Happy New Year!

Tonight is the last night of 2009 and I am glad.  I look forward to 2010 and what it may bring.   Next year, I am going to be a bit selfish and think more of myself.  If I'm happy those around me will also be happy.

I am not making any resolutions.  I never keep them anyway so why put pressure on myself.  What I am going to do is make promises to myself.  Here are some I thought of to start:

See movies in the theater  instead of waiting for the DVD to come out.

Take an afternoon nap when I'm tired.

Stop worrying about being a few pounds overweight, but know that I don't have to finish everything on my plate.

Finish reading a book even if the furniture needs dusting.

That's all I can think of right now but I will be adding more to that list and enjoy the promises I make to myself.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

December Daily -- Day 25

Here it is!  Christmas Day.  I never thought I would be able to take a photo a day and do a bit of journaling but I did it!

Here's what I journaled about our turkey:

I really did mean to take a photo before we started eating the turkey but I forgot!  It really looks a mess now but it sure was good eating.   We'll have a bit of leftovers for sandwiches and maybe for dinner tomorrow.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year but I am looking forward to a better one in 2010 in our new home.

December Daily -- Day 24

Christmas Eve and I am finally all finished wrapping!

My journaling on the back:

These are the last of the gifts to wrap.  I took the easy way out and just piled them up in a gift bag.  They are for Rochelle and she won't mind not having ribbons on them. 

Now I'm anticipating the fun we are going to have later tonight opening all our gifts.

December Daily -- Day 23

Wrapping gifts is not one of the things I enjoy, but at least I've started!
Here's what I journaled on the back:
Ted went out for a bit so I decided to get his gifts wrapped when he wouldn't catch me.   I never seem to catch him, but he usually pops in when I'm doing my wrapping.  This time he didn't surprise me!

December Daily -- Day 22

Today was mending day.

Here's my journaling on the back.

My mending had been piling up and since I needed to hem a pair of slacks for Christmas, I decided to pull out my trusty little Singer Featherweight sewing machine and just do it.  Once I got started it didn't take too much time to get it all done. 

Now I can enjoy the holidays with new things to wear and older things mended.

December Daily -- Day 21

It looked absolutely gorgeous when I went out today.  Snow is so beautiful when it is clean and not dirtied up from traffic.

Here's my journaling on the back:

I love the look of these snow-covered dwarf pine trees against the towering larger pines in the background.  The snow was beautiful in the morning.  The air was cool and clean with little wind so I did go for my daily walk.  I saw some of the regular walkers were also courageous enough to get their boots on!

December Daily -- Day 20

The entire northeast was hit with our first big snow storm last night.  When we woke up this morning, the wind had drifted snow against our front door and we had difficulty getting it open.   Some of the drifted snow was much higher than the 9 inches I recorded on a flat part of the lawn.  It was very windy last night and the howling of it woke me up twice.

Here's what I journaled:

Hubba covered part of my car with a tarp to make snow removal a bit easier.  I wish he had one large enough to cover the whole car.  I recorded 9 inches on the flat part of the lawn, but the drifts were around 15 inches.  Snow was piled up against the front door, making it difficult to get it opened.  I shoveled a path to the street so I could get out to get the paper, but hubba soon got out the snow blower and finished the rest of the driveway.  He then brushed off my car in case we need to go out.

December Daily -- Day 19

It started to snow about 10am but didn't come down full force until about 9pm.  When I went out to take this photo at 8:30pm, we had about three inches on the ground. 

My journaling on the back:

This photo was taken in our backyard during the snow storm.  It is not out of focus, that's the snow blowing around.  I think if I had a better camera, it might have shown the snow flakes.   I think the sight of falling snow is beautiful.  You can't see them in the photo, but in the upper right hand corner, I could see deer tracks.  They must have come to eat some of the grass still showing  the snow in the corner-- under the pine trees.

December Daily -- Day 18

It's beginning to feel like Christmas finally.  I continue to take photos on my walk. I am pleased that when owners see me taking photos of their houses, they come out an talk with me.  I am meeting some very nice folks.

