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10/30/14

Why is it called Indian Summer?


10/30/14 -  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. . . . . first thing that comes to mind when I look at this picture. The old Ford tractor is a piece of junk but it makes a nice picture.  Also, illustrates what lack of attention brings.  The old tractor was in good shape before it had to be moved out of the barn to make room for cars from the Smith estate.  Most of them were sold in an auction around 2005 but the tractor never got put back in storage. It is on my "To Do" list sometimes and my "Round to It" list most of the time.

This photo is an example of the beautiful Fall we experienced in Indiana this year.  There were days when you stepped outside and everything had a golden glow from the fallen leaves and the leaves still in the trees.  On top of that, the temperatures have been uncharacteristically warm.  It also reminds me of advice I received from a friend.  It was given to me when I looked out of a hotel room.  One area was walls, service area stuff and unpleasantness while a beautiful view was over to the left.  When I commented (complained) about the unsightly area below, the advice was - "Well, you can choose to look to the right or you can choose to look at the beautiful scenery to the left."  That pretty much sums up life.


Why is Indian summer called Indian summer? According to the Old Farmers Almanac there are many theories. Some say it comes from the early Algonquian Native Americans, who believed that the condition was caused by a warm wind sent from the court of their southwestern god, Cautantowwit.
The most probable origin of the term, in our view, goes back to the very early settlers in New England. Each year they would welcome the arrival of a cold wintry weather in late October when they could leave their stockades unarmed. But then came a time when it would suddenly turn warm again, and the Native Americans would decide to have one more go at the settlers. "Indian summer," the settlers called it.




10/29/14

Yarn, yarn, piddle, piddle................


10/29/14 - I am in one of those moods where I do not want to leave the house.  I am thoroughly entertained playing with my yarns and crafts.  At the left are my new colors for the Mystery Shawl.  I was not happy with the first batch for a couple reasons I have explained on my Ravelry site.  Although earlier I said I wasn't going to worry about the first batch, I found this yarn online at JoAnn's site for only $2.99 a skein and couldn't resist changing my original color scheme.  I was a little limited because of staying in the correct yarn weight.


To the right is a scarf I started today from some yarn a friend gave me.  I am hoping it will come out as an argyle pattern.  It will take a few more rows before I see if a pattern is forming.  On top are a couple of the completed felt ornaments.  I made these from an old kit I had bought at a yard sale.  Talk about time consuming.  The little legs on the zebra are hand sewn and stuffed.  Even cutting out the small pieces is a job.  They are actually quite pretty. 

While in the gift shop at Beef and Boards last night  I overheard a couple of ladies discussing a Christmas ornament with a price tag of over $35. Ha!  There is no way I would be interested in something that expensive! I don't even put a tree up.  Seems like time goes so fast it is just a lot of unnecessary work.  If I had grandkids it would be a different story.

The Beef and Boards show was entertaining.  I liked it and the food was very good, too.  The only problem I experienced was the seating.  Too crammed in.  Sitting sideways in my chair to view the stage I was almost shoulder to shoulder with some stranger from the table behind me....much too close! 

A good thing happened to Ann last night.  She thought the case holding her hearing aid had fallen out of her purse the last trip.  They looked under the table at the time and didn't see it.  Later when she called Lost and Found they weren't able to find it either.  She checked again last night.  After two trips to the holding area, the server came up with her $3000 hearing aid!  She had already backed over one so there was no turning this one in to the insurance.  I was happy for her good luck.
  

10/28/14

Night Out in Indy

10/28/14- Here is a hint of what I will be doing tonight with my  friend and neighbor, Ann.  We will be going to Indianapolis to Beef and Boards.  The show tonight is Fiddler on the Roof.  It has been a long time since I have been there.   In fact, the last time I went was with Ann to see Showboat. 

Now, it is time to get ready for this treat.  I will be driving so I had better go over the directions and get them plugged in my phone.  As long as there are not any major traffic problems it should be an easy trip.

