Mmmmmm!

Lemon Craisin Coconut Bars

~At work,I updated the parish directory,printed/folded Sunday bulletins,printed PotP & started on bulletins for 01/13.We had 18 people for Food Pantry & I made a paper sign for Food Pantry hours,put it in a plastic sleeve & taped it to the office door.I left work at 2pm.

~I stopped at the Family Thrift Center & found a round woven basket.The Goodwill parking lot was full,so I didn't stop there.

~Back home,I finished the last 2 rows & edging on the RHS Medium Thyme Diamond Prayer Shawl.It is very handsome.I may start a new one tomorrow!

~I heated up the Sausage Hashbrown casserle,which we took,along with Balck tea & the Lemon Craisin Coconut bars to the Mallory's New Year Party.Susan wasn't feeling well,so she skipped it.It was a fun time.I played Foosball for the first time!The casserole & bars went over very well.We watched the ball drop at 10pm MT then went home.

Concealed Carry

The only people who know I carry concealed are those I choose to tell. I have learned to dress around my gun.

~Mike drove me to work.Norm was already there working on bills.I made us some hot tea.Fr. Jim came in for mass & to make edits to the bulletins.I had some of Vicki's butterscoth cake.It was yummy!I did a few more things & went home at 1pm.

~Mike & I went to WMS for a prescription,toiletries & pancake syrup.We then went to Target where I found a new food processor & he got T-shirts.

~Back home,I made a Hashbrown Sausage casserole for the New Year's Eve party at the Mallory's.

~I worked on the Medium Thyme Diamond prayer shawl.

~I made Mike a bacon cheeseburger sammie while I had leftover pumpkin sausage soup.

~We watched Terminator Salvation.

Hats Sold!

I sold a Sedona Hat in Suede/Cowgirl to Barbara in NY.

I sold a Modern Flapper Hat in Roasted Pumpkin/Autumn Red to Rose in TX.

~Mike drove me to work & helped collate/staple/fold/tape/label/stamp the monthly newsletter.It took about 1 1/2 hours. He then took them to the post office.He is awesome! Fr. Jim came in about 1:30pm to pick up copies of the Sunday bulletins for proofing. He drove me home in his new Prius. It looks like jet on the inside!

~At home,I made a batch of Granola Muffins,finished the edging on the Playful Plaid lap blanket & worked on scrap granny squares.

~We had chicken fingers for supper & watched Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,your justice like the great deep.Psalm 36:6

I sold a Bottle Cozy in Hazlenut Tweed to Leah in MI.

~I went to work at 9am to work on the newsletter.I did have to call Fr. Jim twice(he came in twice,too!) to help with a few things.I really hated to call him in on his mini-vacation.But,I did get all the pages printed,worked on the bulletins & Prayers of the People.I was done by 12:30pm.

~I went to the Family Thrift Center for the 1/2-price sale.I got a wire chicken,a border I may put in the front bath & 5 long-sleeve T-shirts for around $13.

~Back home,I made Lemon Craisin Coconut bars,using the same recipe as the Ginger Coconut bars.It was an experiment,we'll see if it works!

~I finished the Cheyenne Hat in RH Hokey Pokey Charcoal,adding a wool rose pin in Turquoise.

~I made Mike a bacon cheeseburger sammie for supper.

~I worked on the Medium Thyme Diamond Prayer Shawl.

Callie Cat

Callie Cat I made for Fr. Jim to give to Ms. Jeannine for Christmas.He ordered it special-request to look like their cat,Callie,right down to the yellow-green eyes.

~After a cup of coffee,Mike & I got groceries at WMS,since I'm working tomorrow.After going home & putting them away,we had Carl's Jr for breakfast.They use some really strong onions in their breakfast burritos,as well as their burgers.I love it!

~I dropped off snack mix for the Napa Boys.I gave Jason a crochet hat & told Bryan the ones I made him for fall were his Christmas gift.Jason said Candace loved her Mitts!

~Church was a Deacon's Mass with no music.I don't feel like I've been to church with no music!Ms. Edla gave me a southern cook book.

~I stopped off at Red Cross thrift store(nothing) & Big Lots(dish towels & cloths,soup,brass scooper)before heading home.

~At home,I gathered recyclables/trash.I also wrapped a few things for tonight's After-Christmas Party.I'm enjoying gingerbread tea!

~I started a Cheyenne Hat in RH Hokey Pokey Charcoal.

