Thursday, July 30, 2009

We took advantage of some nice weather this weekend and visited some local waterfalls. It's nice to see cool things locally that you've never seen before...it makes me realize there's lots more to discover in Vermont (even though I've lived here my whole life).
Estella modeling some sunglasses that were meant to go to the thrift store...they are now a new addition to her accessory collection. She's such a ham...
She's getting quite the little personality as she grows into more and more of a little girl...she never ceases to amaze me...or make me laugh.

And in the spirit of procrastination and putting off what I should be working on, I've picked out materials for a rabbit pattern that I'm testing out. I don't normally make stuffed animals from a pattern, but I'm sort of testing this one for a fellow blogger...more on that later.
Cool vintage buttons from the ReStore:
I've developed a bit of a button addiction. I accumulate them from flea markets and thrift stores and old clothing. Everywhere I go I find cool buttons...now all I need to do is find a use for them.

On the home front, my garden has been enjoying these few days of summer sun, Walti has been enjoying his job and the promise of some time in the ER sometime soon, and we are still trying to keep our heads up as we count down the days until we (may) have to move. We are definitely hoping for a super summery sunny August and some time to spend together enjoying it!

Happy weekend to everyone...it's supposed to be a nice one...keep your fingers crossed!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

chillin'

We haven't been doing much lately so I haven't had too much to blog about and also, if I'm being totally honest with myself (and you), I'm moping. I figure if I don't have lots of nice things to share, why bother...I'm feeling stressed and I can't really hide it so I figure I should post as little as possible so as not to spread my anxiety...it's contagious you know.

I've been trying to engage in stress-free, relaxing activities. We spent some time one morning lounging on the porch (complete with pillows and blankets) and made a nice tent to hide under. The people driving by must have thought we were nuts but at least it kept Estella happy for a couple of hours.
Estella and I had a relaxing weekend in the Kingdom this weekend. It was nice to get away and Estella had fun visiting her Grandma, and Grammy and Papa.
Estella did a little gardening and shelled some peas...she very carefully shelled one pea at a time...her attention to detail A+, time management D-. Luckily we weren't having peas for dinner or we may have never eaten!

A little DJ time with Daddy:
And in between it all I've done a little sewing:
This one is still in the works, as are many of the others. Did I mention I'm not doing so well with actually finishing anything? I'm distracted and seem to be bouncing around to different projects. I finished Estella's first piece of clothing...and I'm planning some more. I raided my Mom's fabric while home and found some super cute wool for coats or winter dresses, and I really need to get busy on the quilt I've been working on. Maybe I'm developing ADD in my old age, or maybe I'm just avoiding the rest of my life by hiding in the sewing room...yeah, now that I mention it, it's more likely that I'm hiding than late onset ADD. Oh well, there are worse things I could be doing than sewing!

Friday, July 10, 2009

go figure

I've made clothing in the past. It's never really been something I've been super into, but for some reason I've decided to make some clothing for Estella. I'm starting out with a pair of pants from this issue of Ottobre.
I also have two more issues coming with more wintery clothing in them so maybe I can make lots of clothing this winter while we're buried under snow. We'll see how long this kick lasts, but for now...let the sewing begin!


Estella spent a long time playing with water the other day. She poured it back and forth from cup to cup while I worked around the house...whatever entertains her, right?
We received a box of goodies in the mail today, and went to Ben Franklin/Creative Habitat yesterday (cuz they're going out of business...looking for a bargain!), and we seem to have ended up with a couple of Matryoshka items...kind of an odd coincidence, but colorful and fun nonetheless!
So, obviously I'm planning some clothing to sew, I have a quilt in the works for some friends, and I'm continually working on projects for the two shows (one is most likely postponed though so that gives me a little break on my deadlines), and I have a list started for Christmas gifts...I've got a lot of plans, and not much time...isn't that the way it usually works?!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

This year Waterbury had their Fourth of July parade and festivities the week before the actual holiday, so by the time the Fourth rolled around we weren't feeling very festive.

We went for a drive and ended up going strawberry picking which we decided seemed all American enough to count as a holiday festivity...
I wish I had remembered my camera...Estella was so sweet picking berries! I'll try to remember it for blueberry picking...

Having pounds of berries with no idea what to do with them has made me look into learning the art of canning. I'm only referring to it as an "art" because there are so many things to keep in mind to can...equipment, acid levels, altitude, BOTULISM! Reading up on the subject has me thinking that canning is best left to those who have been taught by someone but I'm thinking of trying...any tips? How scared should I be about killing my family with bacterial infused canned goods? I guess as long as I'm careful ( and I buy a pressure canner) I should be able to can just about anything, right?

The first house is still on the market...we're resorting to odd religious practices and good ol'fashioned prayer. St. Joseph will be buried in the front yard tonight!
I was managing to remain fairly Zen about the whole thing...feeling like it'll all work out, even if we loose the house we're in...figuring there must be some reason for whatever happens...remaining upbeat and optimistic...not so much anymore! I'm now in full on panic and constant anxiety mode. I know it won't help the situation, but it is who I am and I can't help it. I love this house and the property, and we've been living in it for almost a year with the feeling and understanding that this is our home...I don't know if I can make it through another move. I guess there's not much to do now but sit and wait...and PRAY!

I've been continuing to try to get some work done everyday. I'm making progress on my projects, but not managing to actually finish any of them. I'm kind of getting close to my deadline for one of the shows so I guess I'll have to actually finish a few of them soon.
Walter is currently studying like a mad man...he has his NCLEX exam tomorrow afternoon, so everyone think happy, passing grade thoughts for him!

Hope you all had lots of Fourth of July fun!