tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31271142340577846662024-03-13T14:22:19.147-04:00chickpea studiosFor those of you who wonder what goes on in the mind of a slightly wacky, moderatley neurotic, overly sleep deprived compulsive crafter...staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-67911554589339297852009-08-22T08:56:00.002-04:002009-08-22T09:06:07.304-04:00Sorry for the blogging absence this week...not that it's unusual...<br /><br />My blog and site and everything Chickpea has been moved and I didn't want to blog during the move and make more work for my technically inclined friend.<br /><br />Please come visit me over at the new and soon to be improved Chickpea Studios. I haven't had a chance to fully alter the site and make it my own. And to be perfectly honest, I have no idea how to do any of that stuff anyways...I just keep bugging my techie friend until he does it!<br /><br />Oh, and I haven't blogged over there yet but I'm hoping to this weekend! So, come visit me and save the link, change your favorites, add my new site to your blogroll...whatever you have to do...<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><a href="http://www.chickpeastudios.com/">Chickpea Studios</a></span></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-30816971676643272292009-08-15T15:04:00.003-04:002009-08-15T15:19:40.588-04:00nice days make me happyIt's been gorgeous here the last few days...a bit humid but otherwise great! We've managed to spend some time outside and I've been making progress on all of my projects.<br /><br />Estella and I had a nice morning at the <a href="http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/waterbury.cfm">Reservoir</a> yesterday with some friends. It was so sunny and warm. The water was so nice and warm that Estella willingly went in and played, which was a relief. She has a tendency to be a little hesitant to go in the water but not yesterday...maybe it was the heat, or the fact that the water felt like a bath tub...<br /><br />We gathered our first helping of beans last night for dinner...very yummy. The garden continues to be a bit disappointing, but at least we've managed a few tasty servings from it so far!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SocHEuGWgaI/AAAAAAAAA6E/mCHuh2FIkKI/s1600-h/beans.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370268858338148770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SocHEuGWgaI/AAAAAAAAA6E/mCHuh2FIkKI/s320/beans.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've finished the quilt...did I already blog that? I really can't remember but anyways it's done! <br /><br />I've been <strong>slowly</strong> working on the rabbit pattern. I do a few minutes every now and then but nothing much. It's too nice out to be stuck inside sewing...and considering how miserable the weather was around here this summer, I'd better enjoy it while I can!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SocHEF-4D0I/AAAAAAAAA58/7fhpPY2alcA/s1600-h/abbitparts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370268847569375042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SocHEF-4D0I/AAAAAAAAA58/7fhpPY2alcA/s320/abbitparts.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hope you all have been able to enjoy the beautiful weather this week! I'll try to post again as I make more progress on my projects, or if something really thrilling happens that I just <em>have </em>to share...</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-38808266192722346022009-08-09T13:49:00.006-04:002009-08-09T14:24:06.019-04:00what are you going to use it for?That (the title) is what I can expect to hear from my husband whenever I come home with anything unexpected. And, I usually end up finding a use for just about everything I come home with...<br /><br />I've had a few trips to flea markets and thrift stores lately and I've come home with quite a few new items needing attention...and I think he's getting used to it (or he's given up) so I haven't had to come up with reasons for my purchases.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sn8MZ5PN2wI/AAAAAAAAA5w/w29nBAHz67w/s1600-h/fleawips.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368022919849827074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sn8MZ5PN2wI/AAAAAAAAA5w/w29nBAHz67w/s320/fleawips.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the most recent pile of projects/finds. I'm a sucker for old pieces and the hidden potential I see in them...and I like to redo old furniture. I can pretty much blame (or thank) my parents for that trait. There was never a shortage of furniture projects going on in our household!<br /><br />And in my defense, I have a pretty good track record for getting my projects done. I finished <a href="http://chickpeastudios.blogspot.com/2008/09/sea-of-green.html">the couch </a>and <a href="http://chickpeastudios.blogspot.com/2008/09/were-heading-west.html">the chair </a>that I was working on last year, and I just finished a vintage metal bathroom cabinet I bought earlier this summer (which looks great Mom). So in honor of my huge pile of things-to-get-redone, I'm also planning to finally start on this old chair.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sn8MZgZo96I/AAAAAAAAA5o/fQnEONgX6nc/s1600-h/uglychair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368022913182660514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sn8MZgZo96I/AAAAAAAAA5o/fQnEONgX6nc/s320/uglychair.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yes, it's vinyl and incredibly ugly, but also incredibly comfortable and a really great shape and size. I've never done any upholstering with buttons so it should be an adventure, but I figure it'll be a great indoor project as the weather gets cooler and it's no longer warm enough for painting...</div><div><br /> </div><div>I will say that while researching the techniques on reupholstering this style of chair, I'm realizing why it's so ridiculously expensive to pay someone to do it for you....this should be an experience. I'll try to keep updating my progress as I get started.<br /><br />I have begun sewing binding.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sn8MZZOvl2I/AAAAAAAAA5g/p8fyq-vDuoA/s1600-h/binding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368022911257909090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sn8MZZOvl2I/AAAAAAAAA5g/p8fyq-vDuoA/s320/binding.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'll be finished somewhere between the wedding and my death...okay maybe I'm exaggerating but it's a bit slow going...and I think I need to invest in a thimble...it kills my fingers!</div><div><br /> </div><div>Just to update our mental status for those of you who know what's going on with the houses...we are maintaining. We continue to hope for a sale but are fully prepared to move again. I've also maybe <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">sorta</span> kinda decided that if we do move, I may want to take the house off the market so we can have some stability for a little while...the not knowing and uncertainty has been the hardest part. But as usual, we shall see...all we can do at this point is continue to wait. We'll of course keep you all posted.</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-70872619207558932132009-08-06T14:55:00.003-04:002009-08-06T15:19:37.615-04:00Yeah!I managed to finally get everything done for <a href="http://plushyou2.com/">Plush You </a>and I even managed to get them in the mail on time...though I did cut it kind of close. These three are on their way to Washington:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Snso4YmC-eI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/sfOhcy7LJ_8/s1600-h/plushyou.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366928330081892834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Snso4YmC-eI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/sfOhcy7LJ_8/s320/plushyou.jpg" border="0" /></a> Now it's time for me to get going on the quilt I've been avoiding. I still have about half of the quilting to do and the entire binding...yuck! I'm sure I'll get it done, I like to have something to work on at night and the binding is a perfect chill-on-the-couch kind of project.<br /><br />And yet another reason my daughter is spoiled rotten and sure to turn into the world's biggest brat...I serve her lunches like this.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Snso4K6d2mI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/9jjxPhf1Yws/s1600-h/spoiled.