~Mike & I went to the mall to pick up Susan from shopping with the nieces.Us 3 went to Lori's party.It was fun!

Scarf Sold!!

I sold a Boa Scarf in Daredevil/Moonlight to Becky in LA.

~Around 8:30am,I cashed a check at the bank & filled up my Jeep.

~I got to the Family Thrift Center early to get a parking space for the 1/2-price sale.They're not having it until Monday!I didn't find anything.

~At Goodwill,I found a platter,seed ornaments,a red purse & 2 big coffee mugs.Iwent to pull change from my pocket & my Jeep keys weren't there!I had left them in the ignition,probably beause I was eating crackers as I was opening the door.I called Mike & he came up from work & unlocked me.

~Back home,after lunch,I couldn't hang my new platter on the wall because it's too deep.I need a plate shelf on the wall.

~I spent the rest of the afternoon working on the Playful Plaid lap blanket & watching "True Lies".It's one of my classics,LOL!

~At 6pm,we went to the Hogan's for Christmas.Kyle grilled steaks(AWESOME!) & we had mashed potatoes,greenbeans,rolls & salad.I had brought a crustless pumpkin pie & the last 2 pumpkin dark chocolate chip small bundt cakes.It was a fun evening!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all my friends & family.I am truly blessed!

~Not a very exciting day,but Mike & I got to spend it together.

~After breakfast,I made Pumpkin Sausage soup for Lori's get-together on Sunday.It's always best if it sits a few days.I also did 3 loads of laundry(Mike helped fold!),swept/mopped the floors & cleaned the front bath.

~We had pizza for lunch.All the carbs made me sleepy,so I napped off & on for almost an hour!

~I started a man's Prayer Shawl in RHS Medium Thyme,using a modified version of the Diamond lap blanket.From the last Prayer Shawl I made,I knew it needed to be no wider than 60 stitches using a J hook.The pattern turned out to use 59 stitches.I used a whole 7oz skein & it is exactly half the size it needs to be!I will add another 7oz skein to the starting chain.I'm so excited this pattern worked out.Most of the Prayer Shawls being made,both crocheted & knitted,tend to be on the feminine side.I am also tempted to offer to teach anyone at church to crochet so we can have more Prayer Shawls to give away!

Mmmmmm!

Ginger Coconut Bars-a favorite of everyone that tries them!

~Work went well.I got the bulletins for Sunday's mass printed & folded.I helped Chuck hand out 12 bags at the food pantry.Fr. Jim & I finished most of the newsletter,all we need is one article.I gave Fr. Jim the muffler/scarf I made him.He liked it!Ms. Jeannine made Mike & me some peanut clusters and haystacks.

~It wasn't long after coming home & changing clothes that it was time to go by Susie's house & pick her up for 5pm Christmas Eve mass.It was soo cold!Church was good.The pageant was cute & the sermon inspiring.We got invited to the Mallory's.

~We stopped by my house & picked up a Crustless pumpkin pie & Orange Slice loaf before heading to the Mallory's.Anne had made lasagna & Mike made garlic bread.It was AWESOME!Everybody liked my sweets.

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5

There's snow on the ground!It's so pretty!!Mike drove me to work.

~Work went well.I got the 5pm bulletins/inserts printed,then couldn't remember how to convert Publisher to Adobe!I called Chris,the printer-guy,& it was easy.I got 10:30pm & 10am bulletins printed & got both the 5pm & 10:30pm bulletins folded.I worked on the January newsletter,too.

~After work,Mike & I delivered Peanut Butter/PB Cup cookies to the Napa Boys.

~We had chicken bacon cheese sammies for supper.We are on night 2 of WWII in HD.It's awesome!

Camp Set

My latest thrift-shop find.An enamelware vintage Camp Set consisting of 4 nesting bowls with a top held together with a metal stand with wooden handle.It says "Made in Poland" on the bottom with a funny picture symbol.Mike says it looks like something from the 1940's-1950's.A unique kitchen decor item for $7.99.

~Work went well until I couldn't figure out how to print the Christmas Eve 5pm bulletin using the Jesus & Mary cover we special-ordered.When I got home,I felt like such a failure.Fr. Jim called me at 3:30pm,saying the copier guy would be in at 4pm to work on the problem,so I went back up to the office.After 2 hours,he basicly converted the publisher file to a PDF,so it can be printed 2 pages at a time.I will have to print the cover page-page 2 & 3,165 copies,then the other pages,then collate them for folding.As long as it works,I'm happy.I can sleep tonight!

