Maybe next week?

What I want to work on next week, weather permitting:

I want to paint this metal patio set back to it's original black.  I'm sure I'll have to sand it a bit, and it has a wonky leg that Hubby will need to adjust.  There is a potted plant that normally sits in the middle, but I would just as soon have an umbrella there.  In the corner is where my ficus lives, and I want to refinish the deck itself, too.  I would also love to toss the wreath under the patio, add some hanging plants, maybe a straw rug, some herb pots...

The easiest chicken pot pie

It smells divine, there are never leftovers and you can change it up depending on what your family likes.  You could use that leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, or a different flavor of creamed soup.  One of my versions uses spinach - the kids devour it. All depends on what's in the freezer.  Last night I made mine with a Jenni-O Turkey , cooked and chopped,  added with it's gravy to a can of cream of onion soup and frozen mixed veggies, then topped with the crust.  Baked for about an hour.  

You want to cut a couple slits in the top so it will vent.  And this time around I made my own crust (which is why it looks so "rustic"), but honestly, I think the Pillsbury ones are best.  Dig In!

Gina

Keep calm and carry on

We had a pipe burst near the sidewalk out front so, we've had no running water for almost three days.  The plumber comes this morning. BUT, I'm going calmly through the day, looking at this in a positive way.

Rustown Art

A beautiful reminder that Spring will come - eventually.  And I have several projects on the back burners waiting for those mild days.  I plan on sanding, priming, and repainting the wrought iron deck table and chairs, and the patio picnic table.  I want to re-pot several plants - I  really like terra cotta for this.  Want to seal and stain the deck.  Plan on enlarging the brick entry into the backyard, tear down the playscape, re-plant grass.....aahhh...Spring!

Gina

Snow Day 2010!

I wish Scout and Bubbie were home from school to see their silly sister do a snow dance to summon the flakes.

 And I guess it worked.

It made the house and neighborhood  look so pretty.

Stay warm!

Gina

Just like a little brother

 Bubbie really loves his siblings.  I think that sometimes, he really likes being the youngest, too. He never expresses frustration at being the baby.

 

It comes in handy as he's tagging along, going from sibling to sibling, wanting to see what they are up to.  "Whatcha doin' brother? Can I watch?"

 

Of course, he doesn't just watch, he has lots of opinions!  And they let him.  And hardly ever tell him to bug off.  Is is because he's small? Cute?  Interested in what they're into? Is it because he looks up to them?  Because they like teaching him something?

I don't really know.
It's just nice to see them interact in a positive way.  And I love that he has so many people to follow.  And that they all love him.

Gina

I got a plan.

 Rustown Art

And it goes something like this:  I'm going to stay on top of the wave this week.  Get all the things done that I have to do....enjoy a few things I want to do.  Not stress over the other stuff.  It includes doing some more craftsy stuff and more cooking.  It involves making a cozy home for my family on the cold days we have in the forecast.  It also involves making plans for Spring Break - I like to plan ahead a little.  And I would love to visit the library and get a nice book to read.  I think it sounds like a fabulous plan.  Can't wait to get started...and if I feel stressed this week, I'll just remember our motto "Keep Calm and Carry On".

And stick to the plan.

One project down...

Today I picked up the re-upholstered couch.  And I have two words:
HOO.  RAY.
Let's review:

Yikes.  Blue lampshade has to go, along with all the blue gee-gaws on the shelf above. 

Ditto the "orange" upholstery on the couch.

Printed chairs - not happening.

And the pics above the sofa - love those. 

But the scale is off. 

They look too small for that area. 

Ahhhh...so much nicer! Walls are a lovely shade of light sandy brown, chairs are a soft moss., couch is cinnamon colored. Shade is now cream.  Still need help with the shelf above and I'm open to suggestions!  A lot of those framed pics got moved to albums.  Also, might add a rug and a large framed print or painting.  I'm probably going to leave the furniture arranged the same since this is a living room/dining room and I want it to be as "open" as possible.  Now, might be time for me to move on...I have so many other things to do...

Shallow depth of field

Here's what I was able to do this afternoon in fading light.  Not great. 

But not bad.....at least I completed the assignment!  

It's a start, so don't judge harshly. 

Besides, it has a certain beauty to it, even in the dead of winter....

Photos #5 and 6

My basketball girl 2010

you did your best - always

you never gave in to disappointment

never stopped for pain

your teammates saw you as a true leader

perseverance, courage, determination, love;

you poured it all into the game

and we, your family, are so very honored to have

been able to watch you.

Gina

Read my Lips

      FACT:  My oldest kid is growing up and is no longer a teenager.

FACT:  His family is still important to him, even if he won't admit it.

(And the look on his face says it all: disgust, disdain, annoyance...mild, yes, but it's all there.)  However, it's also a FACT that if he didn't love us and want to be with us and be seen in public with us, he would have flown the coop by now.  And we're grateful that he's safe and not in any kind of trouble.  Cause he could probably find some if he looked hard enough and God knows his mom has been nagging him lately, driving him to distraction. We're doing our best to talk to him, love him, let him know what we expect of him when he goes out into the world...maybe it's a FACT that we are still on the right track with this one?

Her letter jacket is ready to wear!

The title of the post could also be "Oh, my aching fingers".

 I called around to see how much to sew patches on - $15 each. So, I tried to do it myself on my own machine - broke a few needles.  This morning I resolved to get 'er done - and after 2 hours, a pair of pliers, and two broken needles later - success!  Basically I just basted them on, but they are fairly secure.   

Proud of you, Coco!

Gina 

Drab day made better

 

Photo #3  Talavera

It's raining here, which I can appreciate since we needed it, but it makes for a dreary day.  However, out in the landscape I have this little pop of color, this art that I love...Talavera pottery.  I may start a collection of it since it adds a nice touch to bare places and is visible from the living room window where we leave the blinds and curtains open most of the time. It's rural. Rustic. Colorful. Simple.

I don't want to add too many pieces; maybe just two more.  These are like gazing balls, only prettier because they have more of a handmade look to them. I got this one at HEB in August when they were trying to get rid of all the summer stuff.  But I think of this as pretty much a timeless thing - looks good whatever the weather!

What art brightens your drab day?

It's just a ): kind of day

 Rustown Art

Its not like I didn't know that this week would be busy.  I just never plan for the unexpected (who does) and how I will roll with the punches (I don't).  It really kerfunkles me to have a ): thrown into the day. If it's going to involve a family member or some medical emergency, it's going to happen on a Monday, when I have already filled up my day with a ridiculous amount of stuff I have to tend to.  It's Murphy's Law.   Though I usually pull through just fine, and can even excel under a time crunch, I know it takes years off my life...here's where that "Keep Calm and Carry On" motto will come in handy.  If only I can remember to chant it to myself....and really keep calm.  So that I can keep doing what I need to, for the people I love.