This has been a great week. My stolen vehicle was recovered earlier this month and my trusted mechanic returned it to me Wednesday. She may be old, but she's certainly reliable and proven resistant after rudely taken from her home.
I drove to Mom's Thursday morning, picked her up and headed to Big City North. My daughter was schedule for induction Friday morning. Friday night, we welcomed our newest family member. I was so happy to be here and hold her in my arms.
Meanwhile, Daughter and Baby are receiving doctors and nurses this morning. Mom and I are going shopping (she forgot to bring pants) then race back to visit the Zoe this afternoon.
We're finishing this week with Mom's meatloaf. If I get my two cents and to the kitchen first, meatload accompanied by mashed potatoes and green beans. Maybe while we're out, we can add a loaf of warm French bread to the menu.
What a great week. Yes, I had to declare it again.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Birth Day
Late last night my granddaughter entered into our world, leaving behind the warm, cozy, nearly anti-gravity home within her Mama.
She's beautiful and is worth the wait. Weighing in at 8 lb 2 oz, stretching to 19", topped with loads of black hair, Zoe is healthy baby girl. Mama and Papa are doing well, but tired. Grandma and Great Grandma are ecstatic.
I didn't think anything would be as wonderful and fulfilling as my daughter until I held my granddaughter in my arms. I have an ally!
She's beautiful and is worth the wait. Weighing in at 8 lb 2 oz, stretching to 19", topped with loads of black hair, Zoe is healthy baby girl. Mama and Papa are doing well, but tired. Grandma and Great Grandma are ecstatic.
I didn't think anything would be as wonderful and fulfilling as my daughter until I held my granddaughter in my arms. I have an ally!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Miscommunication Turned Good
This weekend, Big City North friends dropped in unexpectedly to deliver their sack o' shirts. Actually, it was a huge miscommunication that worked out well. Let's set up the scenario before the story begins.
We lost a very dear friend the afternoon before Thanksgiving. We knew him and his family for over 25 years. He voluntold as referees for FIRST Robotics. He was a great leader for us and mentor for the teams. In his memory, we are making a quilt for his family.
We considered working on the quilt this weekend. Where was never discussed. I planned to drive to Big City North to be with my daughter as she enters into labor. They thought while they were delivering an ROV (for an underwater robotic competition demonstration) to the Big City. Understand, we thought Magic Man was bringing the ROV back here when he returned home.
The situation worked out well for us. We made lots of progress on the quilt. Imagine, if you will, engineers cutting and stablizing quilt blocks. "This reminds me of making composites." "This reminds me of sheet metal layout." So ladies, know that what you do in the quilting world is indeed very techinical.
Our friends brought a gift. Here it is. Oh, it matches the granddaughter's bedroom. How convenient and fortunate for ME!
We lost a very dear friend the afternoon before Thanksgiving. We knew him and his family for over 25 years. He voluntold as referees for FIRST Robotics. He was a great leader for us and mentor for the teams. In his memory, we are making a quilt for his family.
We considered working on the quilt this weekend. Where was never discussed. I planned to drive to Big City North to be with my daughter as she enters into labor. They thought while they were delivering an ROV (for an underwater robotic competition demonstration) to the Big City. Understand, we thought Magic Man was bringing the ROV back here when he returned home.
The situation worked out well for us. We made lots of progress on the quilt. Imagine, if you will, engineers cutting and stablizing quilt blocks. "This reminds me of making composites." "This reminds me of sheet metal layout." So ladies, know that what you do in the quilting world is indeed very techinical.
Our friends brought a gift. Here it is. Oh, it matches the granddaughter's bedroom. How convenient and fortunate for ME!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Look What Followed Me to Work!
This young fella was guarding the door. Mr. B and his breakfast burger coaxed him into the building. Ms. Julia is coming to pick him up and take him home. I would take him if we had a place for him to run.
This is My Lucky Day
Luck #1.
Mr. B works with me. Mr. B is very talented, is not credited enough for his skills. On top of that, he's one heck of a nice guy. I adore Mr. B. He should be my son.
