Lots of cold wind coming off the Rockies, that were getting snow, but it's settled down to a beautiful day at 6 pm. Windows open - airing out the house. Was talking to someone on the phone today at work, and mentioned I was from the South. He said: Well at least you have definite seasons here - yeah, winter 9 months and summer 3 months. We had "seasons" in the South - and I told him so - December was the season for camilla's, then came the azaleas, then the wisteria and honeysuckle - then the magnolia's, and crepe myrtles took us into fall with the chrysanthemums, which led back to the camillas. Lots of wonderful seasons. Of course the South has seasons. My favorite was the wisteria - the very air we breathed was perfumed. Even if it did grow into the girl's bedroom through the walls, and eaves - making their room look like a fairy tale until we cut it back - which was necessary to prevent structural damage.

There actually are blooming trees here now - wonder how long they will last before another hard freeze kills the spring buds. It happens every year. Oh well, "sufficient troubles unto the day" as the Lord tells us. Not to worry about tomorrow - or as Scarlett said "I will worry about that tomorrow." Good advice, girlfriend.

Rainy Saturday

The sky is grey and the rain has been coming down steadily - Love standing on the covered porch and listening to the 'white noise' of the water falling into the storm sewer. Reminds me of the noise of rain on the tin roof of the boat house, sitting on the Rebel Lady watching the storm.

Something tells me it's significant that everything that happens reminds me of some distant memory. Is that what 'old age' is? If so, it's not a bad feeling. Just interesting, thinking of the memories that haven't happened yet.

Wish I'd scanned in a picture of the Lady before my scanner died. But have one of sitting "on the dock of the bay" - or the river, to be more precise. the bridge in the background replaced the old swing bridge on Dauphin Island Parkway, or DIP as locals call it. The little gal with the pony tail is grand daughter Kelsie.

Lots of rainy days at the Grand Mariner - lots of good days, as well.

Happy First Day of Spring

Just to wish everyone a Happy First Day of Spring.

The Secret In The Pillow

The net lace pillow contains a secret! The background color for the net is dark brown silk, and the ribbon dark brown with gold threads.

But inside the pillow is a pocket so the color theme can be changed just by changing to a different colored piece of fabric for the background, and using a different colored ribbon in the lace surround.

I designed the pillow specifically for lace, or any other small needlework piece. Maybe one day will make it in a different fabric, and use some nuno silk (silk and wool felted together) for the center. Hmmm - ideas just swirling through the mind.

Made connections with an old friend from Mobile, Alabama. Shaleen is a real sweetheart - and a terrific artist in heirloom clothes and English smocking. She is working on stuff for her first grandchild - I can wait to see photo's - of both her needlework, and the new baby. Girlfriend Bette has had another grand daughter - Daughter Vanessa the new Mama. The last time I saw Vanessa, she was about 4 years old! I need to get to California more often!

Enough for now - have fun!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Great day at work today. We finally got the attention of a corporation, owners of a large well known hotel, who refused to pay after we fixed a water leak in the hotel. So, after filing in small claims court (that handles anything under $7,500) and serving papers - the fellow finally calls and begs to hold off for just a week while he gets the insurance company to pay the claim. Yeah, like another week is going to matter when it's been months since the water break. We were SOOOOO sorry to have to tell him the court date has been set, and we just CAN'T ask for the case to be dismissed without full payment. Gee, the guy wouldn't return our calls for months. Now he can't wait to talk to us. Love it, love it, love it.

It was a beautiful day all day - until getting home, the wind came up, it got cloudy and cold. Sat on the front porch visiting with neighbor Jason for awhile - till we both go so cold we had to go in - him to his place, me to mine. Jason is a nice young guy with a sweet wife and son. Last summer we, his family and I, spent a lot of time together - but with this cold winter, sittin' on the porch has pretty much been ruled out. So, it's been fun seeing people again. I love the multi-generational socializing. Reminds me of growing up on the ranch and get togethers at Howard Runge's barn - whole families of all ages all partying together, and everything appropriate for all ages. Oh, I know the men would go outside to the trunks of their cars where they had a bottle - but the kids weren't really exposed to it. Can't count the times as a kid, I fell asleep on the haystack in one end of the barn, as my parents partied - real wild stuff, like the "Virginia Reel," polka's and square dances. Can't recall if we had live music, but think so. Accordians were popular then. The photo is of Jason and Chris - when they were heading out to a company Christmas party. Great young couple!

Now I am a great-grandma, I love being around the young kids. They are so energizing - even as they drain the energy from their parents.

Life is good.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Where is the beautiful day the weatherman promised? It's grey and foggy outside. Last night's rain melted a little more of the dirty snow out front. I can't wait for mornings with coffee and sunshine on the porch again. While trying to find a recent picture to put on this blog, I decided to add a picture of Randy, my brother and my sister Susie. This was taken in Durango, Thanksgiving weekend, 2006. "Susie" is really Durango artist Lucille Torbett - but Susie is her childhood nickname, and she will always be Susie to me. Visitors to Durango can see her work at "The Earthen Vessel" gallery in Durango, as well as Dr. David Akita's office (if I mispelled David's name, Susie, let me know so I can edit and correct this.) She specializes in pet portraits. If I get good at this needle felting thing, maybe I will be able to make a felted, sculptural portrait of Patty and one of the Min Pins.

Saturday - something accomplished anyway!

Well, it is only about 1 p.m. and Lilac is up and on the forum! think I may take off her arms and legs and remake them. Her paws are are big as baseball mitts! But - not today.

Peggy came over this morning and we visited, drank coffee and ate taquitos for breakfast. We have so much fun doing absolutely nothing. Plan on going to a Mexican restuarant tonight to eat Carne Asada burritos in memory of the Planter's Hotel - and drink Corona, of course.

Now that the really important stuff is done - guess I will clean house.

Have a great day, y'all!

TGIF

My favorite Moment In Time - 5 p.m. on a Friday! I get off work at 4 - so by 5 I am home and the weekend has officially begun.

Sure hope I get something done this weekend - like finishing the needle felted bear - already named "Lilac La Bear" - so I can get her picture up.

Drop in and say "Hi"

Tweaking this thing

OK - while I will still add some photo's - at least I can sleep without nightmares of drowning in Pepto Bismal - yes, that is bismal - not Bismo. It really was, even if not spelled properly - I think the real word is abyssmal. While this isn't the ideal blog - it's a start. And for an old broad, think I am getting this techno cyber stuff.

Trying to change the colors

This is just tooo pink! Went to the colors, and tried to change them, but though it said my changes were saved, the page still has all the original colors. Yuck. Feel like I'm drowning in Pepto BismAL

This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today is March 7, 2007 and I just created my blog, with the help of my forum friend in Montana, Ruth. See her lovely fine crafts gallery at www.purplepomegranate.com.

More later -

Lainy