Wednesday, June 29, 2011

33 Years Ago Today...



Hugs and Kisses to my Mom today (and every day)!
And Thanks for all the wonderful wishes I have received today.
It really does something to your soul (and your smile) when you know you
are being thought of. VERY uplifting!
xo

Friday, June 24, 2011

{This Moment}

{This moment} is inspired by Soulemama, and beautifully done by so many. It reveals a moment from our week that is special enough to stand alone, without need for expression, or explanation.



xo

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

*SALE*

Just thought I should share the news because I *heart* this fabric!



There is a sale over at Anna Maria Horner's Shop on her Folksy Flannels and Little Folks Fabrics.
Yummy!

Monday, June 20, 2011

A Nice Easy Monday

I had the pleasure of sitting poolside...





Under our new spot of balcony shade...



With a cup o' coffee and a fresh stack of crafty books from the library...



Ahhh...
Mondays really aren't meant for much more than that.
xo

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Little Buzzers

Though I wish this was no where near my picnic table, it sure is amazing how these nasty little buggers create their nests.



Haven't decided how I will get this thing away from here. It's putting a bit of a damper on my afternoon outdoor balcony eating. Not to play the helpless woman, but I suppose I'm going to need to lay it on a little thicker with the old hubby - make him very aware of how unable I am to smack this tiny thing away from sight.





I had a bit of an episode in our cabin outhouse with a wasps nest when I was about 9. No, it was not that bad in the way you may be thinking, but I did get stung several times on my arms, and more than that the buzzing, oh the buzzing! Don't you find that sound so incredibly threatening??

Friday, June 17, 2011

{This Moment}

{This moment} is inspired by Soulemama, and beautifully done by so many. It reveals a moment from our week that is special enough to stand alone, without need for expression, or explanation.



Happy Weekend To You!
xo

Thursday, June 16, 2011

What's On The Cutting Table

...or rather, taking up space on the kitchen island awaiting the day when my beautiful boys coordinate nap times... or when they decide to nap at all once again!

Times are a little rowdy right now and sewing is not in my near future, so I will just post a couple pics of projects cut out and awaiting attention to remind me of my days of creating things ;).


A special t-shirt for a special boy who will celebrate his 2nd birthday in 2 weeks! (HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!?)...


Another cloth basket...


A pair of comfy lounge pants just for me (These have been a long time comin')...

Hopefully when they are finished there can be a little loungin' to go with them!

xo

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Yarn Along

This week I am happily joining Ginny over at Small Things in sharing what's on my needles, and what's being read. A good week for both I'd say.



On the needles is a neck warmer/hat, designed by elissa sugishita, from the book Knitted Gifts. This yarn is Noro: Silk Garden. The yarn breaks A LOT! Probably not ideal for newbie's to knitting (that means me), and I think I probably knit too tightly at times, but it is still a beautiful looking yarn and I'm managing just fine.
When I took a sock knitting class we used a Noro yarn and everyone in the class was having trouble with breakage. We were shown a handy little trick ~ basically, just overlap the two busted ends by a couple inches, wet your fingertips and rub and twist the overlapping ends together vigorously. You are basically felting them back together. It totally works!
This won't work for acrylics or cottons.

My reading. Yes, my reading! We have booked our flights so let the planning begin!!

What are you knitting or crocheting, and reading?

Monday, June 13, 2011

Vacation Thrifting

I do so love visiting thrift shops different from the ones I go to regularly at home, and I do so love the many out in Alberta.



I only wish I could resist the books a little more, especially seeing as they are the worst thing to have to bring back in your luggage. Checking in for our flight back home, we had to re-arrange every suitcase and carry-on as they were ALL over weight due to my "new" books. On top of the ones here, I also picked up nearly the full set of 'Little House' books, and I brought home a stack from my mom's house from when I was little.


Anyone remember this old tape player?? I had one as a child. It is a crazy sturdy little thing and in excellent shape. My husband has been trying to get me to ditch all my tapes for AGES. Now, sitting here I can't remember if he succeeded??... I know for sure I have tons of kid tapes anyway, so this will be perfect for my boys. Our main library shut down to make way for a new one and in the process sold off a ton of old childrens books on tape to make way for a new, larger library, and I reaped the spoils!
I'm excited to add this pyrex bowl to the rest of my collection (which is courtesy of my mom). It was "fill a bag for 5 dollars" at a church garage sale, and these 3 items were in my bag along with a couple others - talk about a score!


This last photo is all the craft goodies I have collected. Knitting needles, fabric, 3 skeins of crochet cotton, ribbon, zippers, needles, buttons, thread, bias tape, among other things - all for about 13 bucks! I have heard a rumour of a thrift store in California that is strictly craft/art supplies. Sounds like the grail of thrift shops to me.

It's been a successful week!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Back To The Patio



Talk about Tasty. Too bad it doesn't seem to be available in my neck of the woods. :( It'll have to be my Alberta treat. If you see this, definitely give it a try!

Enjoy patio season!!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Postcards From Alberta














I have been playing with my mom's phone and I looooove this! I have NEVER wanted a cell phone, but this app for iphone makes me want one a little bit. Stuck in a wee bit of Edmonton traffic on Friday afternoon was so fun for me (says the girl who wasn't driving!) thanks to this!

{This Moment} ~ Photo Booth

{This moment} is inspired by Soulemama, and beautifully done by so many. It reveals a moment from our week that is special enough to stand alone, without need for expression, or explanation.



Have a great weekend!
xo

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Slave Lake, Alberta

In this recent month of May, forest fires burned strong in the area of Slave Lake, Alberta, destroying about 40% of the town. I have family who live there, and thankfully their homes still stand. We went for a visit this week, and saw the aftermath.









There is definite wreckage, but there are also inspiring stories about the help given and received. It seems that sometimes when terrible things happen, the strength and goodness of people, which is all too often vacant, shines through.
Here is a link for anyone interested in donating to one of many organizations who are assisting returning residents.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

A Long Drive

Sometimes a long drive is a very welcome thing.





Are pudgy baby fingers & toes not one of the most irresistable things??




All that time to stare at my sweet babes, and nothing to do but knit!


Edmonton's City Market

The 104th street Market in Edmonton was a nice way to spend a Saturday last weekend, though a tad chilly for a June Morning.








I bought a tasty bottle of Raspberry Wine called THE OTHER RED, from a local winery; we munched on fresh crepes stuffed with scrambled eggs and bacon; sampled hummus, yummy cinnamon & vanilla almonds from Totally Nuts, olives, and fresh pita breads; and I bought a jar of homemade apple butter that I am saving until I get back home.

I love Farmer's Market season!

A section of 104th street is closed off for a ton of craft, plant, and food vendors, as well as buskers every Saturday, from May to October.