Mr. B had a bag of lemons on his desk, at least that was the info from his office partner in Mr. B's absence. I picked up and smelled those bright yellow orbs. Then he walks in. I was caught sniffing the goods. He explained they came from his tree at home, then graciously offered the bag of, the bag of LIMES. Yellow limes? These must be ripe.
Luck #2
Sam's Club is not my favorite place to shop. To be honest, outside of fabric shops or old-time hardware stores, I don't like to shop. OK, maybe the trip to the farmers' market. But since I HAD to be here, I wandered over to the cheese chest. Preparing to be disappointed again, my eyes carefully scanned the dairy assortment. And then, I heard the angels, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh...". There was my cheese, MY cheese. It was back. Containing a happy dance, I picked up a block and hurried it to check out. No waiting, no pausing for any other item. This was my sole purchase, my soul purchase. I hugged the cheese all the way home.
Back at the hacienda, I carefully hid the block of gold in the refrigerator, away from Magic Man's hands that sleight. He will not make my cheese disappear, I will.
Look at all the lovely colors of heat in this cheese, the swirl of jack and cheddar. It is time for a midnight snack.
'Night y'all.
Mr. B works with me. Mr. B is very talented, is not credited enough for his skills. On top of that, he's one heck of a nice guy. I adore Mr. B. He should be my son.
Mr. B had a bag of lemons on his desk, at least that was the info from his office partner in Mr. B's absence. I picked up and smelled those bright yellow orbs. Then he walks in. I was caught sniffing the goods. He explained they came from his tree at home, then graciously offered the bag of, the bag of LIMES. Yellow limes? These must be ripe.
Luck #2
Sam's Club is not my favorite place to shop. To be honest, outside of fabric shops or old-time hardware stores, I don't like to shop. OK, maybe the trip to the farmers' market. But since I HAD to be here, I wandered over to the cheese chest. Preparing to be disappointed again, my eyes carefully scanned the dairy assortment. And then, I heard the angels, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh...". There was my cheese, MY cheese. It was back. Containing a happy dance, I picked up a block and hurried it to check out. No waiting, no pausing for any other item. This was my sole purchase, my soul purchase. I hugged the cheese all the way home.
Back at the hacienda, I carefully hid the block of gold in the refrigerator, away from Magic Man's hands that sleight. He will not make my cheese disappear, I will.
Look at all the lovely colors of heat in this cheese, the swirl of jack and cheddar. It is time for a midnight snack.
'Night y'all.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Favorite Photos
Once in a while I get lucky with the camera. Sometimes I borrow a photo from a family member, just because I like it and it warms the cockles of my heart.
 |
| There's not much to say, this picture just makes me smile. |
 |
| I dare you to call her the Old Bag. |
 |
| Backyard Visitor - He walked up and wanted his ears scratched. - the smaller one. The big one is known to bite, butt, and kick. He visited several days, then moseyed on to other territories. |
 |
| Tell me I'm wrong. Was this guy the model and inspiration for Buc-ee? |
 |
| Let me in on the joke! It must have been good. |
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Doggie Make-Over
Most people are lucky to have siblings. Some have only brothers or only sisters, some have a combination of both. I have two siblings. One is my brother, the other is the bother. Obnoxious and fun loving, he does not qualify for the first "R" in our blood relationship.
Oh, he can't be that bad, you say. Ask Mom's dog. Notice, he now has eye brows.
Mooooore Monkeys!
I loved our little sock monkey when I was young. A tad freaky, but he had his own charm. My daughter found Sock Monkey at my Mom's and rescued him from the closet and moth balls. At home, he spent some time in the whirling hot tub and hung out with the birds to dry. With a bit of TLC, Sock Monkey was in loving arms again.
In May, my daughter and her hubby announced the arrival of our newest family member (you probably guess I'm overly excited now). At that moment I knew there was going to be a sock monkey theme for the nursery. I scoured the internet and found some wonderful fabric and embroidery designs. It was time to sew and crochet. Magic Man may be thinking I over committed with so many projects.