Scarf

Ribbed Scarf,using my Neck Warmer pattern,I made for a gift exchange.Two strands of Caron Simply Soft Shadows in "Opal".I started in the center,working from both ends of the skein,making it the length the yarn made.I then joined a new skein to the starting chain & worked the other side.An easy & fairly quick project.This yarn comes in 8 feminine & masculine colors.The yarn does all the work!

~After breakfast, I made 4 Crustless Splenda-sweetened Pumpkin Pies for gifting. I also gathered trash/recyclables.

~At the Food Pantry,I helped Chuck load 12 bags,then called in pay roll.Pam & Janet liked their pies!

~Mike & I have the day off together!We went to Bibles Plus,where Mike picked out a cross(my Christmas gift to him).We then went to Big Lots & picked out a new runner for the front bath.I plan to switch the decor from frilly feminine to more of a "cabin in the woods" feel.

~We got groceries at WMS.I looked at watches(Mike Christmas gift to me),but couldn't find one I liked.

~After putting groceries away,we got Carl's Jr for lunch.It made me sleepy & I took a nap off & on for about an hour.

~Date Nite was AWESOME!There were only 9 people there,so we got to do alot of shooting.I broke the time-to-first-shot barrier of under 2 seconds with 1.89!Everybody was so proud of me!

Imagine...

This is a quote from the article written by Dan McManus in Armed American Report.I can post the whole article,if there is an interest.

"So,I got my CCW & carry a gun because:
1.It's my patriotic duty.
2.It was the un-politically-correct thing to do.
3.To keep me alert & attentive.
4.I don't trust luck.
5.As an act of Christian charity.
(How can I read about the "Good Samaritan" or follow the teachings of Jesus, and not be aware that I have a responsibility to look out for others, to be my brother's keeper.You can choose to be a bystander(Google Kitty Genovese).However,my Christian upbringing has taught me that I am not to be blind to the plight of others and that this world would be a better place if we all looked out for each other.)
6.As a reflection of my pro-active lifestyle.
7.To stack the deck in my favor.
So now you know why I carry a gun,why will you carry yours?"

I agree with the article & above quote. If you wish to not read this blog any longer,knowing my stance about personal protection,that is your choice.

~I made a batch of Chili Stew for the Hanging of the Greens crew.

~After Lessons & Carols and Coffee Hour(the chili was all gone!),Anne & me went to pick Susan up so we could attend "White Christmas" play.It was good,but not as good as some others.

Mmmmmm!

Orange Slice Cake-a lighter "tropical" fruit cake.I make mine in muffin tins.Lots of prep time with the chopping of the orange slices & dates,but worth it!

~I made a batch of Peanut Butter cookies with chunks of Mini Reese Peanut Butter Cup.I don't like plain PB cookies,but these were good with just the bit of chocolate.

~I went early to make coffee for the reception after Sara & Patrick's Blessing of a civil Marriage ceremony.It was wonderful!One of the guys from "Choir Practice" was there,his wife works with Sara.Small world!I helped with serving the cake & cleanup.

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1a

I did a load of laundry after breakfast.

~I made a batch of Dirty Rice for tonights Choir Practice Christmas Party.I also swept/vacuumed the floors/rugs & cleaned the front bath.

~I went out after a light lunch,first to Big Lots then to Dollar Tree.

~At the Family Thrift Center, I got a kilt in black/gray/wine,a gray cardigan,a picture frame & a vintage stacking camping set.It is reddish-orange enamel & so retro.I think I put it one the kitchen shelf.

~At Goodwill,I got 2 shirts.

~Of course,when I got back home,the doggies had brought in more dead grass,so it looked like I didn't even sweep!

~Mike & I went to the Choir Practice Christmas Party at 6:30pm.It was fun!

Our Christmas Tree

I LOVE our prelit Christmas Tree!It is easy to put up/take down.I use things from around the house,along with home-made/store-bought ornaments,to decorate it.I have since replaced the old flannel shirt tree-skirt with a $5 yard-sale patchwork lap quilt.Check out the Teddy Bear Tea Party being held by Angus,Malcolm & Shannon Bear!

~Work went well.I got the Blessing ceremony & Sunday bulletinsprinted,worked on more bulletins & wrote up meeting minutes.We gave away 11 bags at Food Pantry.Anne Malstrom came in & brought Mike & me a loaf of home-made bread.I gaver her a Pumpkin Dark Cocoa Chip small bundt cake.I gave Julie a Tweed Tassel Bag.