Nothing else accomplished.

10/26/14

Faucet installed, light up......

10/26/14 - I had a good Sunday.  Started with reading all the Sunday papers and having breakfast with Randy....he made pecan praline pancakes!  They were from a mix from a store called Harry and David near Columbus Indiana at the Outlet Mall.  Things from there are a little pricey but very good.

Then I met with a couple guys who are interested in salvaging out the trailer.  I think they would get right on it.  I am giving the other guy until Wednesday.  If he is still covered up with work, I will let him know I have made other arrangements.

Then.......................
I greased the tractor, mowed the lawn, put on the rotary mower, mowed the pasture lane.  I then got started on putting up the light above the sink at the apartment.  Now I can see in the dark little corner.  I also took the faucets from the trailer and put them on the apartment sink.  I like the high faucet and the best part is I didn't have any problems!  No leaks the first time!  After all that work, tomorrow I am doing only fun things!

Oh, the little note above the window has one of my favorite quotes:

May I be filled with loving kindness. 
May I be well.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be happy. 


10/24/14

Tin Man, Swing Man.....................

Tin Man and Swing Man
 
October 24, 2014 -  Busy day today.  I had to get up early today.  Lots of things to do before leaving early this afternoon with Randy for Indiana Live to watch the horse races. 

Before 8 am I was up to the house applying Mineral Spirits to the tub in hopes of getting all remaining grout off before applying the new.  This time I am going to try one of those stick on rubber tape things instead of grout.  I have a little more scrapping to do then I will be ready for the new seal around the tub.

I still haven't determined where to put my tin man so he has been hanging around the farm "Post Office".  He has taken on a pretty good coat of rust this summer.  I like to hear him rattling in the wind.  Next spring I may find him a spot out by the sunflower bed. 

Swing guy got a new pair of jeans and for the first time some shoes.  He really needs a name.  I thought something that means guardian.  When I looked for a guardian name Howard (home ward) and Edward (my dad's name) were two that appealed to me - both are supposed to mean "guardian of the home"  I just feel funny calling swing man Ed because it is NOT my dad!  Could go with Howie or Xander the Greek name for Protector.  Actually, he kind of looks like a Howie!

Enough computer time.  I am heading back to the old trailer to salvage a few things.  Maybe I should load up the old push mower and take it to the scrap yard. Not today.  Today I am going to remove one of the little fluorescent lights to use above the sink at the apartment.  Maybe I will also take off all the cabinet handles for recycling purposes.  Heading out!



10/23/14

Just another day.......

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October 23, 2014 - I started the day by taking a load of scrap metal (old barbeque grill, 2 buckets full of old screws rusty items) to the Pendleton scrap yard.  I received $19.80.....not bad.

Then, I shopped around Anderson for groceries, a few items at Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, lunch at Arby's, and also took a book back to the library.  By the time I got home it was 3 PM.  I made some pumpkin bars from a mix purchased at Big Lots, just ok.  Best thing about the bars is the cream cheese icing I used on them.

Going to the grocery puts me in a bad mood.  Too many choices, i.e. toilet paper.  It comes in huge packages double rolls, one ply, two ply, waffle weave, with aloe, without aloe - the choices go on and on.  Then, prices - 3 for 5.55, buy 5 get $1 back  etc, etc etc.  Wouldn't it be nice if they just marked the price of an item, no stipulations, no special card prices?

 So, home in a bad mood, exhausted from trying to figure out prices, thinking of taking a nap but started to do a little herb harvesting instead.  Picked some sage, parsley, tobacco and catmint  then hung them up to dry.  I had help from Lilu.  She rubbed on her piece of catnip, ate several leaves and is licking her paws while laying on the last little piece.  In the crate I have some tiny little gourds and a few loofa gourds.  There is also a jar with sea oats.  I noticed how much better I felt after spending time outside with the plants.  Much better than the depressing trip for groceries. Ahhhhhhhh, glad to be home.

