Creating Snowflakes In 70 Degrees

It is hard to believe that it is in the middle of December and we are wearing short sleeves and have our door and windows open. Last year it was temperatures in the 30s and 40s.  With the warm weather I was still able to create snowflakes.  I didn't use paper instead I used wooden clothes pins.  I bought a package of wooden clothes pins at Dollar Tree and then took them apart.  I needed to get rid of the metal spring.  I then glued them together and then began to create the snowflakes with the glued clothes pins.  They really turned out great and now all I have to do is decide whether to paint them white or leave them natural. Take a look at the pictures and let me know!

The Popcycle Stick Sled

In 1979 my Mom made sled ornaments out of Popcycle sticks.  As I was hanging my sled ornament it was hard to believe how old it was and yet it looks exactly the same as when she made it.  Last year it was just an ornament but this year it is a treasure.  I decided to make some sleds out of Popcycle sticks and the first one is for my Mom.  It will hang on my tree every year and even though it is sad to realize my Mom is no longer here she will always be here in spirit and live on with great holiday memories every year through her ornaments.  My mom has given me an ornament every year since 1979.  My trees are loaded with memories!  Merry Christmas Mom!

A Gift For Tim's Knife

Last April, when we were in Branson, MO visiting Mom C and Jim, Tim  and  I went to Silver Dollar City. I know I have written about SDC a lot.  There are all sorts of Crafter stores and one we went into was the Knife store.  Tim had been wanting a knife that he could carry on him that would take care of several things that might be needed on the farm; his pocket knife could only do so much.  We purchased a knife and it did come with its own sheath but Tim wanted a really nice one for his belt.  Mom C just happens to work with leather and leather tooling.  So we drew out the shape of the knife so she would have a guide to make him a leather sheath.  Mom C's tooling equipment was down at their Harlingen, TX home so Tim had to wait until she returned to Texas.  Yesterday in the mail Tim received a gift from his Mom and it was a beautiful leather sheath.  Mom C did a wonderful job and it fit the knife perfectly.  Tim actually received two gifts in one; a place for his knife and it was made by his Mom.  Thanks Mom!

A Run Into Knoxville

Tim, George and I drove into Knoxville yesterday for a couple of reasons.  George needed to go to PetSmart to get a specialized cat food for his cat Angel.  When we found out he was going we tagged along and did a little Christmas shopping while we were there.  I cannot say what I got because you may be the person I shopped for. On the way we did stop at Bass Pro and also went to Costco. Since it was lunch time we decided to eat at Costco and I have to say that their prices make eating very easy.  For a piece of pizza, a hot dog, drink and two ice creams we spent a whopping $6.00.  Now that is a bargain!  We were back by 2:00 so I also worked on a few Christmas presents in the Crafty Cottage too.  Today I am headed out on my own to do some more Christmas shopping.  This will be my first solo trip into Greeneville and possibly Johnson City.  Check back and see where I went!

Dr Appointment And A Flu Shot

When my Mom got sick and I flew to California I had to cancel three Dr appointments and now I am finally catching back up.  Yesterday's was just a meds check that should of been back in September. Anyway, after going through the regular check in items, i.e. weight, blood pressure, temperature, the nurse asked me about a flu shot and I declined.  Then when it was time to see the Dr. she also asked about a flu shot.  I have never had a flu shot and figured as isolated as I am here I really didn't need one.  Well, that was the wrong thing to say because I then got a lecture as to why I should have one and that it is not full proof but better safe than sorry.  Now here is the kicker and because I am getting older; ouch that hurt.  I realize I just had a birthday but since I am going backwards and never hit 50 I am only 44.  I know, wishful thinking!  Anyway, I gave in and decided to get the flu shot.  I did not realize that I had to sit in the lobby for a little bit after I had one because it was my first time for a flu shot and they wanted to make sure I did not have a reaction...I didn't.  So now, as long as I have the right strain, I should not get the flu.  My fingers are crossed!

A Lazy Day For Me

I guess last week finally caught up with me because yesterday I was content to do nothing.  If you know me you know that is not typical.  I am usually busy doing something.  So, what did I do yesterday, well I did some laundry, unpacked my birthday gifts I received while I was in Florida and opened the gifts waiting for me when I got home.  Once again, thank you for all for the birthday wishes, cards and gifts; I love and appreciate them all.  Carrie had given me a popcorn tin full of ornaments that she had but were ours.  The popcorn tin is the ones you can buy around Christmas that usually have three kinds of popcorn.  I have used these tins for years to pack up and store my ornaments.  So I hung some more ornaments on the trees.  I did watch some Christmas movies while doing nothing!
Tim and George were busy.  They loaded up George's Honda CRV and towed it to an automotive shop to have the engine and transmission replaced.  George really loves his CRV!  After that they went and purchased wood to finishing siding George's garage and outdoor deck area.  I guess they will be busy.  Tim also worked on the plumbing for the hot water heater.  He replaced some pipe to repair a leaking issue we were having with the hot water heater and it's hook up to the RV.   It was just another day at the farm!

Driving To Tennessee

My drive to Tennessee was going great until I hit Columbia, SC where all of a sudden traffic on I-26 West came to a complete holt.  After moving at a steady 3-4 miles per hour I finally passed under a DOT sign that was flashing "incident ahead, all lanes blocked at mile marker 111".  Oh yay!  So I decided to get off the highway just before mile marker 111 and after looking at alternative routes I decided it would be less time sitting in traffic then going around and taking an extra three hours to get home.  Well taking the ramp and then getting back on worked to my advantage because the shoulder was opened to traffic and it was my lane that started it.  After a 40 minute delay I was on the open road again.  I got home around 6:00 and it feels good to be home. I had a great time in the Orange Park area and I am looking to return back down there in two weeks!