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366928326409443938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Snso4K6d2mI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/9jjxPhf1Yws/s320/spoiled.jpg" border="0" /></a> No...not everyday, but when I do this, she eats most of it and asks for more. If I don't have to convince her to eat her food, I'm more than happy to break out the cookie cutters and slice up her grapes!</div><div><br /> </div><div>Terrible picture I know...but it's our first carrot so I had to document it! I pulled one out just to see how they're doing and Estella ate it for dessert.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Snso3uPnTMI/AAAAAAAAA5I/Nq-aDB7pmmI/s1600-h/carrot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366928318713515202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Snso3uPnTMI/AAAAAAAAA5I/Nq-aDB7pmmI/s320/carrot.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've had pretty rotten luck with my gardens this year, and I'm pleased to have something edible come out of it...even if it is a 4 inch long carrot. I'll take just about anything I can get...I've lost most of my beets, all of my zucchini and summer squash, and my tomatoes are dwarfs. I shouldn't make it seem all bad though - we've had a ton of herbs and lettuce, and it looks like we'll have a decent crop of beans. I know I'm not the only one with a difficult garden this year so I'm trying not to take it too personally!</div><div><br /> </div><div>It has been a gorgeous day today...sunny and warm with a nice breeze...perfect for mowing the lawn and playing in the sand box! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for the rain to hold of since I'd love to get to the local farmer's market tonight. We shall see...</div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-78421837379807244042009-07-30T14:24:00.005-04:002009-07-30T15:37:08.338-04:00We 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).<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlrCZ9F3I/AAAAAAAAA5A/D9P5FwHU4G8/s1600-h/waterfall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364321158717839218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlrCZ9F3I/AAAAAAAAA5A/D9P5FwHU4G8/s320/waterfall.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlqznX-_I/AAAAAAAAA44/ZYg7yyVECwc/s1600-h/bigglasses.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364321154747595762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlqznX-_I/AAAAAAAAA44/ZYg7yyVECwc/s320/bigglasses.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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.</div><div><br />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.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlqsPxC7I/AAAAAAAAA4w/aq887ZscFwg/s1600-h/bunnywip.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364321152769526706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlqsPxC7I/AAAAAAAAA4w/aq887ZscFwg/s320/bunnywip.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cool vintage buttons from the ReStore:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlqXZr03I/AAAAAAAAA4o/7JVpsqnoiAQ/s1600-h/vinbuttons.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364321147173983090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SnHlqXZr03I/AAAAAAAAA4o/7JVpsqnoiAQ/s320/vinbuttons.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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!<br /><br />Happy weekend to everyone...it's supposed to be a nice one...keep your fingers crossed!</div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-12070612750899510692009-07-21T15:45:00.002-04:002009-07-21T16:18:27.307-04:00chillin'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.<br /><br />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.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbPuZmxJI/AAAAAAAAA4g/yk61eWrF-3Q/s1600-h/porchfun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361002363398571154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbPuZmxJI/AAAAAAAAA4g/yk61eWrF-3Q/s320/porchfun.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbPQilyNI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/j4kUz2HqCm0/s1600-h/IMG_6517.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361002355383191762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbPQilyNI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/j4kUz2HqCm0/s320/IMG_6517.JPG" border="0" /></a>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!</div><div><br /> </div><div>A little DJ time with Daddy:<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbO6Ee9TI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/IFIAbBpoSpw/s1600-h/djestella.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361002349351335218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbO6Ee9TI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/IFIAbBpoSpw/s320/djestella.jpg" border="0" /></a> And in between it all I've done a little sewing:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbOlTEW4I/AAAAAAAAA4I/AKzBEvX8qqs/s1600-h/clownwip.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361002343775361922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SmYbOlTEW4I/AAAAAAAAA4I/AKzBEvX8qqs/s320/clownwip.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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!</div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-9739474296717342272009-07-10T14:32:00.003-04:002009-07-10T14:51:06.648-04:00go figureI'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 <a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2008_1/index.html?fi">this</a> issue of <a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/">Ottobre.</a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SleJoWLpk0I/AAAAAAAAA4A/B7pxS2HkCRs/s1600-h/ottobre.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356901608022709058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SleJoWLpk0I/AAAAAAAAA4A/B7pxS2HkCRs/s320/ottobre.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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!<br /><br /><br />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?<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SleJn4-YcbI/AAAAAAAAA34/uon9EVjvY4o/s1600-h/teaparty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356901600182432178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SleJn4-YcbI/AAAAAAAAA34/uon9EVjvY4o/s320/teaparty.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SleJnuYm1XI/AAAAAAAAA3w/kGDfee6e4i0/s1600-h/nesting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356901597339637106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SleJnuYm1XI/AAAAAAAAA3w/kGDfee6e4i0/s320/nesting.jpg" border="0" /></a>So, obviously I'm planning some clothing to sew, I have a <a href="http://chickpeastudios.blogspot.com/2009/05/making-progress.html">quilt in the works </a>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 <a href="http://www.buyhandmade.org/">Christmas gifts</a>...I've got a lot of plans, and not much time...isn't that the way it usually works?! </div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-16112197101157478542009-07-07T16:42:00.003-04:002009-07-07T17:16:59.021-04:00This 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.<br /><br />We went for a drive and ended up going strawberry picking which we decided seemed all American enough to count as a holiday festivity...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SlOzny96gHI/AAAAAAAAA3o/ySLWoZTWfMY/s1600-h/strawbies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355821878151381106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SlOzny96gHI/AAAAAAAAA3o/ySLWoZTWfMY/s320/strawbies.jpg" border="0" /></a> I wish I had remembered my camera...Estella was so sweet picking berries! I'll try to remember it for blueberry picking...<br /><br />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, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botulism">BOTULISM</a>! 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?<br /><br />The first house is still on the market...we're resorting to odd religious practices and good ol'fashioned prayer. <a href="http://www.stjosephstatue.com/?g&gclid=CLDUyMu-xJsCFRd75QodpwXU_w">St. Joseph </a>will be buried in the front yard tonight!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SlOznTQX3mI/AAAAAAAAA3g/1NRsgTLmDYI/s1600-h/stjoe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355821869638868578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SlOznTQX3mI/AAAAAAAAA3g/1NRsgTLmDYI/s320/stjoe.jpg" border="0" /></a> 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 <strong>another</strong> move. I guess there's not much to do now but sit and wait...and PRAY!