Dust ruffle fabric scraps, a package of cloth diapers, and some bright red thread were the basic components of these adorable burp towels.
Crafty Staci offered a quick method to add the trim to these towels. The instructions were meant for an adorable trick or treat bag. (I have a couple examples of the bag here and here.)
Any day now, I'll head to the Big City North to welcome my granddaughter. Even Moooooore Monkeys will appear in future postings.
In May, my daughter and her hubby announced the arrival of our newest family member (you probably guess I'm overly excited now). At that moment I knew there was going to be a sock monkey theme for the nursery. I scoured the internet and found some wonderful fabric and embroidery designs. It was time to sew and crochet. Magic Man may be thinking I over committed with so many projects.
Dust ruffle fabric scraps, a package of cloth diapers, and some bright red thread were the basic components of these adorable burp towels.
Crafty Staci offered a quick method to add the trim to these towels. The instructions were meant for an adorable trick or treat bag. (I have a couple examples of the bag here and here.)
Any day now, I'll head to the Big City North to welcome my granddaughter. Even Moooooore Monkeys will appear in future postings.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tote-ally Transforming Bag/Pad
Several weeks ago, I saw an episode of "Sewing with Nancy" on PBS. I can't recall the guest, but she made this very cool picnic tote. With a few modifications, this is now a baby totepad for my granddaughter.
The ingredients:
* Cut two 36" squares of fabric (these pieces are heavy cotton from Ikea)
* Four 18" zippers* thread
* 1 1/2 yards woven strap or belt material
* Two 1 1/4" D-loops
* 1 parachute buckle
* 1 large button
* 10" of elastic cord.
 |
| I found this 1 1/2" button at Jo-Ann's |
Take the fabric for the outer bag, fold on the diagonal, as accurately as possible. Steam and press. Open and fold on the other diagonal. Steam and press.
Along the fold, place a 3" mark on each side of the crease. Measure and mark 19" up along this crease. Mark 1.5" on each side of this last mark. Draw a line connecting the two points, one on each side of the crease. ("Crease" is used too many times - sorry about that). Flip the fabric over and repeat on the other side.
Place the outside edge of one zipper on the straight line. Pin and sew close to the teeth.
For the curved lines, I used a cake cover. With the zipper closed, mark a point 3" from the end of the zipper (not the fabric part) nearest the fold. This mark will be on the outer side of the zipper. Place the large dinner plate or cake cover on the new mark and draw a circle. Open the zipper and pin the fabric edge of the zipper. Sew next to the teeth. Repeat for the other three zippers. The instructions did not advise to do so, but I sewed the outer edges of the zippers. Trim the zipper tips, if you desire.
 |
| Zippers sewn in place |
 |
| Sew the D-rings to the corner of the blanket. |
 |
| Thread the elastic cord thru the button hole. |
 |
| Secure the elastic 6" from the top point of the bag. |
 |
| It's done. Here's the bag opened to a blanket or changing pad. |
 |
| Zip the four sides together |
 |
| Secure the top, wrapping the elastic loop around both points, then over the button. |
 |
| Clip the parachute buckle and it's ready to go. |
Monday, January 9, 2012
Cover Story
I love babies. Most of the time they smell nice, their giggles are sincere, and they love you unconditionally.
When asleep, sometimes it's nice to cover the little bundle of joy with something light. I like a sheet in those instances. When shopping for nursery sets, I can never find top sheets for cribs. So I make them.
I finished thegranddaughter's top sheet today. It's made from the same fabric as the pillow case. Sheets are so quick and easy, it doesn't make sense to not add it to the set.
This sheet takes 2 yards of 42-45" fabric. Cut about 3-4" off one end for the trim. Exact measurements are not critical.
Place the right side of the trim to the wrong side of the sheet. Sew the top edge with a 1/2" seam. Press the seam toward the sheet. Press 1/2" along the raw edge of the trim.
Press 1/4" seam around the other three sides. Fold and press another 1/4" seam, completing a double fold. Top stitch the three sides.
Fold the trim, right side up, over the right side of the sheet and press. Embellish the trim with bias piping, pin and top stitch in place.