10/22/14

Readymade Scarf versus my Handmade Scarf



 

 October 22, 2014 - I purchased the yarn at the right from a shop in Noblesville called Always in Stitches. Believe it or not the total cost of those 4 skeins of yarn was $55.60!  Looking at the photo I think the varigated and the darker green may be too close in color to have a good outcome.  This yarn is for the Mystery Scarf I am making from Stephen West's pattern available on Ravelry.  We begin knitting without knowing what the scarf looks like, so I won't know until I have it well underway.  Not worrying about it anymore.  I will instead await my first clue and begin knitting optimistically on October 31st. 

Then, to the left, is a scarf I purchased today at the Bargain Mill for $2.  That's right - $2.00!  It is complete, ready to wear and adorned with scarf jewelry.  I will make my final decision as to which scarf I like best after the Mystery Shawl is finished.                                                                                       

10/21/14

To do or Not To Do

October 21, 2014 - Here is a partially completed Christmas ornament from an old Lee Wards Zoo Felt Ornament Kit dated 1973.  Someone had the reindeer started and a few pieces cut out for some of the other ornaments.  I can see why they didn't finish them.  Lots and lots of pieces and intricate details with hand stitching. 

I was going to list this on Ebay but wonder if I could put these together.  I have cut out the Owl and thought I might try one.  Funny thing is, I don't even put up a tree anymore!  They would make a nice gift tag, but I don't do gifts either! HA!

I remember reading about a couple of girls who had a business completing crafts and projects that other people had started and lost interest along the way.  I can understand that with some needlework projects  it would be a good thing to have done because of the initial investment - I have seen kits at $50 and more.

Completed felt Christmas ornaments as well as the kits are selling higher than I expected on Ebay.  Some are around $40. An especially pricey one is by Bucilla of .Cinderella  - this kit of 4 completed ornaments sold for $80!  The Alice in Wonderland troupe of felt ornaments appear to sell well, too. Bucilla seems to be one of the more popular brands of any type of needlework kit, more collectible.

Well, that's it.  My thought for the day - To Do or Not To Do these ornaments??????????

10/19/14

October 19, 2014

October 19. 2014 - Thank you, Menards, for always remembering my birthday (October 9).  This year's gift was a 4 in 1 wooden-handled screwdriver.  Pretty nice!

Last night was a trip to Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for a pre-season Basketball game.  Really not much action until the last quarter when the Pacers finally pulled ahead and won the game.  One of my favorite players Louis Scola was not present.  A trip to Bankers Life reminds me of a lady I know who is an usher for the fieldhouse.  If I lived in Indianapolis, I think that would be a good retirement job. Pay is $10 an hour.  You are able to pick the days you want to work, within reason.  They do expect you to work the Pacer games.  Do you realize the Pacers play 84 games a season?  Half of those are home games.  Randy and I used to go to the Fever games during the summer.  So, always something going on at that place, lots of work.

More sports - Today I  watched the Colts win!  I am becoming a real sports fan since there is nothing much else available on TV. 

My only other accomplishment for today is giving Lilu, the cat, a good dose of flea protection.  I guess I will be taking her to the vet soon, checking her all out and moving her on into the house.  I don't know where else she will hang out in the really cold weather ahead.  :(((

10/18/14

Morning Hair.......


10/18/14 - Morning hair! ...why I wear hats...why I am sometimes late...why I dont need a Halloween fright wig....why I just decide to stay home and not deal with it!  Busy day.  I have knitting at 1 PM Panera, Ebay packages to get to P.O. pronto.  Heading out the door.

Quick Captiva Update:  They sold the white one!  They want me to look at a RED one.............I don't want RED!  Not going!

10/17/14

New ride? Finished installation.