<br /><br />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.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SlOzm8r2wpI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/UlipvZhfLY0/s1600-h/icywip.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355821863580123794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SlOzm8r2wpI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/UlipvZhfLY0/s320/icywip.jpg" border="0" /></a>Walter is currently studying like a mad man...he has his NCLEX exam tomorrow afternoon, so everyone think happy, passing grade thoughts for him!</div><div><br /> </div><div>Hope you all had lots of Fourth of July fun!</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-63151470813067829112009-06-29T14:16:00.003-04:002009-06-29T14:45:23.171-04:00long haired freaky peopleToday is day number one of four days of fore casted rain and she's already going nuts!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkkFbQLXAiI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/7nK7nq83VZI/s1600-h/estehippie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352815597863764514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkkFbQLXAiI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/7nK7nq83VZI/s320/estehippie.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm not thrilled with the rain, but maybe it'll help my gardens. I haven't been having very much luck with my veggie gardens. Everything is alive, just not growing...and very pale. I have really nice soil, bought organic plants, and have tried watering and not watering per suggestions...still not doing very well. Oh, and we tried fish emulsion too...nada. Any thoughts? <br /><br />I've been getting some work done everyday even if it's only half an hour...I think I'm on my final pieces now (there are four in the works) as long as I'm happy with the results.<br /><br />It's kind of amazing that I get anything done with Estella trying to take over my work space! I guess I've kind of gotten used to working with one hand and taking dangerous scissors, pins, markers, etc. out of her hands with the other. I'm always amazed to read the blogs of other crafty moms who have more than one child and manage to get <strong>so</strong> much accomplished.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkkFbIRy1XI/AAAAAAAAA3I/yYEI8QGAVck/s1600-h/workspace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352815595743270258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkkFbIRy1XI/AAAAAAAAA3I/yYEI8QGAVck/s320/workspace.jpg" border="0" /></a> And as promised-a picture of my finished forest creature:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkkFa1CRwsI/AAAAAAAAA3A/kQsumDgyams/s1600-h/forestdone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352815590577914562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkkFa1CRwsI/AAAAAAAAA3A/kQsumDgyams/s320/forestdone.jpg" border="0" /></a>I only took this one picture since the light in the studio is so bad today. I'll try to get more when the weather changes...</div><div><br /> </div><div>I've been working more with (mostly) recycled wool, fur and felt. This guy is a wool blend felt that was really great to work with, but I'm looking forward to trying some 100%wool felt. A friend suggested some places to order some from and <a href="http://www.novanatural.com/">this</a> place is local. I spoke to someone on the phone that said I could order by phone and pick it up at the warehouse so I won't have to wait (or pay) for shipping! Plus, I'm always up for trying some new materials...I'm already getting inspired by all of the great colors!</div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-22165601654114921672009-06-23T16:50:00.002-04:002009-06-23T17:28:26.592-04:00dreary daysIt's June in Vermont and I find myself wondering when summer plans on coming this way...the days have been dreary here...very windy too, and though we've been able to be outside most days, it's not sunny and warm like I wish it was...oh well, I live in Vermont and moody weather is to be expected. Vermont's lucky it's so pretty...that's all I have to say!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350628807216596658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkFAjSMeBrI/AAAAAAAAA2o/oDMEm4_0hp8/s320/balloonfest.jpg" border="0" /><br />We went on a little outing this weekend to the <a href="http://www.quecheeballoonfestival.com/">Quechee Balloon Festival</a>. It was the Festival's 30th year and I may (?) have been at the first one. I grew up quite literally across the street from the Festival and have fond memories of the event. I was disappointed to find that it wasn't nearly as great as I'd remembered. I have memories of tons of balloons laid out on the ground and watching the people blow them up, watching them take off...just lots of general fun. <br /><br />The only balloon we saw was the above one that was old and dirty...but it <em>was</em> blown up with huge fans and Estella got to run around inside of it. We weren't there for any of the launch times so I suppose that's why we didn't see any balloons but really the whole event felt more like a craft fair with carnival food vendors. Considering that we don't really eat fried-meaty-carnival foods, we couldn't even enjoy that...luckily, <a href="http://www.skinnypancake.com/">The Skinny Pancake </a>had a stand there so we got to eat some good, yummy food...and of course some french fries too!<br /><br />Estella was able to go on a train ride and a bouncy, blown up slide and we saw some parachuting men...so she was satisfied. I think I was mostly disappointed because I had such great memories of the Festival...I have to wonder, was it really ever that great or is it just my memory of it? <br /><br />My monster:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkFAkIMo6bI/AAAAAAAAA24/58FxTMgYeaY/s1600-h/smiley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350628821712824754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkFAkIMo6bI/AAAAAAAAA24/58FxTMgYeaY/s320/smiley.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is not the smile of a well behaved little girl sitting nicely at the table enjoying her snack...oh no, no, no...this is the smile I get when I catch the little girl making soupy piles of pretzels soaked in water...but she <em>is </em>cute.<br /><br />More progress on my current project:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkFAjz6gSVI/AAAAAAAAA2w/IN1oMEOC0b4/s1600-h/forestwip2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350628816268052818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SkFAjz6gSVI/AAAAAAAAA2w/IN1oMEOC0b4/s320/forestwip2.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've actually finished this one since I've taken the photo. Once it's sewn shut, I'll share some more photos. This particular creature is not really my usual style, but it is the direction I've been heading in. It was a ton of hand sewing...definitely many hours of work, but I'm very pleased with the outcome. Sometimes I need to head in a different direction to take a break from what's becoming boring...being bored with your work doesn't exactly breed creativity. Maybe that's why I always have a million projects going at once...</div><div><br />Well, I'm off to narrow down my Amazon Wish List...I have a <strong>very </strong>long list going and since my counterfeiting skills leave something to be desired, I'll have to narrow it down...not that I can really afford to be buying books right now but I have a little bit of an addiction and it must be fed!</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-87117789740054829122009-06-18T14:21:00.004-04:002009-06-18T14:40:11.632-04:00stuff(ed) & thingsYeah, that's right...I'm famous! Okay, maybe not famous, but I am in print!<br /><br />I didn't know that one of my creatures was chosen to be in the most recent issue of <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/stuffed_w09.html">Stuffed</a>. I sent in to be considered, but I didn't know until I received my free copy in the mail...a very nice surprise!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjqF1jk8TwI/AAAAAAAAA2g/3Fpz4yoHCcY/s1600-h/stuffed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348734662585634562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjqF1jk8TwI/AAAAAAAAA2g/3Fpz4yoHCcY/s320/stuffed.jpg" border="0" /></a> I don't think that this issue is out for sale yet, but when it is you should all check it out...a magazine devoted to Plush-geeks like myself. What could be better?