... 

I wanted to take a chair and ottoman that has been in my garage for the last 5 months to my daughter's house as she has no furniture yet.  It needed to be deep cleaned, and Dan is doing this as I type.  Love that man he does so much for me.  I don't think anyone told him that when you marry an identical twin, you get chores for both.😀

I also want to clean out my car, I wonder if I can get Dan to do it......snicker.

1. sew horsehair braid on under lining

2. take horsehair braid off top layer and trim

3. resew braid back on top and fix lining

4. put on bustling buttons and loops

5. hand stitch some loose flowers down and reinforce bra cups so they stay in place.

Whew!  all for one dress!  And I already cut and hemmed the under lining and cut the top layer of tulle.  It is 20 yards around.

No rest for the wicked.

Kim

Monday, Will I ever be back?

 Hello! It is me!  Kim that is! I don't know where I have been, other than living in a fog of my own making.  I have been taking it rather easy.  Not that there is not sewing to do, but just not the pressure.  I do work better under pressure, and I am trying to break that habit.  It is hard as it is a lifelong habit.

I am still really struggling with widowhood.  Not that I am crying or suffering, just the finality of it all.  I stay busy and enjoy myself.  I can't say that I am lonely, as I have never thought of myself as a lonely person, a busy person for sure.

Arthritis has been flaring some so I am on another booster med, and I hope that this helps. Both hands and feet are affected. But this too shall run its course. I just limp around and then play the piano until movement comes back.

Sissie comes up almost every single day which is nice.  She keeps me on track. Dan and I have slot of fun together and he is such a big help with the yard and projects. He seeded the front yard, and it is looking great.  We are still fighting the loss of grass do to not being able to water last year. So next spring we will work on the back. 

I have one wedding dress left for this year and I want to get it done before I leave this week.  I am going to Jethelyn's either Thursday or Friday.  She needs help with a baby shower she is hosting and then the two of us are flying to Florida to see Joel's little sister.  We will be there 5 days.  I would have stayed longer but Jess only has so much time off at the courthouse. I was going to stay the whole month but have decided to come home and go back for Thanksgiving.

Lots on the to do list today.  I think I will make a list.  I have not done this for a long time.  So here goes!  A Kim list!  You know the lists that are humanly impossible to accomplish...

1. blog!

2. shorten two pants

3. fix waist on pants

4. shorten two sweatshirts

5. make covers for sofa arms

6. replace military patches on a coat.

7. hem a blue mother of the bride dress

8. alter a white dance dress

9. pull out wedding dress and assess what needs to be done

10. go get a proof of insurance house and take to bank

Okay that is enough.

DO you think I can do this?  On your mark get set, SEW!

Kim

Well if is not one thing, it's another!

Sissy here...

Another crazy week and more sadness for Sissy and I.  Our Little Sisters Fiancés only sibling passed away in Seattle yesterday and She and Her Significant other have left to handle matters, as Her Significant other had only one Sibling and Parents have passed. A real shock I tell you. and Dan and I are taking care of their animals.

We will be spending nights at their house, as Lil Sisters Dog is a bit neurotic and needs a familiar environment.

On my way up to Sissies this morning my check engine light came on and that scares me to death, and I cannot get it into a Mechanic until the 31st.  Now I have Lil Sisters car until they return, and I will be able to borrow Kim's Daughter third car next Wednesday when they return from vacation.  So, all is well.  The mechanic told me I could drive it, but that just makes me too damn nervous.  We paid 32 thousand cash for her in 2013, and she has been very well taken care of.  She is due for Her 100-thousand-mile checkup in 400 miles, so she is due.  I drive a Ford Taurus and have had five of them since they first came out, and they are no longer being made!  We have always had our Taurus's for at least 200 thousand miles.  The bodies fall apart before the engine!  So could be a big expense but we shall see. 

I will be processing tomatoes all weekend and Dan will be painting another bedroom at Lil Sisters house.

Both Kim and Lil Sister have gardens, and the tomatoes are abundant this year. I have already made 16 quarts of sauce and frozen it, and I think this batch will be about the same.  I may turn some if it into Pizza sauce as I have eight balls of pizza dough frozen, and we love Pizza!

Kim is busy sewing, sewing and the shop has become manageable.  This is great.

I took a lasagna, a salad and garlic bread over to Lil Sisters last night so they would not have to cook before leaving town.  This is why I prep ahead for emergencies and had a Lasagna in the Freezer.