~I dropped off a plate of Orange Slice cake for the Napa Boys.

~I took a plate of Ginger Coconut bars to Date Nite.They were well-received.We did shoot-on-the-move drills,which I need to get better at.

Hats Sold!!

I sold a Tweed Hat in Brown/Rich Periwinkle to Jaime in IN.

I sold a special-order Modern Flapper Hat "Claire" to Renee in LA.

~I did a load of laundry before going to work.

~Work went well.I spent most of the day working on the Parish Roster,checking 2-3 references for each person,adding/deleting names,etc.I brought Orange Slice cake for Coffee Hour.Everybody loved it!One lady asked for the recipe.

~After work,Mike & I went to the Hogan's.Susan needs a shot every day & nobody else would do it.Now that Susan knows how easy it is,she said she would try it herself.We dropped dog food off at her house,too.

~Mike helped me finish another load of laundry.

~We had chicken bacon cheese sammies for supper & a slice of Pumpkin Craisin bread Janelle gave me.

~I finished the Black Scrap Tweed Tassel scarf.

Hat Sold!!

I sold a Kalispell Hat in Grey/Plum to Hope in NY.

~I made a pan of Ginger Coconut brownies before going to work.I also started a Scrap Tweed Tassel scarf in Royal Blue.

~Work went well.Finished up a bulletin for a blessing of a civil marriage,started to work on Lessons & Carols & Christmas Eve 5pm.I took off an hour early since there is a meeting tonight.

~I started making a Chocolate Cheesecake,but had to send Mike out for sour cream to finish it!

~I worked some more on the TTS Royal Blue.

~We had home-baked pizza for supper.The Digornino stuffed-crust frozen pizza is awesome for around $7.

~Mike went to a Napa meeting at 6pm & I had Vestryat 7pm.

Lots Sold!!

I sold a Cheyenne Hat in Camel/Earth to Rebecca in NV.

I sold a Durango hat in Taupe to Roddy in OR.

I sold a Turtle in Artist Print/Avocado to Kathy Ellen in KY.

I sold a TweedTassel Scarf in Camel/Multi to Susan in NY.

I sold a Neck Warmer in Rich Periwinkle Velvet to Patricia in NY.

~Susan called around 8am to say she was being discharged from the hospital.I stopped by Napa to get her house key from Mike to get her purse.When I got to the hospital,they had changed the discharge time to 1pm.I left.

~I got groceries at Smith's,but there were a few things I will have to have Mike get at WMS.

~I put groceries away & packaged up all the items I sold.I dropped them off at the post office before heading down to the hospital.Itook Susan's flowers out to the truck & she was ready to go to the Dr's office by the time I returned.While she waited for the Dr,I took the rest of her stuff to the truck.

~We had to stop by the hospital pharmacy to pick up prescriptions.We got to the Hogan's,with whom she'll be staying,around 3:20pm.I left around 3:40pm.

~We had bacon cheeseburger sammies for supper.

~I finished the Claire Hat in Black/Gray & made a Neck Warmer in LBWEC Charcoal.

Hat Sold!!

I sold a Boyfriend Beanie in Ivory/Burnt Sienna to Casey in KY.

~After breakfast,Mike went up to Susan's to check on her dogs.

~Check out Debbie's baskets for sale!

~I dropped off Pumpkin Craisin Bran muffins for the Napa Boys.

~I hosted Coffee Hour with Ms Mary Helen.It went well.Afterwards,I helped Ms Edla count/sort the items from the Woolly Tree.

~I made a Boyfrind hat in Medium Thyme/Rust & started a special-order Modern Flapper Hat in Black.

~We visitied with Susan at the hospital.

Mmmmmm!

Pumpkin-Dark Cocoa Chip goodies!

~I left the house around 8:40am.I only saw one yard-sale sign & got a patchwork lap blanket.I alsowent to the Family Thrift center & got a few things.

~I got to the church for Prayer Shawl Ministry early,so I picked up a shopping bag of trash from the parking lot & grounds.Nobody else showed up for PSM at 10am,so I picked up a large garbage bag of dead leaves.

~I went back to the FTC & did more looking.I got a long-sleeve T-shirt.