<br /><br />I've heard of birds in sand dollars, but I'd never seen it myself...broken sand dollar birds brought to you by Estella...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjqF1YtLJ9I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/AYR0um9oWzw/s1600-h/dollarbirds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348734659667371986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjqF1YtLJ9I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/AYR0um9oWzw/s320/dollarbirds.jpg" border="0" /></a> Really very cool...at least if you break something as pretty as a sand dollar, you get something else equally as interesting. I looked it up...apparently they're supposed to be doves.</div><div><br /> </div><div>I'm working a bit here and there. I took this morning to do some major cleaning and rearranging upstairs but maybe I'll get some sewing in later. If I'm totally honest, I was cleaning to cover up my procrastination, but who's counting? I'll work when the mood strikes me...</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348734656724541330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjqF1NvjH5I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/Vhw-UjKni_4/s320/forestwip.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I'm happy to report a successful loaf of bread! My first three loaves were bread disguised as bricks, but I took my time on the fourth one and paid close attention to the dough and I actually managed a normal loaf of bread...there's hope for me as a baker yet! Thanks for all of the tips!</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-29512489306545821442009-06-16T14:00:00.003-04:002009-06-16T14:21:22.476-04:00improvementThings are looking up around here a bit. I found out last week that I have pretty severe anemia which could explain my general lack of energy. I'm being treated...taking iron and being aware of resting and relaxing, and I'm feeling a bit better. So, maybe my blogging energy will improve.<br /><br />I received a very nice <a href="http://www.shopkitchenaid.com/sub_category.asp?HDR=standmixers&CAT=mixer4qt">present </a>last week...thanks Santa! I've been trying to learn to use it and bake all at the same time. I've had a very successful batch of cookies, one semi successful loaf of bread and one more is currently rising.<br /><br />I've also acquired one very enthusiastic kitchen helper:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjfeBm9VOhI/AAAAAAAAA2I/ASeGr1ReI6k/s1600-h/flour.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347987201744779794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjfeBm9VOhI/AAAAAAAAA2I/ASeGr1ReI6k/s320/flour.jpg" border="0" /></a>When I asked her what she thought she was doing, she replied, "planting seeds for a garden." Duh, Mama...<br /><br />I would love any recipes for bread that you've all tried and liked. I'd also love to know how I'm supposed to let bread rise in a kitchen that is freezing cold...I've been trying the oven method. You turn on the oven for a minute and then let the dough rise in the warm oven...doesn't seem to be working. But if I'm totally honest, I think my yeast isn't any good anymore...oh well, lots to figure out and perfect, but I'm not giving up yet!<br /><br />I've also started sprouting. I know a few people who sprout all of the time and I've finally managed to give it a go. So far, so good.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjfeBbQglNI/AAAAAAAAA2A/_m1---2Hmas/s1600-h/sprouts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347987198603990226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjfeBbQglNI/AAAAAAAAA2A/_m1---2Hmas/s320/sprouts.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've been working on my projects. I've hit a little slump, but I'm hoping I'll be able to get back in the swing of things since I'm kind of working with a time restraint.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjfeBAtmq2I/AAAAAAAAA14/1x_6PSxNhrs/s1600-h/monsterwips.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347987191478266722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjfeBAtmq2I/AAAAAAAAA14/1x_6PSxNhrs/s320/monsterwips.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have ideas, I'm just having a hard time finding the motivation to get started...maybe I need to start drinking coffee!</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-46490117032440778682009-06-11T17:55:00.002-04:002009-06-11T18:39:35.858-04:00Vacation Cont.I really want to apologize for the lack of enthusiasm in my posts recently...and this one will be no exception. I've been feeling a little run down and I just don't have the energy to put into it. My lack of energy is by no means a reflection of our last week in California. We had a great time - very relaxing in fact. I just wanted to get up some pictures from that last week so that I could get back to more recent events in my next post!<br /><br />Baking with Grandma Chase (don't worry, they were dog biscuits!)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB75a1BCI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kmCG83eB5d0/s1600-h/dogbiscuits.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346197098691101730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB75a1BCI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kmCG83eB5d0/s320/dogbiscuits.jpg" border="0" /></a> The <a href="http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/">Discovery Museum</a>:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB7qnxMbI/AAAAAAAAA1o/-Vs6NQyfsuk/s1600-h/discovery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346197094718845362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB7qnxMbI/AAAAAAAAA1o/-Vs6NQyfsuk/s320/discovery.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://missionpie.com/">Mission Pie</a>...a great pie shop and business...search this place out if you're in San Francisco!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB7ZcR1JI/AAAAAAAAA1g/Xc_kkfvNzmw/s1600-h/mission.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346197090107249810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB7ZcR1JI/AAAAAAAAA1g/Xc_kkfvNzmw/s320/mission.jpg" border="0" /></a> A childhood dream come true...we went to the <a href="http://www.mrsgrossmans.com/7-0_tour.cfm">Mrs. Grossman's </a>factory...when I was younger, I had every intention of owning a sticker store when I grew up, and just seeing all those rolls of stickers was enough to rekindle that old flame! :)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB7MT2lKI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/kCBQPLcWjXs/s1600-h/grossmans.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346197086582248610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB7MT2lKI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/kCBQPLcWjXs/s320/grossmans.jpg" border="0" /></a> We did go on outings most days, but really we spent a lot of time at Chase and Brian's. They have a great house, and a nice closed in yard with lots of garden beds <strong>and</strong> chickens! It was nice to relax in the sun, pet the chickens and poke around the gardens...not to mention that a closed in yard takes a lot of stress off of keeping track of a two year old!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB6rDUE-I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/rTr1tywMLo4/s1600-h/picking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346197077654508514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SjGB6rDUE-I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/rTr1tywMLo4/s320/picking.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was a really great visit, and we're hoping we'll be able to make the trip again soon...thanks for everything!</div><div> </div><div>I will try to find some enthusiasm for my next blog...actually it's not so much enthusiasm I'm lacking-it's energy. Either way, I've been working on my projects, so I should hopefully have something new to share soon! </div></div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-37809681986992275242009-06-09T09:29:00.002-04:002009-06-09T09:57:32.543-04:00The CoastThere really isn't much to say about the drive up the coast except that there was <strong>a lot </strong>of driving involved.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Si5kFvInLfI/AAAAAAAAA1I/jI1j_7F78f0/s1600-h/crazybaby.