Kim and I are going to head to a little store in Clarkston where they have onions in 10 lb. bags for .39 cents a pound and I plan on buying 20 pounds to put in storage.  The potatoes should be harvested soon, and I will be buying 50 pounds of Russets.  This should last us through the late spring.  Having a canning pantry and fruit cellar is such a blessing, along with my chest freezer.  We save a ton of money this way.  I am not a big canner, but I do have a food storage I am working on and have a grocery budget of $60.00 a week for Daniel and I and we eat well, as I only shop loss leaders and cook from scratch.  I just wish the price of butter and eggs would come down and I do not see that happening anytime soon.  At least I will not be buying nuts and dried fruit!

I did make 16 pie crusts yesterday for Thanksgiving and such and they are in Kim's freezer as mine is full.  I know I will be making at least four pies for Thanksgiving.

I am busy in my head trying to plan next week without a car from Monday night to Thursday, so my brain is saying I will be staying with Kim, so I have wheels when I need them.  Right now, the plan is a boat load of ironing, (Sissy's) and making banana walnut bread and orange cranberry pecan bread and lemon poppy seed bread.  These freeze beautifully and make great gifts.  Sissy and I were gifted with (a ton and I mean bags and bags) of free almonds, walnuts, cranberries, blueberries, raisins, and dates, so our Christmas baking will be much less costly this year.  All of this spoil is in Kim's new freezer and there is still a tone of room.  I will also process all the nuts next week as in toast then and chop them, and then refreeze.

We will definitely need to lay in more flour, sugar, lard, eggs, and butter.  It was so nice when Kim had chickens, but the price of feed is so high that it is not worth keeping them.  Eggs and butter do occasionally go on sale, and I am so hoping they will for Christmas baking season, we will just have to wait and see.

Fast forward....

Now it is Tuesday morning and five days after I started this blog.  Survived the weekend with the Animals and cooked down two bushels of Roma tomatoes and made nine quarts of sauce.  Daniel finished Little Sisters downstairs bedroom and it is move in ready.  She was very pleased, and I had a dinner waiting for them last night when they came home absolutely exhausted.  The estate will take at least a year to settle, and they will do a major clean out of the house next month and Dan and I will be on Animal duty again.

I am up at Kim's having rousted her out of Bed and she is sewing. I am cleaning and doing laundry.

The ironing is calling me, but I have several errands to run with Sissies car, just waiting for Dan to get back with it as He is running errands.

Kim plans to take the entire month of November off and go to her eldest daughters as the shop is so caught up.  I will take easy mending as it comes.  No zippers and no wedding dresses, that is for sure.  I am just not ready for that yet.

I had a great talk with Sluggy and her Husband yesterday and she is doing so well and is on the mend. I am so thankful.  She sounded like her old self!

Now I am going to go and vacuum.  I will get Kim to blog soon!

Hugs to all;

Kay

Busy, Busy Week and more to follow

Sissy here and life is just busy.  Too busy for me right now.

Kim is so caught up in the shop and that makes us so happy.

I am putting finishing touches on my Freddie Krueger basement, and it needs to be vacuumed badly, but I have left the vacuum in the middle of the floor, and it is haunting me, and this is not like me?

I have an attack of the lazy.

Daniel and I are leaving once again for Montana and another wedding this weekend and that is the last for the year.

I will be glad I do not have to make that trip again anytime soon, although we may drive over for Thanksgiving if the weather holds, and the passes are good.

Kim is going to Eldest over Thanksgiving, and I just do not want to make the drive.  Traveling cross country less than five months ago and then four trips to Montana and a weeklong trip to St. Louis have jaded me.  I just want to be Home.

Today I must run a couple of errands, and I forgot my cellphone at Home as I am up at Kim's to make sure She is up! Have not convinced her to get to work yet?  It is going to be one of those days where I just putz around and accomplish little, so why should I expect Sissy to work?

Now I am off to fetch cellphone and run errands...

Kim here, Sis just back from Montana, and I have had grandkids of some sort for the last several days. I go there, then they come here, it gets somewhat confusing, and I sure hope the ones that are here are mine...

I cannot tell you how nice it is to be caught up in the shop.  I can actually be lazy and not feel guilty.  Oh, who am I kidding I can be lazy any time and not feel guilty.  Hence Sissie nagging.

Have a wedding dress to work on today and a few other dresses. I want the wedding dress out before Thursday.