~Back home,I finished the Prayer Shawl by adding more RHS Country Rose to either end & using the same for edging.I now know that this pattern needs to be about 6" less wide.

~At 5pm,I took a bag of oranges & an 18-count carton of hard-boiled eggs down to the church for St. Martin's.

~When Mike got home,we went down & visited Susan in the hospital.She will be coming to stay with us for a while after she gets out of the hospital.

Hats Sold!

I sold 2 hats to Kristina in CA:Cheyenne in Homespun Wheat/Bittersweet & Kalispell in Plum/Pink.

~I did 2 loads of laundry.

~I spent the morning making Orange Slice cake.I used a recipe from an older book.It left things out of the directions,so I had to find a recipe online to supplement.It was a lot of prep time,with cutting the orange slices and dates into smaller pieces.The recipe made 24 muffins,2 mini-loafs & one flat bread made in a small casserole bowl with the bit of leftover.I had one after lunch & it tasted good,but I know they get better the longer they sit.

~While the last cakes were baking,I swept the floors.

~I went out around 2pm & mailed off a package at the post office(20 minutes in line).I then went down to Big Lots & picked up a few things.

~When Mike got off work,we went down to the hospital to visit Susan.She had foot surgery.

Lap Blanket

Lacey lap blanket for the VA hospital.Yarn donated by Karen.

~Mike had my Jeep plugged in over night & started it this morning,running it for about 10 minutes,before he left for work.We'll see if it's warmer!

~The Jeep was warmer!

~Work went well.Got all the bulletins done & worked on next weeks.

~I dropped off a plate of Ginger Coconut bars for the Napa boys.

~Date Nite was interesting.Learning to reload & shoot with our weak hand.I can rack a bullet into the chamber,but cannot lock the slide back one-handed.It is a problem with under 4" guns.But,my gun is all steel,so I guess I could hit somebody with it,LOL.

Real Feminists...

...can take care of themselves.

~Mike drove me to work so he could put the engine heater on my Jeep.Work went well.Out of the blue,Fr. Jim told me I was the best secretary he ever had as long as he's been a pastor(22 years?).I didn't know what to say.We worked on bulletins for Sunday & a Blessing of a Civil Marriage.Mike picked me up at 3pm.

~I made a pair of Mitts in Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky "Spice".

~I made Mike a bacon cheeseburger sammie for supper.I had Pasta Alfredo Florentine with chicken.

Hat & Techno cozy sold!!

I sold a Techno cozy in Red to Kim in NJ.

I sold a Roseburg Hat in Dusty Teal/Rost Pink to Katherine in MS.

~I woke up to wind & snow!Mike will be driving me to work & installing an engine heater on my Jeep today.

~Work went well.Printed out cards to go with the Bread Ministry loaves,sent via email a notification/deadline for Annual Reports & wrote cheat note on how to print duplicate from copies.Mike picked me up & we went to cash my check.The snow all melted.My engine heater didn't get installed.

~We had chicken bacon cheese sammies for supper.

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; Psalm 25:4

I left early to get groceries at WMS & Smith's.I made it just a few minutes after 9:30am to help Chuck load bags.The pantry is as full as I've ever seen it!The big batch on Monday & from St. Elizabeth's Guild on Thursday sure made a difference!I called in payroll.

~I stopped at Goodwill on the way home & found a dusty rose denim prairie skirt.

~I put away the groceries & had a bite to eat.

~At Goodwill,I only found some tiny pewter figures & a train.

~Back home,I made Ginger Coconut bars & 2 dozen Pumpkin Craisin Bran muffin tops.I also did a load of laundry.

~I made a pair of Mitts in Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky "Charcoal".

~We had bacon cheeseburger sammies for supper.

Mmmmmm!

Three versions of Peanut Butter cookies-plain,with peanut butter chip center & with dark cocoa chips.

~I dropped off Pumpkin Dark Cocoa Chip trees to the Napa boys.

~When I got to church,there were alot of cars in the parking lot,but noone in the hall.Ms Edla caught me before I went into the church.There was a break-in last night!The door on the back unused office was busted open & offices gone through.The music room was also broken into.3 instruments were taken.I know all the details,but will find out more on Monday.

~The service went well.I helped Mell usher,since Anne wasn't there.Susan stayed home,still a little sick from the previous night.

~At home,I gathered trash/recyclables,picked up the back yard & put up the Christmas tree.It's pretty!