Here is my journaling:

Today was very cold.  I was so bundled up it was difficult to take photos with my gloves on.  I love the cold snap in the air and my lungs seem to like it too!  Even though winter is still a few days away, it feels like mid-winter.   A cup of hot tea was very much appreciated when I got home.

December Daily -- Day 17

Now, this is the kind of decorating I like!  It is simple but joyous, but then maybe I'm just getting old and wish for things to be simple again.

My journaling on the back:

Mr. Frankenfield's fence runs around his property and it is decorated with vines and red bows.  How festive this looks while walking down Taft Avenue.

It reminds me of the simple laurel vines my father used to drape around the windows of our house on Edmund Street. 

December Daily -- Day 16

Some fortunate children must live in this house because this little amusement must have cost a lot!

My journaling on the back:

They sure didn't have anything like this when we were growing up!  We were lucky to have a snowman on our lawn--but, only if it had snowed in the last few days.

Whatever happened to the simple laurel vines and cut greens and holly from the backyard?  If it doesn't light up and blink, you won't find it decorating homes in our area!

December Daily -- Day 15

It is rather dismal today.  It rained again during the night and the streets are still wet.  I came home with wet socks because the tops of my walking shoes are made of fabric and I managed to stomp through a couple of puddles.

I took this photo on my morning walk.  It looks like Santa might  have sent two of his reindeer down to check out landing sites!

Here's what I journaled:

While on my walk today, I came across these two reindeer on Derby Road.  I've only seen the ornamental reindeer that are all white with lights on them.  These are brown and it doesn't look like they light up at night.  I could be wrong on that.  While snapping the photo, I started thinking that maybe Santa had sent these two down to check out landing sites. 

December Daily -- Day 14

Wahoo!  I was in the garage today and came upon this propped up against wall.  I dropped a hint that I would like one of the digital photo frames so I sure hope this is for me!

On the back, I journaled:

So, maybe hubba does listen to me sometimes.  I dropped a hint that I would like a digital photo frame and then found this in the garage.  I can't think of anyone else he would buy it for, so I must act really surprised on Christmas Eve when we open our gifts.

I only wish they made digital frames in a square size so I can display all my beautiful digital layouts that Jessica Sprague taught me how to do.   However, maybe I could do some in 8.5 x 11 size and then display them.

December Daily -- Day 13

I'm sure you all realize by now that I love walking.  In particular, I love walking  in the development near me.  On our street, everyone built their houses at different times, and there are only 8 houses.   People used to escape the summer heat of the city by building up here in Chalfont.  That's how our street was created.  Our area only has three streets, so  the development I walk in has lots of streets to roam and explore.  There is always something new to see so I usually take my camera with me.  I don't know many of the people living in this development but some of them recognize me from walking there so much and I sometimes  get a wave or one of them stops me to talk a bit.  

Here's what I journaled:

I took my camera with me today because lots of people have finished decorating and some of the displays are just wonderful.  This particular photo was taken on Cornwall Drive.  I was attracted to the manager scene because it looks like it was hand made.  I wondered if the owner made it or if someone made it for them.  While the display is quite large, it is not very dimensional.  It is only about six inches in depth, and is painted all in white.  I rather like it.

December Daily -- Day 12

For years the holly bushes in our backyard never had berries.  Just in the past few years have the berries started to appear.  I thought I had only males bushes, but the berries prove the female bushes are fertile!

Journaling on the back:

Each year I am more delighted to see the berries appearing on the holly bushes in the backyard.  For many years, I thought the bushes were all male, but now that we have berries, I guess that is not so.  These are not tiny berries, they are huge!  The color is a bright, clear red and there are lots of berry clusters.

It almost seems a shame to cut the holly for decoration, but I will!

December Daily -- Day 11

At my hubba's urging, I joined a knitting group that meets at our local Border's Book Store every Friday.  I managed to snap this photo before everyone starting protesting.   I am enjoying the group and also love the green tea latte with soy milk that I get from Border's coffee bar .

