A window remodelling

None of us is perfect.... our creative pieces should be just what they are...  creative.

Here it is Saturday.... where did this week go? I know I am not alone with this thought...The Brother Alan also feels like the days are whizzing by this month. That could be a good thing... or not. The sun is bright this morning and temps are expected to be really nice. Sorry for those in the storm path...like The Brother Alan. Hope he and Lisa did the New England storm preparedness thing...bread, milk and snacks!
Well, yesterday was the day of determination. I managed to remove the stubborn screws holding the verticals to the window frame. Someone should have taken a picture. Me up on a step ladder with a pair of plyers whacking the nut on the screw to loosen it. 14 years in place and they were not coming off easily. All the time holding onto the wall with the other hand hoping not to go through the window or fall backwards. I did not fall or miss any steps on the ladder on my way down! It is still a work in progress...not finished yet. The window... as well as me!

I left the vertical brackets--for now-- as I may use them for this project. The curtain panels have a vine like pattern on them which fits in with my plans and the fact that this window looks out to the garden. I want to light to enter but not the sun at times and the panel sides can be dropped to cover the window. This is a large window 60 inches high by 72 inches wide. Did I mention that this is the first time that I hung curtain rods? Of course I am sure you already guessed that. A phone call to Glenda to ask about the middle support piece and voilà... done.
Spent time with Dianna and Bobby last evening.... we met for dinner. Always cheerful conversation and hugs. Good to be with friends. Today is an open day...might read, might sit outside, might bead... might even get the window finished. Right now there is fluffing out in the laundry area that needs attention. and I am hungry so breakfast will be served. Happy that you stopped by to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

I am still here

Oh my... I guess a few of you are worried about me. I am … okay, just had an off week. My hand has limited my creative activity and definitely affecting my sleep. My motivation to do this or that is floating around somewhere.... I am sure I will find it soon. Actually I will be pushing me myself and I today. I have been trying to decide what to do with the kitchen window. It is a large sliding window measuring 5 feet high by 6 feet wide. Today I will take the verticals down...can not stand them and do not use them. Up will go simple curtain rods and simple white panels. I have some ideas to perk up the plain curtains. In the meantime.... remember the green onion shoots?

I planted them and they are growing. Who knows, soon I may have onions to harvest. Normally I just buy my herb plants for the garden but I have decided to grow from seed....let's re-write that... I plan to try to grow herbs from seeds. Of course we have been having rain so I have not gotten out to the garden to start the herb pot. This weekend we are expecting temps around 70 with lots of sun and I may get out there. Remember the stash of doilies?

At Christmas I spread out some of the Battenberg doilies on he dining table and added ornaments and such... this time I chose hand crocheted doilies and still thinking of what will be added...I did try this for now....

 maybe....maybe not. Until something else is found. I do not attach the doilies to each other so that I can reuse in other ways or places.
I love crocheting doilies but have not made any in a while. So many interests so little time.

Really enjoying my Quesadilla maker.... this was my lunch the other day...an Italian Quesadilla... mozzarella, mozzarella roll (salami and jalapeno pepper) hot capicola and peppered salami with cucumber sticks on the side... fun trying different combinations not to mention delicious.
Well, now that makes me hungry so off I go for breakfast. Glad you had time to visit and chat. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Following Jenny.....

Each week I will be posting as part of  Jenny and her blog posts on the Year of Living Gentle Domesticity.  you can follow along by clicking  the like on the sidebar to her blog. Here in week two Jenny asks us a few questions and to post our answers.

What crafts or creative domestic activities did you pursue when you were young?

My first venture to being creative was learning to crochet. I posted about it before here on my blog. Hope if you did not read it then you will click the link and do so now. Soon after I began going to a neighborhood playground during the summer school break. There we learned to stich on gingham...cross stitch and to sew. I made a full skirt completely hand sewn with zipper and all. After some years I learned to knit and the first thing I made was a cardigan sweater.

Have you continued with them?

Yes indeed I have continued to crochet, cross stitch and knit as well as learned to do beading, embroidery and Hardanger and several other crafts. I thrive on learning and perfecting my creative ability.

Is there one or more that fell by the wayside but which you'd like to try again?

I can not say that I have stopped any of them. I just wish there was more time to pursue them all equally.

What inspired you in our study this week?

I am always inspired by your blog, but I think...."For the gentle are are just that; gentle. They do not demand to be practiced." Permission to not feel the need to be perfect. Reading your memory of baking with your Nana brought back memories of baking with aunt Lucy and learning to iron handkerchiefs.

Hope you visit with Jenny and maybe join in either a blog post of your own to respond to her questions or to comment on her blog. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Dismal morning

There does not seem to be any sunshine for the morning. The days are getting longer. Maybe rain again? No matter, I will be running one errand early and then back to the coziness of my home.

Yesterday, besides lots of swishing in the laundry area I made the first half of another Russian Leave earring. I like this pattern and plan to try a different size the next time. The color does not show up really well. Maybe the next time I will take it outside in natural light. It is called Matte Lustra Sage....it measures 1 1/2 inches without an ear wire. Hopefully I will get the second half finished today. The other beading tray has the makings of a Snow Globe Snowman waiting. My plan is to get some of my gift box projects done. Partly because once I see the hand specialist on the 25th, I am not sure of what I will be able to do for a while.
Phase one for the pond began...I removed the pump and tried to clean it out. I was concerned that I would fall...no water to drown in! but easy to still get hurt. Seems that I am more fearful of falling...or maybe just more aware of the consequences. Since we did have some rain, there is water in the well area and I was hoping for a dry spell to see if it would dry up on it's own. I will see this week. I may just use the sump pump. The garden really needs a little reconstruction.... plant upgrading and such. Thanks to Dennis it has good structure established. I found a pair of Doves poking around the other day...maybe they are thinking of moving back in the garden. With the pond closed there was no water for them at the ready...I spoiled them. I have a birdbath that they have visited so that may draw them back.
Well I am not getting anything done sitting here.... but it is nice when you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Rain in the garden

It rained overnight but I did not hear it. Lots of clouds and feeling damp. My plans are simple....indoors and find something to occupy my time. Maybe some reading....or beading.... or a movie.
The garden is wet and damp but pretty with color.

Guara swaying in the light breeze. Delicate ….

Fairy Duster resting against the Dragonfly chimes. Fluffy.....

Damianita with it's bright yellow daisy. Bright....

So although there are clouds and the air is damp the colors of the garden are cheerful. Keeping the day simple and relaxing. Found a sweet knitting pattern for a bunny but having trouble locating the particular yarn so this week I will be scouting the yarn at Jo Ann's for a substitute. The coating for the beading projects should arrive on Monday and then the Russian Leave earrings will be dipped. Also will use it on my Santa earrings. That about is what is happening here. Hope your day is going well. Glad you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.