When asleep, sometimes it's nice to cover the little bundle of joy with something light. I like a sheet in those instances. When shopping for nursery sets, I can never find top sheets for cribs. So I make them.
I finished thegranddaughter's top sheet today. It's made from the same fabric as the pillow case. Sheets are so quick and easy, it doesn't make sense to not add it to the set.
This sheet takes 2 yards of 42-45" fabric. Cut about 3-4" off one end for the trim. Exact measurements are not critical.
Place the right side of the trim to the wrong side of the sheet. Sew the top edge with a 1/2" seam. Press the seam toward the sheet. Press 1/2" along the raw edge of the trim.
Press 1/4" seam around the other three sides. Fold and press another 1/4" seam, completing a double fold. Top stitch the three sides.
Fold the trim, right side up, over the right side of the sheet and press. Embellish the trim with bias piping, pin and top stitch in place.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Strange Relationship
I have a good friend, one of my best and one of my longest (oldest sounds so negative). We met in college; but knew we were not compatible as boyfriend/girlfriend. For years, we disapproved each others "partners." Then the right woman came into his life, they married, had kids - two boys. Those two are spitting images of their dad. I question if they know who the real mother is. Mom is sweet and gentle and very much a lady. Me, I like to get my hands dirty, play with power tools, and enjoy the great outdoors. I enjoy cooking, but cleaning can be left alone for a little while.
The youngest son and I were chatting one day, I believe we were grilling ribs in my backyard. Jokingly I told him he was one of my favorite nephews. He replied I was his favorite uncle.
Me: "Uncle?"
Him: "Yep, Dad always says you're one of the guys."
Me: "Why would he say that?"
Him: "Because you can do things Mom can't. She can't tell the difference between a screwdriver and a hammer."
From that point I was known as "Uncle Cindy."
I am proud of both of these young men. The eldest has finished his service with the United States Army, the youngest is now enlisted in the US Navy. Thank you very much for your selfless decisions.
The youngest son and I were chatting one day, I believe we were grilling ribs in my backyard. Jokingly I told him he was one of my favorite nephews. He replied I was his favorite uncle.
Me: "Uncle?"
Him: "Yep, Dad always says you're one of the guys."
Me: "Why would he say that?"
Him: "Because you can do things Mom can't. She can't tell the difference between a screwdriver and a hammer."
From that point I was known as "Uncle Cindy."
I am proud of both of these young men. The eldest has finished his service with the United States Army, the youngest is now enlisted in the US Navy. Thank you very much for your selfless decisions.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Robot Season Officially Begins
Mark and I are insatiable volunteers. We volunteer hundreds of hours together each year at robot competitions for students K-College.
Today is the start of the spring robot season, the Kick-Off for the upcoming event of FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The robots these high school and some middle school students operate are big, heavy, and fast. The events are exciting, challenging, and filled with energy.
The problem changes each year, so must the robot. Here are some photos from events past. Today, the new problem will be presented to the teams and countless volunteers. I can hardly wait.
Today is the start of the spring robot season, the Kick-Off for the upcoming event of FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The robots these high school and some middle school students operate are big, heavy, and fast. The events are exciting, challenging, and filled with energy.
The problem changes each year, so must the robot. Here are some photos from events past. Today, the new problem will be presented to the teams and countless volunteers. I can hardly wait.
 |
| Robot on the Field with Game Pieces |
 |
| High Fashion is the Norm for the Competitors. |
Friday, January 6, 2012
Piece by Piece
I can hardly wait. By doctor's predictions, Miss Zoe's arrival is less than three weeks away. It's time for Iko (aka Grandma) to hurry, scurry and complete the projects started earlier in the gestation period.
Early this morning I made this little pillow case. Part of the Sock Monkey nursery set project was delayed, and delayed ...and delayed for back ordered fabric. But it finally arrived and here it is, the finished product.
Tonight, we make the top sheet.
Oh happy news for me... My buddy Mr. A went home for the holidays. He brought some wonderful treats. I haven't had these in years.
Note to Magic Man - they're mine, all MINE!!! muahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!