My journaling on the back:

I surprised my knitting group by taking this photo.  I never met a more camera-shy group!  They would not let me take more photos to include the rest of the group at another table!  I was really lucky to get this one.  

The coffee bar is not the usual meeting place at Border's.  Because of the Christmas displays, the knitting group was asked to gather here until after the new year.  It's not really a problem because we get to spread out over a couple of tables.  Plus, the coffee bar is right there so no walking through the store to get refreshments.   Since I am so new to the group, I have no idea where they in the store they usually meet.  Guess I'll find that out after the holidays.

December Daily -- Day 10

The rain finally ended and today I was able to take a long walk.  I think it must have been almost 6 miles.  My pedometer needs a new battery so I am only guessing by how my feet felt!

I picked up a few huge pine cones on my walk.  I intend to smear the pine cones with peanut butter and roll them in bird seed.  Sort of a little treat for the flying critters in our backyard. I also have some stale popcorn that I'll thread onto string and hang it on the trees for the squirrels and birds to enjoy on Christmas Day.

Here's what I journaled  on the back:

Today the air smelled fresh and clean after the long day of pounding rain.  I almost had to force myself to take a walk, but once outside and breathing in the wonderful clean air I kept on going.  I think I walked about 6 miles--judging by how walking 5 miles feels, and how badly my feet hurt!

I picked up these pine cones in the Highlands.  I think the birds will enjoy them with peanut butter smeared on them and then rolled in bird seeds.  I will have to place them where the squirrels can't get at them.  Surprisingly, squirrels love peanut butter -- at least the squirrels in our yard do.

December Daily -- Day 9

Note:  I was unable to post for about a week because I hurt my shoulder and arm and could hardly type.  It's becoming easier now so I have quite a few days to catch up on!

I thought the rain would never stop!  You probably can't tell how hard the rain is falling in the top photo, believe me, it came down in buckets full!

Here's what I journaled on the back:

The rain started early in the morning before we woke up.  It rained all day and into the night.  We were ready to start building the ark.

The top photo attempts to show how hard it was raining but I think that attempt failed.  The bottom photo is one of the creeks in our neighborhood.  The day before it was dry, and when I took the photo it was rushing loudly!

December Daily -- Day 8

It is still gloomy and COLD today.  Winter doesn't start until December 21 but it sure seems like it is here early.

Here's what I journaled on the back:

This is one of the most glorious sites in Chalfont--the gazebo at Krupp park.  After walking across the bridge covering Neshaminy Creek, there is a wonderful view of the gazebo.  Many a wedding  has been ph0tographed there but I think it would make a wonderful Christmas card with it's snow covered cap.

December Daily -- Day 7

Today, I walked up to the Post Office to get stamps and brought my camera along with me.  As I passed Kelly Park, I saw these geese trying to eat through the snow.  I changed the photo to black and white for a bit of variety.

Here is the journaling on the back:

Whatever happened to the sun?  The weather has been so gloomy the past couple of days.  We need some sun!!!!!

December Daily -- Day 6

When we woke this morning, the snow was just about gone on the roads.  However, once we got to Route 309, the trees were just gorgeous.  The snow might have melted on the highway but the trees were still snow covered and gleaming in the early morning sun light. 

I took this picture from the car.  It's OK, Ted was driving.

December Daily -- Day 5

The weatherman was predicting snow for later this afternoon, but around noon it started to rain.  It came down really hard for a while, but then the temperature dropped.  Around 4pm it started to snow.

What a beautiful sight to look out your front door and see the snow cover up the bare branches of trees that just a short while ago held leaves.

December Daily -- Day 4

When I look out my front window, I see a beautiful display of lights from my neighbor's

The journaling on the back reads:

"We are probably not going to put up any lights this year.  Maybe some candles in the windows and a bit of greenery here and there.  Some years you just don't feel like going overboard in decorating.  Besides, all I have to do is look out my front window and I see my neighbor's lights blazing beautifully."