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345319857450069490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Si5kFvInLfI/AAAAAAAAA1I/jI1j_7F78f0/s320/crazybaby.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was also <strong>very </strong>cold...cold enough that we didn't have enough clothing with us to stay warm...which made all outdoor activities miserable.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Si5kFVWuBWI/AAAAAAAAA1A/efWdjeMbbE0/s1600-h/tidepool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345319850529916258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Si5kFVWuBWI/AAAAAAAAA1A/efWdjeMbbE0/s320/tidepool.jpg" border="0" /></a> We did get to visit with Claude and Maggie (I guess they're Walter's step Grandparents) for a day and Estella got to see all kinds of animals and torment their sweet dog, Puppers.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Si5kExaS3qI/AAAAAAAAA0w/kA-pdXMrgCQ/s1600-h/guailmead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345319840881237666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Si5kExaS3qI/AAAAAAAAA0w/kA-pdXMrgCQ/s320/guailmead.jpg" border="0" /></a> We also spent a few chilly minutes at Denis the Menace Park in Monterrey...a really great park for kids to climb and slide and swing but it was just so cold that we didn't stay long.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345319847061893426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Si5kFIb4MTI/AAAAAAAAA04/uS7fBMdAgnw/s320/denispark.jpg" border="0" />Next up, San Francisco, Novato and Grandma Chase!</div><div><br /> </div><div>Sorry for the lack of enthusiasm in posting today...it's rainy and cold and Estella has been asking <strong>all</strong> morning, "Estella go on airplane to California." and I'm sort feeling like asking for the same thing! We're all kind of missing California...we've come home to some harsh realities here and it'd be nice if we could escape back to vacation mode...</div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-23717633761368500072009-06-05T15:46:00.006-04:002009-06-05T16:08:41.179-04:00Los Angeles & Uncle MarkWe had a really great visit with my brother, Mark (and Attie, too), in LA. He lives in a great house in Los Feliz in LA...not the kind of architecture you'd find in Vermont...so big and roomy!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2ppi2dJI/AAAAAAAAA0g/V712_6iOrtQ/s1600-h/markshouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343932890750547090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2ppi2dJI/AAAAAAAAA0g/V712_6iOrtQ/s320/markshouse.jpg" border="0" /></a> The weather was gorgeous the whole time we were there...hot and sunny all day! We did a few fun touristy things-using Estella as our excuse...a trip to <a href="http://www.ci.la.ca.us/RAP/grifmet/tt/information.htm">Travel Town</a>:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343933238309253842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil294TTctI/AAAAAAAAA0o/R5LiitMf0Ck/s320/traveltown.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>And the <a href="http://www.tarpits.org/">La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum</a>:</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343932740704590194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2g6lG2XI/AAAAAAAAA0I/eh74SVglnKs/s320/labrea.jpg" border="0" />The tar pits and the museum we so cool! The museum has a ton of skeletons found in the pits and there were also tar pits all around the property...actual bubbling tar that you could walk right up to and touch! Very cool!<br /><br /></div><div>We also went for a visit to <a href="http://vacationvinyl.blogspot.com/">Vacation</a>:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343932743025225666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2hDOY78I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/MfTWvHYKBBY/s320/vacationvinyl.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>And right around the corner...we had some frozen yogurt:</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2hS88ztI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/1JSmg0kqzPI/s1600-h/yogurt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343932747247046354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2hS88ztI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/1JSmg0kqzPI/s320/yogurt.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had to include a picture of the yogurt shop, only because it was so not Vermont!<br /><br /><div>Estella and Attie loved each other! Estella tormented Attie and Attie kept Estella with a face full of dog licks the entire time!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2gvM4fHI/AAAAAAAAA0A/9rB6o8Kr8nE/s1600-h/attie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343932737650195570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2gvM4fHI/AAAAAAAAA0A/9rB6o8Kr8nE/s320/attie.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had a really great couple of days...hopefully it won't be another four years before we make it out again!<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2ga4gsCI/AAAAAAAAAz4/CEiLSC2AZOA/s1600-h/estenmark.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343932732196040738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sil2ga4gsCI/AAAAAAAAAz4/CEiLSC2AZOA/s320/estenmark.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Thanks for a great visit, Mark! Hope to see you soon!</span></div></div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-62557152009727282352009-06-04T16:39:00.003-04:002009-06-04T16:55:58.454-04:00a long tripWell, we're back! There's so much to catch up on that I thought I'd do a couple of different posts to catch up. First things first...Walter graduated!! with Honors, no less :)<br /><br />We had a really nice weekend with family and fun and being thankful that it was all over with.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxTMXVkKI/AAAAAAAAAzw/KlyEqnXczqc/s1600-h/graduation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343575163681476770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxTMXVkKI/AAAAAAAAAzw/KlyEqnXczqc/s320/graduation.jpg" border="0" /></a> And then two days later, we left for California....but didn't quite make it there as planned!<br /><br />We missed our connecting flight in JFK and ended up spending almost 10 hours in the terminal waiting on standby. Estella managed to get in a 45 minute nap in a quiet corner:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxS1Gi16I/AAAAAAAAAzo/Fw1c0So1ycQ/s1600-h/terminalnap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343575157437028258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxS1Gi16I/AAAAAAAAAzo/Fw1c0So1ycQ/s320/terminalnap.jpg" border="0" /></a> And since we were there <strong>all day long</strong> we found all of the fun spots to play and hide:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxSq1LktI/AAAAAAAAAzg/sJOabCqkmJY/s1600-h/bushes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343575154679845586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxSq1LktI/AAAAAAAAAzg/sJOabCqkmJY/s320/bushes.jpg" border="0" /></a> I won't get into all of the details describing just how difficult the day was, but it was very long and frustrating...and to make a long story short, we arrived in LA safe and sound!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxSXSmSwI/AAAAAAAAAzY/SRMAkFyUXP0/s1600-h/finallyla.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343575149434522370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SigxSXSmSwI/AAAAAAAAAzY/SRMAkFyUXP0/s320/finallyla.jpg" border="0" /></a> And we managed to arrive late enough to avoid most of the traffic! </div><div><br /> </div><div>I'll post more about the trip later, and I'm happy to report that it only got better! For now, we're off to the Farmer's Market!</div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-24861989837471907402009-05-09T17:57:00.003-04:002009-05-09T18:19:34.209-04:00Pop-undersSomeone please tell me the secret to making Popovers! I've made a few successful batches of Popovers in the past, but I have no idea what recipe I used or why they were successful. Estella constantly asks for them, and I always grab some random recipe off the Internet, and they <strong>never</strong> work...HELP! There's got to be some secret trick that one of you can share with me...<br /><br />We went to the <a href="http://www.queencitycraft.com/">Queen City Craft Bazaar</a> today. It's nice to walk around and see all of the work that some local crafters are doing. Maybe some day I'll have the guts (and the stock) to do the show...we'll see.