I actually got out in the yard and did a good job of weeding a whole section of the rock.  The grass seed Dan planted is coming up, so we know the method works.  However, the weather will turn here soon, and I doubt anymore seed will sprout. But we have our method ready for next year!

Hope to blog more, now that I am... well I can't really say what I am.

Kim

Monday, Back and working

 I don't think myself is going to return.  But I have altered a ton of wedding dresses!!!!

There are 4 dresses in the shop now.  Two for October which I will do this week.  One for November and One for December.  I do have one coming in tomorrow for January. I hope I can keep better control of the work now that Sissie is here and helping, and nagging😜😝😝 She is so good at that.

I will start a wedding dress right after this blog. Yippee!

I worked in the yard all day Saturday and I am still a little sore.  I just got the front done.  I am hoping today to get out sometime this afternoon. Dan is here mowing, and we are going to plant grass seed in the front.  That may be all we get done this year.  There are three areas that need to be reseeded.  Plus, I have a back area that is totally weeds and needs to have something done. Have not figured that out yet.

I can really tell you it is so nice to have the pressure off. I feel like I can breathe, and I have not felt that way for a long time.  It was actually chili this morning and I have turned the air conditioner off. We will see where the thermostat goes.  I put on a sweater which is such a weird feeling. When you wear shorts or a skirt for months and then put on pants and feel like you are getting strangled; or my legs feel like that are getting strangled.

Well, I am off to get a few things done. 

Kim

Friday, Finally Done!

I loved this image; it shows how I feel moist of the time. Me wandering in the semi dark, trying to reach a castle of my dreams.  

I am going to admit that grief has kicked my butt. I have so neglected the blog, although I think of all my friends here all the time. I am so grateful for all of you, and I mean that. I know I have not been in touch, but I have to say between grandkids, Sissie's, good friends and all of you I would never have made it.

I was bummed that Slug's did not get to come.  I worry about her and her Hubby.  They are just the most wonderful people.  But if she does not get better soon, I think SIs and I will be on our way out there, come hell or high water.

Talk about sewing my hands off, I completed t.5 wedding alterations in a day.  You have to understand that so much of wedding alterations is hand work.  I sat for 10 hours doing hand work.  Then that evening I went to practice my piano and I had terrible shooting pains up my forearms. I told my teacher about it and she said she got those when she over practiced trying to get ready for a jury. Anyway, finished the last dress Wednesday afternoon, bride came and picked up.

Yesterday, was free.  I still had 10 pairs of missionary pants to let out at the waist and a couple of shirts to put darts in, but SIs and I just took the day and putzed.  It was so nice.  No pressure, took a few things back, went out to lunch and split a salad, just a nice day.

My Motto

I got up this morning, actually was woke up by Sis per usual, and she started ragging on me per usual.  I ignored her for a while per usual and then proceeded to get to work.  It only took 1.5 hours to complete the sewing and call the client.  The shop is done!  I have 4 more wedding dresses to complete for the year.  Two are due out in October, one in November and one in December. I will get those done when I get home and call it a year.  Although more will come in the heat will be off.  

Per Anne in the Kitchen, I will be raising my rates again.  Brides always seemed shocked that my rates are so low even though I have raised them significantly. I have a dress coming in when I get home for a January wedding and I will be raising the price on all dresses coming in from now on and for the new year. I am the only game in town, and I just need to act accordingly. 

I am sure I told you about the bride coming in right before I left for Jethelyn's house, that had been charged $695.00 to take up the shoulders in a dress and hem it.  Well, the breast points hit her about three inches above her breasts. She was getting married in less than a week. I had to remove the sleeves which were horrid, and place three inches of material at the shoulders to drop the neckline to the appropriate length.  I did this as she waited on her first fitting.  Just to show her how I would fix it.  We decided that the dress was much more flattering without the sleeves and that gave me lace to work with to hand embroider over the fabric I had put in to drop neckline.  I added a few other Kim touches from my bag-o-tricks, like a waist belt covered with seed pearls, made from two straps I had cut off another dress and then a beautiful rhinestone broach type center piece, also from another dress.  I save all lace and straps and accoutrements. They come in so handy when there is an emergency.  She looked radiant and no I did not charge her, she had been through enough and I am blessed with work. I have never in my life charged anyone close to $695.00.  Just think I could be rich.  But I also think that is usuary and I could not live with myself.