Early this morning I made this little pillow case. Part of the Sock Monkey nursery set project was delayed, and delayed ...and delayed for back ordered fabric. But it finally arrived and here it is, the finished product.
 |
| Tiny Pillowcase |
 |
| Close-up |
Oh happy news for me... My buddy Mr. A went home for the holidays. He brought some wonderful treats. I haven't had these in years.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Whoda Thunk It?
My car was stolen from my home last week. It's 12 years old, but a good car for me. I know all of its little quirks, but even those are few. Convinced it was stolen for parts and gone forever, I was getting in the mindset for the purchase of a new vehicle.
The sheriff's office called last night to let me know my car was picked up on the other side of the Big City. "Is it drive-able?" "I don't know," said the voice on the other end of my phone. "Do I need a tow truck?" - again, "I don't know." Outside of the conversation with the sheriff's department, I'm glad the Big City PD's access to the state's database worked and had recovered it within a week.
It looks like little hoodlums took my blueberry out for a joy ride. They trashed the contents, and didn't take anything but a down vest my in-laws gave me for Christmas last year.
I am blessed. I despise thieves and liars, but I am blessed.
The sheriff's office called last night to let me know my car was picked up on the other side of the Big City. "Is it drive-able?" "I don't know," said the voice on the other end of my phone. "Do I need a tow truck?" - again, "I don't know." Outside of the conversation with the sheriff's department, I'm glad the Big City PD's access to the state's database worked and had recovered it within a week.
 |
| How the thugs started my car |
 |
| How the losers got into my car. |
I am blessed. I despise thieves and liars, but I am blessed.
Winter Fleece
There should be an Add-'vent calendar to countdown to exciting events. The event is adding a new member to the family, but who knows when she'll arrive. I'll keep making a daily gift until our little bundle of joys makes her appearance.
Last night I finished this blanket. She and I can curl up and keep nice and warm... grandma and Zoe, no mommies allowed. I fear I will have to share Zoe with her great-grandma. She outranks me.
I loved this fabric. It's rescue fabric from the remnant bin at Jo-Ann's, cut the perfect size for a cuddle blanket. Grandma got lucky.
Last night I finished this blanket. She and I can curl up and keep nice and warm... grandma and Zoe, no mommies allowed. I fear I will have to share Zoe with her great-grandma. She outranks me.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Birthday Wednesday
Today is Birthday Wednesday. That means the Safety Meeting will be a little more fun today.
At my facility, we are a warehouse of mechanics, cablers, machinists, and welders with a sprinkling of R&D engineers. We engineers spend a lot of time utilizing these talented people and visiting their shops. It can be a dangerous place, especially when I get to operate the forklift (just kidding - I am certified to do so).
Each Wednesday, HSE hosts our weekly safety meeting. No earth shattering news, just reminders about daily safe operations and housekeeping. Occasionally, we attend a first aid training class.
Once a month, the first Wednesday, I bring desserts to the break room to honor coworkers celebrating a birthday. Brownies, by far, are the most popular and requested treat. This month, the added treats are Sopapilla Cheesecake Squares.
Sopapilla Cheesecake
2 tubes of 8 refrigerated crescent rolls
2 8 oz blocks of cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 stick butter, melted
Butter a 7" X 11" baking dish. Open and layer one tube of the crescent rolls on the bottom of the pan. Press the seams together, curl the edges up the sides of the pan a bit.
Combine 1 cup of sugar, the cream cheeses and vanilla until blended. Spread the mixture over the crescent roll crust.
Top with the second tube of crescent rolls, this time tucking in the edges. An icing spatula works well. Seal the edges, again the spatula comes in handy.
Pour the butter over the top (yes, I know the original recipe calls for an entire stick, but we like the lightened version). Help the butter, if needed, to cover all of the dough.
Combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the butter. Bake 350F for 35-45 minutes. The butter should be absorbed.
Cool and serve.
I enjoy this at home with a bowl of fresh berries.