<br /><br />We also pretty much stayed inside and watched it rain. Estella really wanted to be outside though, so we spent a little time on the porch until it started to rain sideways!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333947776625740658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SgX9PgxDC3I/AAAAAAAAAzM/JdRZilwMVP4/s320/rainytoes.jpg" border="0" />I couldn't resist Estella's cute little wrinkled feet...and she's clutching her Basil plant. The girl is obsessed with Basil in general and this plant is no exception...it ends up inside in random places, and she throws an incredible fit whenever I try to take it away. I hate to imagine what she's going to do when I actually get around to planting it!<br /><br />I am happy to say that I'm very nearly done with all of the little random things I need to get done in order to go away and actually be able to relax. It's been a week of crossing things off of my to do list...yeah!<br /><br /><div align="center">Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas out there! </div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-91850817734801136132009-05-04T18:20:00.003-04:002009-05-04T18:42:00.913-04:00making progressWe've been doing a ton of work outside since my last post. The old grass is freshly mowed and the new grass is safely hiding under a layer of straw...we're really hoping it takes this time!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qjg5z7XI/AAAAAAAAAzE/29D51tFphAg/s1600-h/greenyard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332097642190335346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qjg5z7XI/AAAAAAAAAzE/29D51tFphAg/s320/greenyard.jpg" border="0" /></a> The garden boxes are filled with really nice compost/soil, and the front of the house has new beds with some pretty flowers and herbs. I've been enjoying working outside this year which a complete change from last year. Last year I avoided outside activities whenever possible, but this year I've voluntarily raked and mowed the lawn! Last year at this time though we were getting over a really stressful couple of months and I just wasn't feeling it...<br /><br />Tonight, Walter is at his last class! He has a week long review for his <a href="https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm">NCLEX</a> next week, but as for normal classes and homework, he's done! It's been a long three years but the end is in sight!!<br /><br />Estella enjoying a little painting time...we pretty much figure she's done painting when she starts to use the paint as a hand moisturizer...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qjRzf-kI/AAAAAAAAAy8/qdS5Zga5c4w/s1600-h/painting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332097638137330242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qjRzf-kI/AAAAAAAAAy8/qdS5Zga5c4w/s320/painting.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've quilted half of the quilt I'm working on:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qjFjlNEI/AAAAAAAAAy0/e9TCWvB2OYs/s1600-h/quiltwip.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332097634849338434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qjFjlNEI/AAAAAAAAAy0/e9TCWvB2OYs/s320/quiltwip.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've also been trying to work on some other projects...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qiybdXqI/AAAAAAAAAys/-om3UIp2FWo/s1600-h/beastwips.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332097629714996898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sf9qiybdXqI/AAAAAAAAAys/-om3UIp2FWo/s320/beastwips.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have two <a href="http://plushyou2.com/">shows</a> due in August so there may be a mad rush for the studio after vacation. I think I have two shows...Shawn, are you still doing Potluck? Anyways, I figure when we get back, it's my turn to say I have lots of work to do and disappear for a couple of days into the studio, and Walter can enjoy a little Estella time!<br /><br /></div><div>Basically, we've been enjoying the weather, doing some work, I've been trying to convince my hypochondriac self that I'm not going to die of The Swine Flu, and we're <strong>really </strong>looking forward to graduation and vacation! </div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-39296704455751206842009-04-26T13:43:00.003-04:002009-04-26T14:00:02.240-04:00adding some colorEstella and I have new shoes! I haven't had a new pair of sneakers since my honeymoon and Estella has outgrown her little pink Converse, so we both have new, bright, colorful sneakers.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SfSdeVzKzpI/AAAAAAAAAyk/TKt2GAA5h7E/s1600-h/newshoes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329057403659538066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SfSdeVzKzpI/AAAAAAAAAyk/TKt2GAA5h7E/s320/newshoes.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm sorry to say that I missed most of yesterday, and I'm really bummed because it was <strong>so</strong> gorgeous out. I tried to be outside for a bit in the morning, but I ended up inside until the afternoon...I had a killer migraine. I get them fairly often, as most of you know, but I consider most of them to be functional migraines, but yesterday my head had a different plan for me. So, I spent the majority of that wonderful day inside on the couch, in bed, or with a bag of frozen food on my head. I hope the rest of you were able to enjoy it more than me! Luckily Walter was around so he and Estella were able to spend the whole day outside playing and working.<br /><br />And of course, today it's kind of chilly and rainy...so we went to the natural food store and got some food for lunch,<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SfSddUdl9EI/AAAAAAAAAyc/T-SyhYq6f_M/s1600-h/shoppingcart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329057386120737858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SfSddUdl9EI/AAAAAAAAAyc/T-SyhYq6f_M/s320/shoppingcart.jpg" border="0" /></a> And I went and got some flowers to plant around the front porch...a bit of badly needed color around the house. <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SfSddA8jp4I/AAAAAAAAAyU/sCxjUt8bxA8/s1600-h/flowergarden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329057380881901442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SfSddA8jp4I/AAAAAAAAAyU/sCxjUt8bxA8/s320/flowergarden.jpg" border="0" /></a>We've been getting a fair amount of outside work done in the last week, and things are starting to feel more like ours...and we still have the whole summer ahead!</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't believe Walter only has three more weeks to go! We are busy getting ready to wrap up the year...he's busy with school work and me with craft and house work. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the amount of things I have to do, but I'm trying to get at least one thing done a day and hopefully by the time Graduation rolls around we'll be ready to leave. I'm figuring that if it's stressful getting to vacation then maybe the vacation itself will be really relaxing!</div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-66870015561505194492009-04-19T08:31:00.003-04:002009-04-19T09:12:20.549-04:00over the slumpI think I may be over the end-of-winter hump that I was struggling to climb.<br /><br />We've been outside enjoying the warmer weather and doing some work around the house. That's the problem with living in three different houses over the course of a year...you can't bring outside work with you...<br /><br />We've moved Estella's sandbox over and will fill it with new sand today. We also built some raised garden beds.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SesaNp5wLsI/AAAAAAAAAyM/KZE_CHX8wjw/s1600-h/gardenbeds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326379806184451778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SesaNp5wLsI/AAAAAAAAAyM/KZE_CHX8wjw/s320/gardenbeds.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was no small task to find wood for the beds. Walter had to go all over creation to find cedar, but we found some and now have beds that will last forever and won't leak nasty chemicals into our food. We've only built the frames, and will probably stake and start filling them today. I'm excited to have a bigger garden this year and I'm hoping that my late start (in June when we get back from California) won't be too late for a decent crop. I'll just have to do larger starters this year and save the actual gardening for next year.