December Daily -- Day 3

I finally felt like getting some knitting done--now that Christmas is almost here!  I just didn't have the urge to do it before now and it will probably be too little too late.

Journaling on the back reads:

"I'm knitting a scarf using a soft yarn that will feel wonderful around the neck.  I'm not sure who will get it as a gift, but it's nice to have an extra one on hand -- just in case.

I haven't made many handmade gifts this year.   I just didn't feel like it.   Next year I'll start early and get lots of goodies made well in advance so I don't feel rushed."

December Daily -- Day 2

On the way to the Post Office to buy stamps for Christmas cards, I saw this display of Christmas trees, and wondered who bought their trees this early. 

The journaling on the back reads:

"When we were young children, my family always bought the Christmas tree on Christmas eve.  I remember my father buying yards and yards of laurel to trim the windows early in December, but the tree waited until Christmas eve.

Since we didn't have a car, we would walk up to Torresdale Avenue to get our Christmas tree.  The tree lot was located the same place each year--outside the library.  A  long time was spent deciding which tree to buy.  When that momentous decision was made, we all hauled the tree home trying our best not to drag it on the ground.

December Daily -- Day 1

Well, I successfully started my December Daily album by taking the first photo.  I really want to complete this project but I forgot to post this yesterday!  I put the photo on the front and did this journaling on the back:

"Today is the first day for my December Daily journal.  Rochelle brought over the wreath her daughter, Kim, made and I placed it on the bench outside our front door.  I think it looks very pretty sitting there."

Mini Pedestal Cake Stand

I have been wanting a small cake stand to serve cookies and petit fours to my guests when they come to tea.  I looked everywhere but never saw anything near to what I wanted.

I was about to give up searching when, a few days ago, I was reading one of my favorite blogs (Bee in My Bonnet http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com) and there was my mini cake stand!  Lori had purchased a beautiful dish and a candle stick holder at a thrift store.  After viewing cake stand, I  just had to run right out to my local thrift store to see what I could find.

Here are my beautiful pieces.  The dish was on half-price sale so I got it for 32 cents and the candle stick holder was 60 cents.  So for a total of 95 cents, including tax, I finally got my mini cake stand.  I'm putting it together with a glue named named E-6000.  It's supposed to be very strong.

A Lovable Eccentric

Last year I did a layout of a relative of my ex-SIL.  His name is Mervin and he is a flea market hound.  Every Wednesday he goes to the Leesport, PA flea market and searches for treasures.  His house is filled to the brim with all his finds so he tells the vendors he can't buy any more until his house expands.  He is just so lovable, I want to squeeze him.
We met Mervin again a few weeks ago at that very same flea market.  I almost didn't recognize him because he had on a new hat and a brand new pair of overalls.  Still the same Mervin and still looking, wanting to buy,  but not buying.
I'll do an updated layout using this photo soon.  I think I'll leave the other people in the background because the theme will be about his flea market buying.  What so you think?

Christmas Values

One of the things I value most about the Christmas holiday is peace.  Growing up with an alcoholic father, we didn't get much peace, we got chaos.  After getting married and having a child, my goal each year was to have a peaceful, loving Christmas holiday.  I know that has been accomplished.  I forgave my father a long time ago and hope he found peace.
A tradition we have is that no matter where our daughter is on Christmas Eve, she calls us and we unwrap our gifts together while wishing each other Merry Christmas.  It sort of makes up for not being together during Christmas.
Friendship is something I value most.  My friend, Rochelle, was born on Christmas day.  Growing up she never actually got a birthday gift.  All her gifts were wrapped  in Christmas paper and she was told the gifts were also for her birthday.  How unfair is that?  So each year I make sure she gets at least one birthday gift from me.  I wrap it in cheery birthday paper, and then another gift is wrapped in Christmas paper.   I know she appreciates this.  My birthday is June 25 so we always kid each other that our birthdays are six months apart in either direction.
As I mature (I'm getting old!) I am appreciating more of what the holidays are all about.  It's not really about gift giving and great foods; although, that is very nice.  It's about a feeling of wonder, warmth, and sharing, while savoring that feeling all through the year.  And, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