So here I am ready to go to a very sad funeral.  My niece called me last night about 10:30 at night and we talked about death and widowhood. She is so young, but then I feel young for a widow.  All we can do is go through our grief.  We cannot hide from it.  We cannot wish it away. It will always be with us.  I did get to talk to her about the guilt of death, and second guessing oneself and blaming oneself. I hope it helps her a little.

I had this fabulous surprise weekend plan for my buddy, as a good friend of mines daughter is getting sealed in a Temple in the Tri Cities. I had gotten a hotel room and thought we would have a nice girl's weekend, with a Temple session a nice dinner, hotel stay and drive home.  But the family death messed that up. Oh well we will surely have another chance to get in trouble.

So, we are off tomorrow, back late next week.  Stay tuned I think big changes might be coming as in Kim will get to slow down a little and Kay will get to quit hollering at Kim.  Both will be grateful.

Kim

Another tragedy strikes

 Greetings from Kay as Kim is working like a crazy woman to get out of dodge.

On Monday evening we got a phone call from Lil Sis to come to her house right away and found out that her eldest daughter's husband of 42 years of age had passed away.  It was horrible.  We managed to get Lil Sis on a plane on Tuesday (no small task as getting out of this small town is next to impossible,) but we did it.

Kim and I made arrangements to fly today but things got complicated as our nephew in law had been in Hospital for 10 days when they took Him for a CAT scan his heart stopped, and they could not get it restarted.  As of Monday night, we were told there would be no autopsy (which really bothered me) but I was helpless.  We were told the Funeral would be Friday. 

We had so many wedding dresses to complete to get out of town and we worked and worked and worked.

Yesterday (Tuesday) we were then told there would be an autopsy for which we were very grateful, but the Funeral was to be next Wednesday, and we were booked to fly back on Tuesday.  Three hours on the phone with Delta and we got the tickets changed (which cost us a chunk of change but sometimes in life you just have to write the check) to leave Saturday and come back next Thursday. In the meantime, we are caught up and all dresses have been picked up...so today we are trying to relax and pack.

Kim is on the sofa with a diet coke making lists, and phone calls to brides (whose weddings are coming up to let them know she is leaving town) Bride's call weeks ahead as they panic and must be reassured that their dress will be completed. Even though Kim keeps a rigid schedule Brides still panic.

I simply cannot believe we got all the work done but we are two very tired women.  I have what I call ironing arm, and it is very sore.  Those dresses are hard to steam and iron and bridesmaid dresses are worse.

WE still have so many unanswered questions and will find out more when we arrive on Saturday, and I am so hoping that the autopsy reveals something? I mean really after 10 days they should have known something was up but....

So, keep our Family in your prayers and I will fill you in when we return.

Hugs.

Kay

Going down memory lane

 Kay here and it is the 10th of September.  The picture I am attaching is in Kim's Shop and it is of her putting the final touches on her middle daughter's wedding dress.  I had these made about 11 years ago from an old ad that Sissy found from a Singer sewing machine magazine.  I hope you can read it!

Sissy has slept horribly the past several days and is not feeling well, so I spent the night last night to make sure I could get her to sleep, and sleeping she is!  Finally.

I woke many times last night to listen to her breathing beside me and she was indeed sleeping, probably from exhaustion.

Now I am not a great believer in catching up on sleep, once lost hard to regain, but having experienced insomnia many times in my working life (always from stress) I have learned many sleeping techniques that work for me.

I took her cell phone away from her!  Quite your brain Sissy, breath in and out and focus on your breathing, relax every muscle in your body (this takes time and practice).  When doing this I can no longer feel my hands or feet, they have sunk into the mattress, and I fall asleep.  Too much stimulation before bed can really be an issue.

I was up at five this morning and watched the sun rise and prayed on Kim's deck enjoying my three cups of coffee.  I then slowly made my way around the house and picked up last night's mess and have set up my sewing space in Kim's dining room.  I have a lot of mending to do today, as I got nothing done yesterday due to a small issue that could turn into a very large issue.

Yesterday morning...

Daniel and I are early risers and we like to have coffee outside on our back covered porch.  We knew when we bought the House that the property next door to us was abandoned, and it is in terrible shape.

I segue...

The property belonged to an elderly woman who has two sons in prison.  She passed away in 2012 in the state of Wyoming and Wyoming slapped a lien on the property for 95 thousand dollars for medical bills.  The house has been vacant since and is falling apart.  She is a beautiful old craftsman with great lines but.... it is tied up.  