~Mike & I went to the Mallory Gift War.Everybody liked my Dirty Rice & Fancy Pretzels.We ended up with a spa foot set & fancy desk notepad.It was a great time!

What we eat

Patty asked this question:

"Hi Catherine,
Totally off topic.Can you tell me how you and hubby eat?Mostly protein with some fruit and veggies?whole grains?any place where I could go to find what you are eating mostly your eating plan I mean.Do you have more energy eating this way?
Thanks
Patty"

When Mike & I were still on the road,Mike decided to try Atkins-Low Carb.He went from 245lbs to 175lbs in about 10 months.I went from 141lbs to 123lbs.We both decided 175lbs was too low for him,so we modified it to to include what we liked about low-carb,adding a few things we both liked,finding the balance of low-glycemic 90% of the time/eating what we wanted(within reason)10% of the time,as long as we maintained our weights within 5lbs.

Since we came off the road,we are both more active,so we are able to eat "American normal" at parties,1-2 times a month eating out & my modified lower-sugar/healthier baked goods.

Our way of eating works for us,but I am not endorsing it for others.It is rather boring,as we tend to eat the same things alot.

Typical Day:90%

Breakfast(both):1 egg,1 sausage patty,1 slice cheese on flax flatbread

Lunch:
Mike-8 slices lean ham,2 slices cheese,1 pork/turkey hotdog,1oz chunk cheddar cheese,1.5oz mixed nuts,2oz pork skins
Me-2Tbsp peanut butter on whole-wheat tortilla,cheese stick

Supper:
chicken or burger with cheese & bacon on flax flatbread

Snack:
Mike-meat,cheese
Me-low-carb yogurt with pecans & bran cereal

If our weight is in range,we eat "Typical Day" with a few extras like my baked goods or sandwich crackers.We eat whatever we want at parties.

We take supplements to get the vitamins we need,as well at fiber tablets.We do have lots of energy.We drink mostly sugar-free flavored waters,coffee,diet sodas & decaf iced tea.

Mike's range is below 200,mostly 195lbs.He is 54 years old,6' & has good numbers(blood pressure,cholesterol).
My range is below 128,mostly 126lbs.I'm 41 years old,5'3" & have good numbers.
Both our dr's say "keep up the good work!"

We hike 2-3 times a week in good weather(apr-oct).

Any questions or comments welcomed.

Flower Pin Sold!

I sold a Flower Pin in Regency Gold/Ruby to Erin in WA.

~I attended my first Quarterly Parish Planning Meeting.It was no big deal.I stayed for the Worship planning meeting,just to see what it was.I was able to catch the last 45 minutes of Daughters of the King.

~I went home & got a snack before heading out to JoAnn's to use a 50%-off coupon.I got a skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky "Spice" to make another pair of Mitts.I also went to ThriftTown,but didn't want to wait in line for 1 T-shirt.

~I went to the parish hall early to help Janelle set up for Ms Mary Helen's 80th birthday party.It was a good time!We had Powdrell barbecue & birthday cake.

~I finished the Neckwarmer in leftover Walnut,but need to add buttons.

Scarf Sold!!

I sold a Garland of Blossoms scarf in Black/Multi to Kathleen on CO.

~I spent the morning baking/cooking.I used 2/3 of the fresh/frozen pumpkin Julie gave me to make the Pumpkin/Dark Cocoa Chip mix.It made 6 small bundts,12 mini-bundts & 12 tree-shaped cookies.I had a tree,it was yummy!

~I made Dirty Rice to take to the Mallory's on Sunday.

~I used Vanilla melt to cover pretzel rods,12 peppermint & 12 Heath bar bits.

~I swept the floors & cleaned the front bath.

~I went out after lunch,mailing off the Crafty Chick Exchange box.

~At the Family Thrift Center,I found 2 T-shirts & a holly dish with a silver-plate handle.It will look festive holding my Pretzel Goodies I made!

~I stopped by the church & picked up the stuff I left yesterday in the kitchen.

~I made a pair of Mitts in Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky "Walnut".I started a neckwarmer with the leftovers.

~I made Mike a bacon cheeseburger sammie for supper,while I had leftover spinach chicken alfredo.

~We watched the ew Star Trek.It was AWESOME!

Friends don't let friends become victims

A trip to the local shooting range would make a wonderful Christmas gift!

~I made a dish of Chicken Florentine Alfredo for today's St. Elizabeth's Guild luncheon.It smells good!