10/17/14 - Here it is.  The finished installation.  Not much difference between this picture and the "before" photo posted a couple days earlier.  This toilet has the oblong bowl, is 16-1/2 " high (getting ready for those days when it is difficult to get up and down, Ha!), slow closing lid, and - and - and - and instead of a handle, there is a button on top that fully flushes with just one push. And, and, and, that button is divided so you can select a little flush or a big super flush!  I'm liking it!

Now, off to clean up my car.  I am going to Devoe Chev in Alexandria to see about making a trade for a 2014 Captiva.  It is a little bigger than my car - used, with less than 5,000 miles but they probably still want too much even with my car as a trade-in.  I will have to get a job for sure it I buy it!  On jobs - I would love a little something to earn extra money but who wants to hire a 68-year old? There - I can't believe it when I hear myself say it  - 68!  Oh, well, off to clean out the Matrix just in case.

10/16/14

Starting a Mystery Shawl 2014



10/16/14 - Time to try something new.  I purchased this guys pattern for $6 on Ravelry yesterday.  It is for a project called a Mystery Shawl.  We were told how much yarn to buy, what size needles, and given hints on color choice. We won't know what the project looks like until the end!  Rules and info shown below.  If you are not a Ravelry member, click this link and it will take you to the page to start your own Mystery Shawl. So far 342 people have signed up to start the project.


RULES AND INFO

Each clue will automatically be sent to you as a pattern

update through Ravelry each Friday starting October 31.

Share in-progress photos on Ravelry, but please use the

mystery thumbnail photo or a photo of your un-knit yarn as

the first photo on your project page.

Anew discussion thread will be started each week in the

Westknits Mystery Shawl KAL 2014 (http://www.ravelry.

com/groups/westknits-mystery-shawl-kal-2014) for you to

ask questions pertaining to that week’s clue.

Technique videos will be posted on my YouTube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/spiffyste77/videos?view_

as=public during some of the week’s clues. Technique

videos will also be linked in the pattern instructions and

Ravelry group.

Post photos of your progress in the SPOILER ALERT!

threads each week.

Use #westknitsKAL2014  posts and photos twitter and instagram

SCHEDULE

Clue #1 - October 31

Clue #2 - November 7

Clue #3 - November 14

Clue #4 - November 21

10/15/14

In the mood to set goals


10/15/14 - I am in the mood to set some goals today and it isn't even new moon time. First, I want to get more items listed on both Ebay and Artfire.   Selling items on Ebay is such a time consuming "hobby", but I do like to see what people will buy.  Surprising sometimes.

I also sell on a site called Artfire.  Items from that shop, where my seller name is Panacea, show up on the left of my blog here.  A click on one of those items will take you to my online shop. Or, use this link -  I hope there is a big improvement in how it looks within the next week.

 I put this photo of Sarah Coventry's Bluebird of Happiness necklace here because it is an item I SOLD on Artfire, listed it in my SOLD Gallery, and continually get emails from people wanting to know where they can get one. So, if you have one, or run into one at a yard sale, nab it.  It is a sought after piece. 

Now, my first goal - get enough interesting things listed on Artfire that the patterns disappear as the first items seen when viewing my shop.  Artfire just recently did an update on how everything looks.  I am still getting used to it. We used to have nice artsy, individual banners but after the update to be more mobile phone friendly, we are all stuck with this ugly orange banner.  I do need to check into this (goal 2).  I think there is a way some of our products can be featured as a banner.

So, it is off to do some Artfire updating and some Ebay listing.

 I've already blown Goal 3 - loose the 10 pounds I gained since Randy started feeding me macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and toasted seasoned French bread at every meal.   Blown it because I just ate a homemade chocolate cookie sandwich loaded with white frosting!

Maybe I can stick to Goal 4 which is to drink at least 8 - 8-oz glasses of water a day.  I saw recently there is an app that buzzes to remind you to drink water every so often during the day.  I thought about downloading it.  Surely I am smart enough to remind myself to DRINK WATER.  Going for some right now!