As soon as we purchased the House, we made the rounds of the neighborhood to introduce ourselves and ask about the property and got an ear full.  But has anyone tried to do anything about it? NO!

Well, they don't know me, and I am going to take action.

Yesterday morning continued...

Dan and I are on the back porch and Dan looks to his left and says, Oh Honey we have a problem and points to our tall fence next to the abandoned property. (At least we do not have to look at the mess)

The property has a large lean to building probably used for wood storage leaning against our fence and it is pushing our fence over as the roof has collapsed.  Now said property has no trespassing signs everywhere as it is dangerous, all windows broken out, gutters falling, ivy everywhere (which will destroy a home).

Our fence has an electrical conduit that leads to our detached garage.  If the fence comes down and it will this is a bad fire hazard.

So, I whipped out my camera took pictures and went to City Hall ay ten o'clock.  After being directed to four (yes four) different buildings blocks apart I finally got to the Office I needed to be at, and everyone was at lunch.  I explained the situation to the Secretary and She said someone would call me (like yeah) I knew that was not going to happen as I am sure others have complained since 2012.

Also, I did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday and living 36 years in the DC area has made me a bit jaded, but also politically correct and focused.  I would not leave until She gave me at least two phone numbers and email addresses of the Persons I needed to speak with.  I then called both left a very nice, detailed message and sent them the photos.  I then went to the power company and showed them the photos and they agreed that it was bad.  I then came up to Kim's (Dan is at Lil Sis's painting).  She was a mess, so I called Daniel and said I was spending the night with Sissy and to come up for dinner when He was finished.  Pulled a chicken pie and beef pie from the freezer for dinner (this is why I cook ahead) and my cellphone rang, and it was one of the Gentleman from the City.  He agreed to meet me at my property in 10 minutes and so down the Hill I went.  He took many pictures and knew very well about the property, but it is tied up because of the Son's and the Lien.  He agreed to get the city to take down the Shed.  (We shall see) ...

I may be making a trip to Wyoming...

Too be continued...

Now I must go wake Sissy as it is almost 9 O'clock.

As Rosanne Rosanna Dana used to say!  It's always something!

Hugs Kay

Thursday, Down 4 more!

 

This is an image of my book of life on the left, but the actuality on the right.

Worried about Sluggy.  She is in hospital and may not be able to come. Please send prayers her way.  If she is not able to get out here, I swear Sis and I are going down there. That should scare her into getting well, I know it would me.

Sissie is in the other room sewing and I am blogging, (this is Kim) I have a wedding dress to hand sew lace onto and then one to hem.  Then only 3 more for Sept.  But they all 3 came in late so they get them late.  I swear if I lived close to Linda, I would deliver this dress and get her to hand sew on the lace.  Why should I get all the fun?

I have to pick up the Kids in Colton today and then Kelsa is going to spend the night.  It is Lil Sis's birthday so we will go over there with an ice cream cake about 7 and celebrate.  I think I am going to get the kids to go pick out a gift they think she would like just to see what they would choose.

I am so grateful to Sissie and Dan, they keep me going.  Dan is very helpful and well so is Sissie.  But Dan does not nag. (I am interrupting to tell you all I do not nag, I issue orders! Kay)

So, 4 wedding dresses out this week, and I am just plugging along. Then one came in for November this morning. But I have to say I think it is slowing down. Knock on wood, I hate to jinx it!

Saturday will be a Kay Day as I will be helping Sis at her house.  She has just been doing and doing for Lil Sis and I and her place gets neglected. 

Well, I am off to join the salt mine!

Kim

Kay Here!

Updates from last week as it is now Sunday afternoon.  I did get 18 egg rolls made finally, and they are delicious. Froze most of them.  I then thaw in fridge and bake off in oven and they crisp right up!  So now all I have to do is make fried rice and egg drop soup and I can put on a Chinese spread.  Most for the work is done.

I also made five miny Lasagna's and we had one and the others are in the freezer! Yummo!  A quick salad and a loaf of Italian Bread and dinner is made!

I did quite a bit of mending for Kim last week, and well it was just busy and now it is Sunday., where does the time go?

Kim did come to my house yesterday (Saturday) and helped Dan, and I hang quite a few things, so we are getting there slowly but surely.  WE are just trying to live with the space and deciding where we are going to put all the artwork we have collected over the years.  Our walls are plaster and lath, and one must be very careful when deciding where to put heavy artwork.

I am up at Kim's cleaning as Her Son-in Law is coming tonight and Kim is flat on Her back with vertigo, and She feels horrid.