~It was snowing by the time I left the house at 8:45am.The sidewalk at church was a little slick. I took the luncheon things into the Parish Hall & the Food Pantry stuff into the office.On the way in,I dropped a plate of cookies!Luckily,with some tape,I was able to repair the plastic on top & they looked good as new!

~Work went well.I got all the bulletins & inserts(4!)printed out,but only the 8am service folded before heading over to the hall for St. Elizabeth's Guild Christmas luncheon.The pasta I made was a little soft,but still tasted good.EVERYBODY loves my Ginger Coconut bars!

~Back to work & scrambling around to get last minute things done.I found out I am to co-coordinate with Fr. Jim the Parish Quarterly Planning Meeting on Saturday.I,quickly,typed-up the 2010 First Quarter calender.

~I dropped off Malted Milk Ball cookies for the Napa Boys.

~Date Nite went well.I am faster with my first shot,but still accurate.I need practice with my tactical & speed reloading.

Hat Sold!!

I sold a Modern Flapper Hat in Chocolate/Rose Violet to Mimi in IN.

~Work went well.I learned a few new things & am starting to recylce bad printing jobs into scrap paper for note-taking,hoping to redeem myself from the trees I killed in my first two weeks on the job.

~We had chicken bacon cheese sammies for supper.

~I finished a neckwarmer scarf I started this morning in Knit One Crochet Two Merino Gold in Camel Tan.I added some vintage-looking metal buttons.It is lovely!Too bad it makes me itch :(

Mitts Sold!!

I sold 2 pairs of special-order Mitts,one in Brown,one in Black,to Jason in NM.

~Work went well.Got most of the bulletins done,typed up a 2-page Office Administrator Employment Requirement form & printed out a few missing paper bulletins.The Christmas mass bulletin covers came in.They are so pretty!I worked an extra half hour to make up the time for STEG party on Thursday.

~I made Mike a bacon cheeseburger sammie for supper.I had chili cheese nachos.I know,very nutritious,LOL.

~I finished the Ami Cat in RHS Zebra.It is adorable!

The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands.Psalm 19-1

I did a load of laundry & made a pound of bacon before leaving the house.

~I dropped off the 2 pair of special-order Mitts at Napa before going on to WMS & Smith's for groceries.

~I helped Chuck load 20 bags at the food pantry.

~At Goodwill,I got a pair of ladies Cabela's cargo pants.

~I went home,put away groceries & had lunch.

~I went to Big Lots & Dollar Tree for goodie-box fillers.

~Back home,I made Ginger Coconut bars & swept the floors.

~Mike came home early at 4pm.He changed clothes then we went just up the street to the dentist.He got 2 teeth pulled.

~I made a Sedona Hat in Claret/Taupe.

Mmmmmm!

Crustless Pumpkin Splenda Pie-I followed the recipe on the back of the Libby can,substituting baking Splenda for the sugar.I doubled the recipe & it made 4 crustless pies.The containers came from Dollar Tree,4 for $1.Make sure to spay the tin with PAM before pouring in the batter.

~Mike came to the combined church service at 9:30am,where I was admitted to the Daughters of the King.There was a Pancake breakfast afterward to support 2 orphans in the Philippines,but we didn't have time to eat,so I just made a donation.

~Wyatt rode with Mike & me out to the Zia gun range,were we went through an orientation & walk through.It was too cold to shoot,so Wyatt just put a dozen shells through his shotgun to loosen it up.

~After Mike & I got home,we just spent the afternoon being lazy.

Scarf Sold!!

I sold a Garland of Blossoms scarf in Black/Lipstick/Claret to Leslie in CA.

~I left the house around 8:30am so I could get a few groceries at WMS then be first in line when the pharmacy opened.The prescription Mike called in on Thursday didn't show up!I was able to give it to them there,but it took an extra 20 minutes.

~On the way into WMS,I saw the Toys for Tots box,remembering Mike saying the box at their store was empty.I got a boy & girl gift,dropping them off at Napa before going home.They were sad I didn't bring cookies!

~After putting the groceries away & getting a bite to eat,I went to JoAnns,using a 50%-off coupon on a skein of yarn to make a pair of gift Mitts.

~At the downtown Big Lots, I got granola bars & a 3-pack of gloves for the Woolly Tree.

~I stopped at a new $1 store & found a case to fit my phone(it kept falling out of my back pocket when I was gathering leaves on Thursday) & a fancy beaded hair band.