10/14/14

Before pic


10/14/14 - I took this picture earlier today because it was going to be my before picture - before my new toilet was installed. And, I don't really think there is that much difference in toilets, so I wanted to compare for myself.

The main reason I am getting a new toilet is because I have to hold the handle down until it completes flushing.  I cannot just push the handle and leave.  This happened after I cracked the original tank and replaced it with a different one.  Obviously not the right tank for the toilet.   The job didn't get done today................so, I will have to take an after photo later. 

There isn't much that can be done in my bathroom  It is so small.  How small is it?  It is so small that when I am trying to blow dry my hair, it sucks my shower curtain into the intake of the dryer.

Looking at this picture I realize why they stick them in a little closet-like room nowadays.  Not a very pretty sight!

10/11/14

Scarf Pattern FROGGED!

 
                          10/11/14:  I may not finish this scarf pattern.  I started it and restarted it several times.  I made a chart to make sure I was putting the stitches in the right spot.  I finally got that all worked out but it was very hard to get my crochet hook in the sc stitch of the previous row.  So, on one of my restarts, I started making the slip stitch very loose.  This helped enough that I started the scarf again with high hopes.  

By the way, the shorter scarf pictured was another attempt to make this pattern.  I thought since putting the hook into the slip stitch was so hard, perhaps I could do the scarf by putting the hook in the space of the previous row, not under the two top threads of the sc.  Well, I made a scarf but this came out tight, less wide and so thick and bulky I didn’t like it crocheted that way.   
I told myself with practice I would get going and complete the scarf as the instructions indicated.  I got about 13 inches completed when I noticed a snafu about halfway down.  I see a hole (I made it bigger for the pic) and at the end/start of that same row is a turn row stitch that sticks out a little too far to be right.  This may just be where I started to loosen up and crochet with correct tension.  Instead of looking like an arrow, my first row curves in – probably me working too tightly caused this. The picture at left is how the scarf is supposed to look.  This pattern is available here on Ravelry.

I am going to take a break from this pattern.  Knit something out of the yarn.  Maybe I will try the Desert Arrow Scarf pattern again later.

Trailer In the Woods, Lost Woods

10/10/14 - There is a beautiful view from the deck of the mobile home and a peaceful feeling at the site.  I have really enjoyed hanging out back there while removing debris and preparing for the removal.  Barely visible to the right in the top picture is a wonderful campfire area.  It has a picnic table, and carved wooden bench as well as several BIG rocks suitable for sitting.  The carport will remain, and the little storage shed.  I have such a wonderful woods, I guess that is why I could never see a need for going somewhere to camp!



10/10/14 - Update on the trailer in the woods situation.  The original guy says he still wants to remove it.  So, I didn't have to make more calls!  I did head back there and loaded up a few of the scrap items.  I will take them to the scrap yard early next week.  I better upload a photo or two of the trailer onsite since it will be gone by the end of the year.  Hopefully the universe that hates a void will fill this space with something good...........................

10/10/14

A trailer day. . . .

10/10/14 - I have listed ornament kits like this one on Ebay several times.  They usually bring at least $9.99.  I got bids on 2 of the last ones I listed, but the lady wants me to wait 3 weeks for payment.  I have agreed to do it. If for some reason she doesn't pay, I have been thinking it might be fun to make the ornaments myself.  I remember making these with my mother years ago.  In fact, they are stored in the attic.  She had some beautiful ornaments.  I should start listing those, too.  The finished ones bring good money also.

I have goofed off for a couple days so now it is time to devote some attention to farm stuff.  Like getting that trailer off my property before the end of the year!

My To-Do list today includes making some phone calls:
1) to see if the original guy who said he would do it is going to show up; 2) call the guy who moved one for a neighbor to see if he is interested 3) call the ad in the paper to see if they have recommendation 4) head back there and pick up some of the metal scrap I gathered earlier and take it to the scrap yard - maybe they know someone. . . . .