When I called Her this morning (having no plans to come up the hill) She had completely forgotten.  So, I stopped what I was doing (as in my own ironing) and traveled up and She was up and running around like a wild Ape.  But we got a lot done and then She collapsed.  She was sweating like a pig and that is a bad sign and now I know she is not good. I am learning so much more about her illnesses and they just fly out of control.

I have made a decision that Dan and I will take Son-in Law to dinner.  I am tired and in no mood to throw together a gourmet meal or any meal for that matter.  I will bring Sissie leftovers.

We have a busy week ahead and I have so much to do as Dan and I are leaving Thursday for Montana and another wedding of a Great Nephew.

Will try and help Sissy all I can and keep you posted, must try and call Sluggy!

Hugs;

Kay

Tuesday, It's Me!!!!!

 I have been back for over a week but had so many wedding dresses waiting that all I did was sew and get yelled at by Sissie!

I have at least 6 more dresses to get out in the next two weeks.  It is hell I tell you Hell! It is a white hell, which is not how I really imagined hell would look.

Anyway, enough about me. The two 4 year old grands started school! Yes, full time school! Both were so excited.  Kelsa came home and told her mom about how much fun she had and immediately asked for a glass of milk and went to sleep on the couch.  The child that has been fighting naps for the last

6 months. Oliver started school today at the University preschool.  He was so excited.

This means that I will have much less time with them, which is good and bad.  They are growing up and I miss them as babies. It is so fun to see how excited they are to start school.  I know that won't last.

Sis and I have been working on the finishing touches to the bathroom and bedroom. We are almost done. I am loving it.

Had a great time at eldest's house.  Did not want to come home as I knew how much work was waiting for me. I sewed curtains for her and di a lot of yard work and slept and read.  It was wonderful.

I am still struggling with depression and grief.  It is much worse than it was the first year. But all I can do is put one foot in front of the other.

This is my new motto for life.

Kim

Kim is Home!

Kim is home and very busy with wedding dresses!  Three came in this morning.  She has eight due out for the 14th of September and they just keep rolling in.

Her master bedroom and bath are still a work in progress and at least the furniture is in place and the mattresses are on and I am drying the new sheets so I can iron them.  Hopefully we can do the big reveal soon!

Kim wants to work on her bedroom, and I have said no, and she is listening and doing hand work on a dress.  We have to stay caught up.

I have quite a bit of mending to do and I got nowhere near my machine yesterday as there were too many errands to run.

Today I must get the Egg Foo young gravy made which will not take long and I must get the egg rolls made.  I did do the filling yesterday but feel like it needed more cabbage, so I went and got more. 

This morning I came to the House and woke Kim up with a cold diet coke and then went to the dump, the Salvation Army to drop off old lamps ( I gave Sissy two milk glass lamps that I have had for forty years for Her new bedroom and they look great, also some beautiful dresser scarves and Doilies that were made by our Great Grandmother Henderson.  Yes, I inherited all of my mothers and Grandmothers old linens as I love them and use them.  They were easier to ship east than dishes and silver, and copper and you name it!)  I then went to Winco and got some groceries for Kim as the Grands will be here tomorrow and Thursday and the cupboards were bare for the littles. I then stopped at Bruneel Tire and auto and made an appointment to get my oil changed and my tires rotated.

Dan is at little Sis's new House today painting a very large bedroom that was all bright cobalt blue, even the ceilings, just awful.  He has a lot of work to do in that House as well as Kim's, not to mention our place, but it will all get done one room at a time.

Now I have to get to work as I have so much to do!

Picture is of four chicken pies, six beef pies and a chicken stoop for the freezer.  I ran out of pie dough and was too tired to make more so soup it was.

The freezer is getting stocked!

Well, here it is the next day as our day got away from us.  Kim's bedroom has more done in it, and Dan and I are ready to take the Car in.  It is very cold this morning and that tells me fall is near.

I did get the Egg Foo young gravy done yesterday, but not the Egg Rolls, so that is my first priority when we return from the Garage. Kim is still sleeping.  I will then get some mending done and Hubs is going to work on hanging mirrors and artwork in the bedroom.  The Grands will be here shortly.

I am determined to have a productive day and Kim finished two wedding dresses yesterday! Yeah!

Hugs;

K

Sissy here and Happy Friday!

So yesterday was a little crazy and I did not get done what I wanted to, but priorities change!