<br /><br />I also want to start planting some plants and flowers around when the weather gets a bit warmer but they may also have to wait until June. The house is so plain and generic, and clearly went many years without love, and i feel that some flowers and plants could go a long way towards making it feel homey.<br /><br />Our trip is fast approaching, as well as Walter's Graduation, visits from family, and a few shows I need to be crafting for. All of a sudden, when I find the ambition to do one thing, I have a million others that creep up on me...that's usually how it works, right?<br /><br />A few of you guessed birds on my last post but alas, they're fish:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SesaNa69ncI/AAAAAAAAAyE/NYc1SVHnHFA/s1600-h/fishes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326379802162994626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SesaNa69ncI/AAAAAAAAAyE/NYc1SVHnHFA/s320/fishes.jpg" border="0" /></a> And also some strawberries in the works:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SesaNGFRKCI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HZ0zYorPiqY/s1600-h/strawberries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326379796569073698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SesaNGFRKCI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HZ0zYorPiqY/s320/strawberries.jpg" border="0" /></a> I haven't completely gone off the deep end...the fish and berries are for a small part of another project, something new I'm sort of trying and working towards...</div><div><br /> </div><div>Also thought it was time for a new <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89pH76ran-4&feature=channel">video</a>...this one's mostly for you Californian family members...enjoy!</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-18923700176386976932009-04-13T14:01:00.004-04:002009-04-13T14:28:59.152-04:00Easter Egg BunnySaturday we went on an Easter Egg Hunt and saw the Easter Bunny whom Estella refers to as the "Easter Egg Bunny."<br /><br />She apparently doesn't have the killer instinct it takes to gather more Easter Eggs than all of the other children, but prefers to wander around picking up an egg, looking at it and then putting it back down and moving on. It was an event that was a little overwhelming for all of us...swarms of kids running around pushing each other down for the most Easter Eggs. Still, Estella had fun watching the mayhem and she was thrilled to see the Easter Bunny.<br /><br />Most of the kids wouldn't get close enough to get a picture with him, but Estella was so thrilled to see him that she gave him a big hug and sat on his lap clapping her hands...she cried when we had to say good-bye. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SeN-KRshjuI/AAAAAAAAAx0/AHTHkk6sgZA/s1600-h/easterbunny.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324237899496001250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SeN-KRshjuI/AAAAAAAAAx0/AHTHkk6sgZA/s320/easterbunny.jpg" border="0" /></a> She was thrilled with her Easter basket yesterday morning and insisted on carrying it around <strong>all </strong>day long. I couldn't get a very good picture of the basket since it was such a dreary day and I refuse to use the flash but it turned out really well. It's perfect for her because she's a bag lady of sorts and now she can carry the fabric basket around instead of the paper bags she's been so fond of.<br /><br />She was also thrilled to find some stickers, toys and organic jelly beans in it. She was very willing to share her jelly beans with us when we asked which I thought was impressive since candy is such a rarity. I'm sure as she gets older she'll learn to horde her candy and won't share with me even if I beg...which I will.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SeN-KKkKx-I/AAAAAAAAAxs/TChCNW0fBl4/s1600-h/easterbaskedt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324237897581905890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SeN-KKkKx-I/AAAAAAAAAxs/TChCNW0fBl4/s320/easterbaskedt.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had a nice day together yesterday. Walter worked on a paper, Estella constantly made sure her Easter Basket was in sight and I looked out the window and whined about the fact that it was snowing, but at least we were all home with a day off! </div><div><br /> </div><div>I've also started a new project...a sneak peek for you:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SeN-J3FvLyI/AAAAAAAAAxk/nRh1Za-jB8Q/s1600-h/scales.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324237892353994530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SeN-J3FvLyI/AAAAAAAAAxk/nRh1Za-jB8Q/s320/scales.jpg" border="0" /></a> So far so good, and hopefully I'll have more progress to share with you soon. The above is a small part of a much larger project so it may be a while, but it'll have to be done by August. (I'll share more about that at another time) It may be months before it's done, but I'm just happy that I've motivated enough to start working again...baby steps.</div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-37424751196963718172009-04-10T16:28:00.003-04:002009-04-10T16:43:31.492-04:00making changesI rearranged the living room yesterday and now there is a ton more open space...no TV, but a lot more space. The television didn't really fit into my furniture arrangement, so I've done away with it. We really don't watch it anyways, so what's the point of having an eight thousand pound ginormous television ruining my Feng Shui? Really, the only thing we watch is the computer and random movies which we will still be able to watch with the projector.<br /><br />So, to sum it all up, no more TV but a lot more space...which Estella has been enjoying.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sd-sQRgvf7I/AAAAAAAAAxc/HXD99LO-s_c/s1600-h/openspace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323162680153833394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sd-sQRgvf7I/AAAAAAAAAxc/HXD99LO-s_c/s320/openspace.jpg" border="0" /></a> She also helped me bake some banana bread yesterday.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sd-sQN7J77I/AAAAAAAAAxU/UasyFPxMde8/s1600-h/baking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323162679190876082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/Sd-sQN7J77I/AAAAAAAAAxU/UasyFPxMde8/s320/baking.jpg" border="0" /></a> She mostly stirred around the flour with a measuring spoon and then played in the sink, but she really enjoyed helping. She wants to help pour and stir and measure whenever possible since someone (I won't mention names so as to not point fingers) always lets her help make his coffee...now whenever I cook, she screams "pour sugar" until I let her help with some aspect of my cooking. It's cute that she wants to help, but not always quite so helpful.</div><div><br /> </div><div>Our first house is officially on the market. The sign is up in the front yard and we have our fingers crossed. We are still dealing with the neighbors about the driveway (don't even ask, because I don't want to talk about it...UUUUGGGGHHHHH!!!) but it should be cleared up soon and hopefully we will never have to deal with them again. I know it's a bad time to sell, but we need to do it in order to get the mortgage on the house we're currently living in so, #1 must go! <br /><br />Anyone want to buy a house?</div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-8519536635348380462009-04-07T15:13:00.004-04:002009-04-07T15:35:47.469-04:00Mini VacaWe had a really nice time in Boston last week.<br /><br />We spent part of the day at the <a href="http://www.neaq.org/index.php">Aquarium</a> checking out all they have to offer. The <a href="http://www.neaq.org/animals_and_exhibits/exhibits/individual_exhibits/amazing_jellies/index.php">jellyfish exhibit</a> was by far the coolest part.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumUAEP3rI/AAAAAAAAAxM/_rJKsvt_7wc/s1600-h/jelly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322030247213784754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumUAEP3rI/AAAAAAAAAxM/_rJKsvt_7wc/s320/jelly.jpg" border="0" /></a> Estella had lots of fun looking at all of the different sea creatures...she ran around yelling penguin, starfish, jelly and Stanley (which is the name of the fish in one of her books). It was very cute, and it will probably be a trip we make many times in the coming years. I can see how it would be fun with kids at all the different age levels.