Sounds like fun, huh?  The sooner I get started, the sooner it will be over then I can knit, crochet and make beautiful ornaments.



10/8/14


10/8/14 - I took this picture in the woods at the  farm.  I am not sure if it is ginseng or goldenseal.  

I have been interested in identifying herbs and wildflowers for a long time.  I used to walk the woods and creek banks, Field Guide in hand, when I lived in Friendship.

This Monday I attended a meeting of the Central Indiana Herb Society.  It was an interesting evening.  We had lots of discussions on Pumpkins, i.e. making Pumpkin Pie Potpourri, Pumpkin Recipes, Pumpkin Crafts, Pumpkin an Herb,  Refreshments included Pumpkin treats.  The Pepita Brittle (Pumpkin Seed) was one of my favorites. 

One comment that stuck with me during the "Pumpkin an Herb" segment was that pumpkin seeds are great for arthritis. A lady at the meeting swore they had really helped her.  The fact that they are a great source of Vitamin A was also emphasized.

Lots of pictures taken at the meeting.  Just click on this link:
http://1drv.ms/1rT0kOI  

The Herb Society of Central Indiana website: www.herbsocietyofcentralindiana.org  


Notice the baggies full of little pumpkins.  We all received one, then were allowed to go down the herb laden table to pick some greens to fill our pumpkins.  We all also received 2 tsp of Orris Root which is a Fixative for Potpourri.  Fun stuff.

If you have a desire to make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice, Jim Long (not sure who this is but highly regarded by the Herb Society) furnished the following recipe which he deemed the "Best".

8 TBS cinnamon             2 Tbs cloves
6 TBS nutmeg                 2 Tbs allspice
3 TBS ginger

Use 1 Tbs or to taste, per pie.  Store in a sealed container.

10/7/14

Woo-Woo Stuff - Call me Cornflower



10/7/14 - A discussion with friends earlier this week brought to mind this drawing given to me by a reader in the 90's. The reader said I was Cornflower from the Ute tribe in a previous life and this is the picture she drew.  The writing at the bottom reads: 
"I follow you, me, we are all part of grandfather Ute tribe, many times good, bad and wonderful.  Now I teach you what I failed to learn about life. Yes, oh, we are dancers."

The discussion that prompted this posting happened when my friend recounted her dream of being given the name "Country Mist" by a Native American during a dream.  Aren't dreams fun!

About 10 years ago, I also encountered a Native American Chief during a meditation/shamanic journey to the upper world.  My vision took place while walking along what appeared to be the rim of a golden castle.  The path was gold, everything was gold until I saw this chief  in full regalia standing directly in front of me.  I waited, and waited for some info, acknowledgement, anything.  Finally, I burst out with "Why won't you talk to me?"  His reply, "There is wisdom in silence." 

I've never forgotten those words.  Sometimes I don't follow the advice or practice the silence (which I assume to be meditation).   I recognize the profoundness of that simple statement.  I was reminded of it again the other day when I saw this quote: You never learn anything while you are talking.

In addition to advice, I came away from that shamanic journey with the name of "Stands Tall" as my Indian Guide. 

As far as Cornflower, well I loved Utah (a home of the Utes) when I visited, long to go back. Herbs are also a passion of mine.  The note below says the genus is drived from the Centaur, Chiron , who taught mankind the healing virtue of herbs.  Further note on Cornflower from Botanical.com :

Centaurea Cyanus, the Cornflower, with its star-like blossoms of brilliant blue, is one of our most striking wild-flowers, though it is always looked on as an unwelcome weed by the farmer, for not only does it by its presence withdraw nourishment from the ground that is needed for the corn, 'but its tough stems in former days of hand-reaping were wont to blunt the reaper's sickle, earning it the name of 'Hurt Sickle':
    
'Thou blunt'st the very reaper's sickle and so
In life and death becom'st the farmer's foe.'
 