My Husband has been complaining about his ears being plugged and gurgling and his sinuses were stuffed up.  This has been going on for a while.  I suggested that He take some allergy meds, as it did not appear to be an infection.

Well, it got much worse, and He was not sleeping as it was driving Him crazy, (which was driving me crazy, and trust me it is short trip to crazy for me) so yesterday morning I insisted that He go to an urgent care. We did and it is not His ears, but his sinuses and they are very swollen red and sore.  The Doctor said definitely allergies, but also put Him on an antibiotic for the swelling and we bought allergy meds.  I am so hoping he will get some relief in a day or two.  We were there for four hours but got some answers and then had to wait for the prescriptions to be filled.

I brought Him up to Kim's as He wanted to mow the grass and do a little work outside and I started on egg foo young and fried rice.  I was able to make 18 egg foo young patties (used up some of the overstock of eggs!) and enough fried rice for dinner last night and made 8 servings for Kim's freezer.  Today I will make more gravy for each serving and freeze that also in glass Oui yogurt containers.

This recipe freezes beautifully, egg foo young patty on bottom, add fried rice and a layer of saran wrap to prevent freezer burn and then the lid.  Thaw in fridge, dump in bowl and nuke it covered for 1.5 minutes.  Easy nutritious dinner.

I flash froze the leftover patties and took them home to my freezer and will make more fried rice in the next few days.

This morning, I had to go to Walmart which I hate, but there is very little shopping here and sometimes Walmart is it!

Kim was out of toilet paper and I needed to buy a mattress pad for Her new mattress that hopefully will be installed tomorrow

The Kids were supposed to come today to help Dan, and I put the furniture back in Kim's bedroom, but their plans changed, and they will do so tomorrow.  Dan is home working on our yard, and I am up at Kim's doing a few chores.  I will meet my Lil Sis for lunch, and then back to Kim's to do some more cooking.  Today I plan to make eight pie crusts and put together, chicken and beef pot pies.  I am stocking my freezer with prepped meals, and Kim's also!  If I can get this done in a timely manner, I will also make egg rolls.  We shall see.

This method really does prevent freezer burn.

Just try it!

I order these heavy weight Chinese to go plastic containers from Amazon in pint and quart size and they last a very long time and so much cheaper that Tupper ware type containers.  I use a black sharpie on the lids, and it will wash off when soaked for a bit.  I cooked for so many Seniors during Covid and they were not afraid of breaking glass containers.  Dan and I do not like to waste nor do like a lot of leftovers, so I have learned to cook and portion out for meals, and this saves me so much time and a lot of money.  If you cook in bulk, when things are on sale (loss leaders) you can save a ton!

Hope you all are having a wonderful day, now I am going to dust the guest bedroom, and it will be done!

Hugs;

Kay

 

 

 Wow, I worked hard yesterday and was able to get my sauce done and it took the majority of the day.  I made eight quarts of Beef Sauce and 16 pints of beef and sausage.  A quart will feed Daniel and I for two meals and the pint for one.  So, all in all I made 56 servings and have done a cost analysis.  Now the tomatoes and basil and onion were free.  I bought burger, sausage, mushrooms and red, yellow and orange peppers.  Guessing on the olive oil, butter, and other spices I think I spent about $65.00.  Now that is great for a homemade sauce! ($1.10 per serving, and 28 meals) This sauce freezes beautifully. I have four pints in Kim's freezer!

I destroyed my kitchen and there was sauce everywhere as I am a very messy cook.  My new kitchen is white, with black and white linoleum, very retro looking, and what a mess.  I finally got it cleaned up about four in the afternoon.  Had a bowl of cereal for dinner as Dan was staying up at Kim's to finish a project.  I did the Kitchen floor and the rugs this morning.  I also did three items of mending for myself which I have wanted to do since I got here!

I am really tired, and it is already 3:40 in the afternoon.  I have been to Costco and have done many errands and am back up at Kim's helping my Husband finish up some things.

The bedroom and bath are done, and the carpet has been shampooed and came out beautifully.

Kim's middle Daughter and Son-in law are coming over Friday to help us set up the bedroom and take a load to the dump. 

I still have things to do here but I have the time.  Right now, I just want to veg out.  My feet have a heartbeat of their own which means I have overdone it.

I still have to make fried rice and egg foo young and will do that tomorrow. just too damn sore to process now.  I did get the bacon fried up and everything is ready to go so now it is just getting it done, and it will get done, but not today.