<br /><br />We stayed in a really nice hotel right on the Long Wharf<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumPIzY5mI/AAAAAAAAAxE/B7Tpb9gULVg/s1600-h/fluffypillows.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322030163659646562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumPIzY5mI/AAAAAAAAAxE/B7Tpb9gULVg/s320/fluffypillows.jpg" border="0" /></a> And Estella was able to look out the windows at all of the boats coming and going.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumO7FSHWI/AAAAAAAAAw8/zNbKrkMG9QM/s1600-h/hotelwindow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322030159976602978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumO7FSHWI/AAAAAAAAAw8/zNbKrkMG9QM/s320/hotelwindow.jpg" border="0" /></a> We also walked around the <a href="http://www.aviewoncities.com/boston/quincymarket.htm">Quincy Market</a>/ <a href="http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/">Faneuil Hall </a>area for a bit...Estella didn't want to walk around, she said she wanted to "sit, watch peoples"<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumO6uvHaI/AAAAAAAAAw0/rDyBFYvMDtc/s1600-h/watchingpeoples.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322030159882034594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumO6uvHaI/AAAAAAAAAw0/rDyBFYvMDtc/s320/watchingpeoples.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was a quick trip, but it was really nice to get away and have a little time all together with nothing to do but enjoy hanging out.<br /><br />Estella has been learning to fold, and spends lots of time folding and unfolding washcloths, towels, and whatever else she can find.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumOfnEiaI/AAAAAAAAAws/97fk5DnC_1U/s1600-h/folding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322030152602126754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumOfnEiaI/AAAAAAAAAws/97fk5DnC_1U/s320/folding.jpg" border="0" /></a> We also bought a <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">wardrobe</span> of sorts for Walter's DJ equipment so now he can have turntables set up in the house at all times...he and Estella have been enjoying lots of DJ time with the new set-up.</div><div><br /> </div><div>Estella decided the best way to help me with the building was to climb on the my back, bounce up and down, and yell "ride horsey!" <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumOXd85yI/AAAAAAAAAwk/kP8ivm1Sfog/s1600-h/ridehorsey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322030150416394018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdumOXd85yI/AAAAAAAAAwk/kP8ivm1Sfog/s320/ridehorsey.jpg" border="0" /></a> I guess that basically sums up the last week. I haven't done any sewing at all. Partly because my machine was loaned out for a few days, and partly because I'm being lazy. I cleaned up my area yesterday though, and I'm hoping to get some sewing time in this week. It's time to motivate myself to get some work done and take advantage of these rainy days...once the sunny days come, sewing indoors will not be on my agenda!</div></div></div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-51145488483112696382009-03-30T13:55:00.003-04:002009-03-30T14:11:03.148-04:00Quiet time<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdEHyJIGCPI/AAAAAAAAAwc/aFbm5340M_s/s1600-h/quiettime.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319041192925989106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/SdEHyJIGCPI/AAAAAAAAAwc/aFbm5340M_s/s320/quiettime.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sorry for the blogging absence, but there really hasn't been much for me to blog about. Things have been quiet around here lately. We've been reading and relaxing and enjoying the warmer weather...though today is quite dreary. I've been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unschooling-Handbook-Whole-Childs-Classroom/dp/0761512764/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238435915&sr=8-1">this</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homeschooling-Handbook-Revised-Mary-Griffith/dp/0761517278/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238435959&sr=1-1">this</a> just for something the think about, Estella will sit and read anything she can find...including sales circulars and my magazines, and Walter has been busy with a big Nursing something-or-other due next week.<br /><br /><br />I've been going to my classes and enjoying getting my butt kicked...I deserve it really, I'm the one who used having a baby as an excuse for a two year hiatus from physical activities...but the classes have been fun and I'm hoping to be able to keep doing them once Walter's schedule changes when he graduates. I <strong>really </strong>need a babysitter or something so that if his work schedule interferes, I won't have to stop going to classes...add it to the list of things I need to do...Estella's two and we still haven't found a babysitter. Sort of slacker-ish on my part, but also it just hasn't been entirely necessary up to this point.<br /><br />We are off to Boston on Wednesday for a quick overnight stay and <a href="http://www.neaq.org/index.php">Aquarium</a> trip. It was completely unplanned, but I decided this morning that if Walter's on break, we should do something fun as a family to get away. Maybe I'll have something more exciting to share when we get back! Happy Monday!staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3127114234057784666.post-78871021593232607462009-03-22T08:52:00.003-04:002009-03-22T09:09:29.473-04:00What the...?This is <strong>not</strong> what I thought I'd wake up to. Actually, the plows going by woke me up and I knew my day was not going to go as I'd planned.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY06lxK8hI/AAAAAAAAAwU/Q_tIfijwxE8/s1600-h/snowsback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315994591332856338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY06lxK8hI/AAAAAAAAAwU/Q_tIfijwxE8/s320/snowsback.jpg" border="0" /></a> The weather on the radio said it was supposed to be nice all weekend with a chance of <em>rain </em>on Saturday...RAIN!...not snow. Was I listening to the wrong station? Did the rest of you know this was coming? Either way, it's here and it's covering everything. It's the kind of snow that sticks to every tiny little branch...very pretty, just not really very welcomed.<br /><br />On a tastier note, I have finally figured out how to make a decent banana bread! I'm very good at producing rotten bananas but have not, until recently, been very good at using them.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY06e1_WwI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ja78v1G83dY/s1600-h/bananabread.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315994589474020098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY06e1_WwI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ja78v1G83dY/s320/bananabread.jpg" border="0" /></a> I modified a recipe I found on the Internet and it's super yummy...and I've tried it twice so I know the first time wasn't just a baking fluke. I've been enjoying it with <a href="http://www.vermontsoy.com/">Vermont Soy </a>milk. I know lots of people are anti-soy, but you should all try the Vermont Soy milk. All of the flavors are so good! And it's local!</div><div><br />Estella composed this picture for your viewing pleasure:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY06Iez1EI/AAAAAAAAAwE/csrocgtR_Iw/s1600-h/ereal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315994583471215682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY06Iez1EI/AAAAAAAAAwE/csrocgtR_Iw/s320/ereal.jpg" border="0" /></a> She pulled a chair to the window and put her cereal and a book on it and told me to "take picture." So I did as I was told and indulged her artistic whims.</div><div><br /> </div><div>The very serious artiste...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY05mQO_VI/AAAAAAAAAv8/sEmFL1izoRY/s1600-h/serious.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315994574283275602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bds19oaOAyY/ScY05mQO_VI/AAAAAAAAAv8/sEmFL1izoRY/s320/serious.jpg" border="0" /></a>I also am happy to report that Estella has actually started to say her name! Up until now, she referred to herself as "baby" but last night she found out how fun her name is to say and she hasn't stopped since. It's so fun to hear her saying her name in her cute little girl voice...I can't get enough!</div></div></div>staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01993554577710709685noreply@blogger.com3