~At Savers,I found a pair of gray jeans,2 long sleeve button up shirts,1 sleevelss button up shirt & 1 plate.

~I picked up another skein of Mitt yarn,with 40% off,& a plaid take-out box at Hobby Lobby & a skein of Gift War scarf yarn,with 50% off,at Michael's.

~Back home,for good this time,I washed some baking dishes leftover from yesterday,unloaded the dishwasher,folded laundry,then finally got to work on the Gift War scarf.

~I made Mike a bacon cheeseburger sammie for supper.

~I finished the Gift War scarf!Both Mike & I like it,so it is unisex enough,I guess!

Bump in the night

If you chose to have a gun for personal/home protection,please take classes!Introduction to Handguns,Concealed Carry License Course & Defensive Handgun Techniques are what I recommend!

~I spent the morning cleaning the house.

~Around noon,I went to the Family Thrift Center & got a coffee mug,small picnic basket & Nativity ornament at the 1/2-price sale.

~Susan came by at 1pm.We started the turkey then spent time crocheting.

~We had Thanksgiving dinner at 6pm for 12 family & friends.We also played Apples to Apples.It was a great evening!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends & family!I am blessed!!

~Mike & I went up to the church to water the trees.I picked up 2 bags of leaves.Mike check my office computer & says it just needs more memory.But,it is so old,he will have to order the memory online.

~There is always a basket each of "kiddie" candy mix & "chocolate" candy mix on my desk.I have noticed that nobody eats the Whoppers!So,I brought them all home & made Whopper cookies.I decided,with the Whoppers,there was no way to redeem these cookies by using Splenda or wheat flour,so I just followed the receipe.They taste like eating sugar straight from the bowl!I packaged them up in groups of 4 and plan to put them in the bags next week at Food Pantry.

~We went to the Mallory's at 2pm for Thanksgiving.It was a fun time!

Hat Sold!!

I sold a Roseburg Hat in Olive/Ivory to Serena in WA.

~Work went well.I had 3 ladies help me to collate,staple,tape,address label & stamp the monthly newsletters.They all got Turkey Butt fridgies!

~After work,I dropped off a bigger-than-usual plate of cookies for the Napa boys.

~We had chicken bacon cheese sammies for supper.I added the last squares & put the end work & edging around the Playful Plaid lap blanket,then realized,I had left a whole row of 5 square off!I will have to remove the edging & fix it.

~We watched "Inkheart".It was good!

To everything there is a season...

Seasonal wallhanging-$3.99 at Family Thrift Center.

~Work went well.I got the bulletins done by 1pm,got the editing done on the newsletter & labeled all the parish directories.

~Mike & I did a load of laundry.

~We had bacon cheeseburger sammies for supper.

~I worked on the Prayer Shawl,finishing off the partial skein of RHS Rose Pink & starting a partial skein of RHS Country Rose.

Neckwarmer & Mitts sold!

I sold a Neckwarmer & Mitts set in Rust to Erin in WA.She bought the previously-posted Garland of Blossoms scarf in Rust/Pea Green for her mom for Christmas & requested these.

~Work went well.I printed off the first copy of the bulletin for proofing,made up a new calender for the narthex & have most of the newletter completed.

~After work,I stopped by Big Lots & picked up facial tissues & soup.

~I got home & was ready to start the coffee & realized I left work an hour early!I was going by the clock on the wall which said 3pm.I saw someone messing with it this morning & they apparently set it back an hour.I don't know if it was supposed to be a joke,but I'm not amused.I called Fr. Jim & apologized.

~Date Nite was AWESOME!There were fewer people,so we were able to do more complicated shooting techniques.Shooting at multiple target at different ranges,reloading,turning & shooting.I am getting faster with my first shot,but still being accurate.

You broaden the path beneath me,so that my ankles do not turn.Psalm 18:36

Mike came with me to the church around 8:45am to help take my pies inside the parish hall.I stayed to help Vicki with the sale.Around 9:45am,I came back home to pick up the recipe for Oatmeal Pie for Vicki,then dropped off cookies for the Napa boys.

~After 10:30am mass,I again helped sell pies.I don't know how many we sold,but we could have sold 10 more!

~Back home,I gathered trash/recyclables & picked up the back yard.

~I made 3 Button Tree ornaments,a rose pin & worked on scrap lap blankets.

~When Mike got home from work,we went down to the range to check his reloads.

~We had chicken bacon cheese sammies for supper.