The Latin name, Cyanus, was given the Cornflower after a youthful devotee of the goddess Flora (Cyanus), whose favourite flower it was, and the name of the genus is derived from the Centaur, Chiron, who taught mankind the healing virtue of herbs.
It has long been cultivated as a garden plant, in several colours as well as white. C. montana, a perennial form, is frequent in gardens.





10/6/14

Morning with JM and the Super Cake



10/6/14 - I got a text this morning before daylight wanting to know if I had a cake stand.  It was from my son who arrived shortly after that with three layers of chocolate cake and  a pan of chocolate frosting.  He had made a cake for his girlfriend's daughter and was wanting a cake stand to put it on. 

After accessing the situation he decided more icing was needed so he proceeded to make a double batch of butter cream frosting. This took a whole 2# bag of powdered sugar.  He put the chocolate frosting between the three layers, and added the white buttercream for sides and top.  Here is John Michael adding the beginning of the decorations.  I don't have a picture of the completed cake........which I hope he was able to transport back to his place in one piece.  I am sure he will post a picture or two to his Facebook page.


I did learn something about JM this morning.  I've always known he likes to cook and thinks it is all easy, afraid to tackle nothing.  He even talked about making his own yeast!  I don't think he does this but I know he has gone to making his own pizza dough for his pizza place. Oh, what I learned.....
John has always loved basketball and was in sports at his high school - knew that BUT  I guess he also was in Home Ec class in High School with the girls and beat them all 2 Times in a cake decorating contest! 

10/5/14




10/5/14 - Happy to say the book at the right will soon belong to someone else.  It is currently on EBay with a paltry bid of 99 cents.  (It could go higher; will update on that later.)  I personally believe this book was way too much about Doreen Virtue. To be fair, I should have expected that.  Read this synopsis :

Healing with the Fairies Tells the author's personal story of how the fairies helped her deal with a divorce and prepare for a spiritually based relationship.

Just saying I don't mind letting this "fluffy" book go.  Then, when I happened across her bio..........well, she has been married and divorced 4 times!  With direct information from communication with the fairies AND three university degrees in  counseling psychology, you would think she would be a little more skilled with relationships or wise enough not to even attempt one. 

I have been mulling around the idea of joining the Central Indiana Herb Society.  They are having a meeting open to the public tomorrow.  I plan to attend to see what I think of the group.  I follow them on FB and often see some info on identifying herbs and wildflowers - a subject the definitely interests me.  Here is the meeting info and location:

6:45pm: Fall Education Night / PUBLIC ESPECIALLY INVITED

6:45 Monday, October 6th, John Hensel Gov. Center, 10701 N. College Ave.
Members will present “Pumpkin.... an Herb?”. Includes culinary uses of pumpkins, “Pumpkins Here, Pumpkins There,
Pumpkins Everywhere”, history, medicinal uses, and hands-on pumpkin crafts to take home. Delicious treats will
include pumpkin! Free and open to the public. Contact (317) 251-6986


10/3/14

Example of how things change.




10/3/14 -  I wasted most of this morning sorting old post cards by state, foreign country, comic, folders, greeting card, etc.  I have sold a few but I doubt if any are of real value.  One that made me feel a little sad was a souvenir folder of Detroit Michigan. Below is Ford Motor Company Building with 25,000 Employees.  The inside of the folder reads: " Detroit is the first city in the manufacture of Automobiles, Automobile parts, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Overalls, Stoves and Varnishes.  One Automobile Factory at the present time occupies 7,000,000 square feet of factory and office floor space, giving employment to over 43,000 men.  When additions now in  course of erection are completed, floor space and number of employees will be doubled.

Present population 800,000.

Modestly shares with Washington, D.C. the honors of being the most beautiful city in America."


"The Latch String Hangs Out"

The old cars featured on some of the post cards and mention of Michigan Central Station as "new"  in this folder suggest post card folder is from approx 1913.
 