I also want to make at least eight pie crusts and four balls of pizza dough to freeze and hope to get that done this week.

Talked with Kim briefly and She is relaxing and having a good time and my Niece loved all the Artwork I sent and plans to hang it all and that makes Dan and I so happy!

Now I am going to have a glass of wine and put my feet up!

Have a wonderful evening!

Hugs;

Kay

Sissie here and it is sauce cooking day!

 

It is Tuesday and I started my sauce this morning, but left it turned off to bring my Husband up to the House.  Today He should finish the final coat on Kim's accent wall and then we can shampoo the carpet and start putting Her bedroom back together. 

Yesterday I worked all day in my Office and got so much done and Dan took a break from His paint brush and worked in our yard.  I made spaghetti for dinner to use up the last of the sauce I made several months ago.

I also went yesterday to our favorite Carpet Store where the owner had large area rugs that Sis and I were admiring when I picked out my Carpet.  Kim's family Room rug was tried and so I went to see if they still had the rug she admired, and they did!  I offered $200.00 cash, and it was gladly accepted (saved $100.00) brought it up to the House and laid it and it looks wonderful!  Kim will be so excited.

Now to finish this room I just need to do the shelf, but probably not today as I need to get home and finish my sauce.

I still have to do the guest bedroom as is dust and vacuum, and I want to clean out the fridge.  Also, a couple of sewing projects for myself that I can tackle.  I miss my Sissy, but She needed a break from the shop and possibly from me?

Now I will get back in the Car and go Home to cook and create havoc in my own kitchen which I am trying to get used to!

Have a great and productive day!

Kay

Blessed Sunday and a beautiful day!

 

• Sissy here and I am running with scissors trying to get the Family Room put back together and I am almost done!

Yesterday I pulled the couch covers off and washed then and hung them outside to dry.  I also ruined the Sofa pillows which I washed, but I did not like them so...Kim will have to  forgive me.

Putting those covers back on was a true exercise in patience, but does it ever look good.

One of the Grands left an ice cream bar between two cushions and what a mess, but Spot Shot to the rescue and I got it all up.

I have pulled everything away from the walls and rolled up the rug and swept, vacuumed and mopped.  The dog hair and sewing string was unbelievable and I think it is still breeding...

Also cleaned Mom's spinning wheel and now just one small portion of floor to go and it will be done!

It is 10:30 and here I go...Okay it is 11:13 and the Family Room is done!  Whew!

Now I am going to fry up 10 pounds of burger and then do my onion, garlic and red and yellow peppers for my marathon spaghetti sauce making which will happen tomorrow.  Both of my sisters have too many tomatoes which they cannot eat so I have cleaned and frozen them all and will start that process which is very messy.  Also, we have way too many eggs from Kim's caring for Neighbors Chickens, so I am going to make Egg Foo young, and flash freeze it also.

Here I go...well I got way laid... It is now 1:50 and Husband needed me to go to Home Creepo for a new vent cover and face plates for the bathroom.  I also needed more onion for my sauce so off I went, and then got a call from Baby Sister for some quick help!  

However, when at Winco picking up onion they had their chubs of cheap burger for 2.49 a pound and I bought 10 more pounds, and now have 20 pounds cooked up and cooling.  I will process some into taco meat and portion it out in dinner size portions.  Kim has been eating horribly since Joel died and I am determined to have some quick meals for Her to heat and eat. 

Will not be able to get to the vegetables or the Egg Foo young today as tomorrow is a desk day and it will take me most of the day to get so much paperwork done. So will not make sauce tomorrow, pooh!  It can wait.

We have now been in Lewiston for three months tomorrow and I need to change our address with the IRS and with the Military and get my Husbands Meds in order which are a mess.  Find new Doctors, and also contact Social Security with our change of address.  This is just the tip of the iceberg.  But what I say to Sissy always is:  How do you eat and Elephant?   One bite at a time.

I also thought I was finished with the Family Room and discovered that I had not cleaned or dusted the large shelf my Grandfather built which stores the Flo Blue serving pieces that came from Sweeden and I know they have not been cleaned since the hardwood floors were laid, which means pulling the very clean sofa away from the wall and getting the step stool out and pulling down all those pieces, but I will get it done, just not today.!

I need to go clean up the kitchen and then go Home and make dinner which will be steak Cesar Salad and I will have a couple glasses of wine and put my feet up!  I am tired.

A productive day just did not accomplish all that I wanted, and that is okay!

Hugs;

Kat