At my facility, we are a warehouse of mechanics, cablers, machinists, and welders with a sprinkling of R&D engineers. We engineers spend a lot of time utilizing these talented people and visiting their shops. It can be a dangerous place, especially when I get to operate the forklift (just kidding - I am certified to do so).
Each Wednesday, HSE hosts our weekly safety meeting. No earth shattering news, just reminders about daily safe operations and housekeeping. Occasionally, we attend a first aid training class.
Once a month, the first Wednesday, I bring desserts to the break room to honor coworkers celebrating a birthday. Brownies, by far, are the most popular and requested treat. This month, the added treats are Sopapilla Cheesecake Squares.
 |
| Sopapilla Cheesecake |
2 tubes of 8 refrigerated crescent rolls
2 8 oz blocks of cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 stick butter, melted
Butter a 7" X 11" baking dish. Open and layer one tube of the crescent rolls on the bottom of the pan. Press the seams together, curl the edges up the sides of the pan a bit.
Combine 1 cup of sugar, the cream cheeses and vanilla until blended. Spread the mixture over the crescent roll crust.
Top with the second tube of crescent rolls, this time tucking in the edges. An icing spatula works well. Seal the edges, again the spatula comes in handy.
Pour the butter over the top (yes, I know the original recipe calls for an entire stick, but we like the lightened version). Help the butter, if needed, to cover all of the dough.
Combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the butter. Bake 350F for 35-45 minutes. The butter should be absorbed.
Cool and serve.
I enjoy this at home with a bowl of fresh berries.
 |
| Mmmmmm... Brownies! |
Magic Egg Bags
Man discovered I sew. I guess that's my fault for keeping the sewing machine in the closet for so many years.
 |
| I love this fabric |
Magic Man demonstrated his Magic Egg Bag. Then showed me improvements he'd like to see in "future models."
We experimented with different fabrics, techniques, bag sizes, and grippers. He now has a favorite. The others will be stocked for sale. Feel free to visit the Illusion Warehouse, Magic Man's online magic shop for these and other magical items.
 |
 |
| Looks like the Chicken Snake met his Fate. |
New Year's Day is Magical
Today is New Year's Day. Magic Man and I are headed into the Big City, joining his magical colleagues for a traditional celebration: food, friends, and fun. Mrs. K is making ham, cole slaw, and black-eyed peas. Yummy!
Against better judgment, I'm bringing deviled eggs. I can't visit without taking a dish with me. I wasn't raised to do otherwise.
Magic Man likes his eggs very dilly and mustardy. I doubt those two adjectives are real words, but you get the idea. I like my HOT! Others don't like them so hot. I made three recipes.
We arrived at the K's home, just in time. The Deviled Eggs served before our late arrival had just disappeared. Typical for a group of magicians.
Sorry this and the other postings are late and clumped together. While dining with our friends on New Years, I received a call that a childhood friend of mine died in an auto crash. HS was my mom's next door neighbor in the Barren Thicket; I knew him 45 years.
Trying to come to grips with the news, I took a few days away from posting stories. Sadly, I'm still reeling from the news of another friend, who six weeks earlier, died in a similar way and my stolen car over NY's weekend.
Against better judgment, I'm bringing deviled eggs. I can't visit without taking a dish with me. I wasn't raised to do otherwise.
Magic Man likes his eggs very dilly and mustardy. I doubt those two adjectives are real words, but you get the idea. I like my HOT! Others don't like them so hot. I made three recipes.
 |
| Mustardy-Dilly Ingredients |
 |
| Dilly Devils |
 |
| Original DE Ingredients |
 |
| And the Deviled Egg |
 |
| With the Addition of Sliced and Diced Jalapenos |
 |
| The Hot Devils |
 |
| All of the Above - Now I'm hungry |
Sorry this and the other postings are late and clumped together. While dining with our friends on New Years, I received a call that a childhood friend of mine died in an auto crash. HS was my mom's next door neighbor in the Barren Thicket; I knew him 45 years.
Trying to come to grips with the news, I took a few days away from posting stories. Sadly, I'm still reeling from the news of another friend, who six weeks earlier, died in a similar way and my stolen car over NY's weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)