 
 

10/2/14

Using paint from the recycle store

10/2/14 - Last month I stopped in the recycle store and found a couple quarts of exterior paint.  The first can I opened was grey.  I painted the blocks out by the barn. I really should paint the bottom row too but I barely had enough to cover what I did.  I think I will stop out there for now.

The next can had the mauve color I have put on the arms and bottoms of these old chairs.  I really like the yellow color but.................... I had one more quart of paint.  It is a bright red, oil based paint.  I have given the chairs one coat, not shown here because right now they look awful!
I hope to give them one more coat tomorrow with better results.  The paint stayed sticky for a long time, has brush strokes, looks awful with the mauve colored arms - all in all kind of a mess. Will update tomorrow.

I have been trying to get the yard in shape for winter.  Pulling the dead plants, picking the last of the tomatoes, bringing in the ferns, houseplants, etc.  It is hard to believe cold weather will be on us soon!  I heard an awful lot of walnuts falling this afternoon so I may not be mowing anymore - too hard on the blades.  I should put the rotary mower on and make a good swipe back down the lane.

Here is my version of a bottle tree. I am tired of whatever kind of bush this is so I have cut the limbs and leaves off a couple times this year and added bottles.  No fancy store bought decorative bottles here.  This one contains some old bleach bottles, lemon bottles, ketchup bottle, Vicks jar, water bottles, and even a wine bottle or two. : )  


The newly painted chairs are below.  Not that happy with the outcome but maybe next year I will paint the arms and base a more compatible color. Main thing accomplished, they are preserved.



10/1/14

Miracle Lasagna



Prep Time: 5 minutes, Bake Time: 1 Hour, Stand Time: 5 Minutes

v    1 jar (1# 10 oz) Prego Traditional or Prego Tomato Basil & Garlic Sauce  ($2.29)

v    6 uncooked lasagna noodles ($1 pkg)

v    1-15 oz container ricotta cheese  ($2.69)

v    2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)  ($2.50)

v    ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese  (on hand)
 
Spread about 1 cup pasta sauce in 2-quart shallow baking dish (11X7-inch).  Top with 3 uncooked noodles, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and 1 cup pasta sauce.  Top with remaining 3 uncooked noodles and remaining pasta sauce.  Cover.
Bake at 375 degree F. for 1 hour.  Uncover and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.  Let stand 5 minutes.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 It cost me about $8.50 for the Lasagna ingredients, $3 for a small loaf on Asiago Cheese Bread from Panerra, and another $3 for hamburger that I made into meatballs to accompany this meal – a total of $14.50………….two of us made a big meal and had some leftover snacks the next day, so say 4 meals from this investment.   I am just trying to decide if cooking is worth it.  Hmmmm. 
 
 
 
I do get tired of the fast food establishments on our main strip:  Wendy’s, Burger King, Arby’s, Taco Bell – so, every once in awhile I will continue to put on the apron and mix up a home-cooked meal.
Note:  Next time instead of making meatballs separate, I will just season and cook some hamburger, drain and add the crumbles to it as one of the layers. 
 

 

Hood Ornament and a People "Piece of Work"

 
 
 

On Saturday, 9/27/14, Randy and I attended a couple car shows: James Dean Festival at Fairmount Indiana and the Duck-Tail Hot Rod Run at Gas City, Indiana.  There were lots of beautiful autos - old, new, rods and one-of-a-kind collector cars.  It was a fun outing but the only picture I had on my phone was this creative "hood ornament".  Have I ever mentioned the first car I ever bought on my own was an Orange Gremlin!  I guess I don't have the best taste in cars.

I had to add a couple pictures of another guy we saw at the Ducktail Run in Gas City.  He was quite the sight as was his Winnebago Family Truckster.  If you want to see more of  this piece of work, he has a Facebook Page entitled Winnebago Family Truckster.  Search him from your Facebook page. : )