Bought on a Whim

I should never watch QVC (a shopping network for those not familiar with it.)  I always get sucked into buying something I really don't want or need.  That being said, I have bought things on a whim that really helped improve my life. 
Did I buy something a couple of weeks ago that will  improve my life?  I don't know yet, we'll just have to wait and see.  What I bought is an HP net book in pink!  It comes with its own pink and black sleeve, Windows 7 Starter, Adobe PSE 8.0 and various other software packages.  The only thing it doesn't come with is a CD/DVD drive.  The software came on a little bitty disc like cameras use.  Fortunately, I already have an external CD/DVD burner drive.   Sigh, another thing bought on a whim.  I haven't used this much since I got my new desktop computer earlier in the year.

The net book is the cutest little thing ever.  It comes with Wi-Fi and a webcam.  Gee, I don't know anyone else who has a webcam, and I'm not even sure what Wi-Fi is or how to use it.  I do know I don't want another monthly charge on top of my DSL.  I'm told I can go to Burger King or Starbucks and latch onto their Wi-Fi system so I may do that for updates and such.


The reason I bought the net book is so that I can do my digital layouts in PSE8.0 while watching TV or out on the deck .  That way I am not holed up in my office room all by myself feeling isolated from hubba. 
Has anyone else ever bought anything on a whim?  I'm sure I can't be the only one to do this.  Let's hope I'm happy after having the net book for a while.

YEARLY REMINDER

Today was the day for my yearly mammogram.  While never pleasant, it is a necessity.  By getting these yearly mammograms, a fibrous adenoma was discovered followed by an ultrasound, and a biopsy.  Thankfully, pathology came back that it is benign.  My mammograms determine  the fibrous adenoma is not moving or getting any bigger.  If it does, then it will be removed.
Image from Google Images
OK, the serious stuff is over and now I have some observations to make on getting these yearly mammograms:
1.  Why are the gowns provided always so big?  By the time I find which string has an opposite partner to tie, the gown has fallen off my shoulders and is in a pool around my feet.
2.  We are told to place our outer garments in a plastic bag and then leave them in the dressing room.  Has anyone ever been tempted to look in the bags?  I hope not because my only clean bra this morning was rather worn--clean but worn.
3.  It is pathetic to see all the women in the waiting room trying to keep some form of modesty in these gowns.  We are all pulling them back onto our shoulders and grasping them in front so everything isn't out there in the open.
4.  Why are the waiting rooms always so cold?  If I had a thermometer with me, I am sure it would have registered in the low 50's.
5.  Speaking about cold, why are the technicians hands always so cold?  It is bad enough that the equipment is sub-zero against my warm skin, but her hands are like ice cubes.  She spent a lot of time saying how sorry she was that her hands are cold--I know!
Like I said, this is something women go through every year so we must have a sense of humor about the process.

UPDATE:  I got notification today that my mammogram was normal.  Yippee!!!  Now I can be worry-free until next year.  Sigh.

JUST A BIT OF FUN TODAY

I took this photo last week while at a farmer's market.  A pen of goats were waiting to be auctioned off.  I started taking lots of photos but  had no idea this photo was going to be so cute.

Sock Project

Knitting socks are such fun.  They really do go quickly if you keep at it but sometimes life gets in the way.  I started this pair of socks on November 1, 2009.  I may complete them by Thanksgiving.  Yes, I know those of you who knit would have had them done in a day or two.  However, I do have an excuse for not getting them done more quickly.
The day after I started knitting the socks I got a huge floater in my eye with flashes of lights.  No biggy, I've had this before but thought I should go to the ophthalmologist to make sure there are no holes in the retina.  There aren't any holes but this huge floater is taking up most of my right eye.  I never learned how to knit just by feeling the stitches so it's difficult for me to focus my eye.  The floater will diminish somewhat in time and surely will fade from black to light gray.  I'll just have to wait it out.
In the meantime,   I'll knit an hour or so a day and with any luck I'll have a pair of colorful socks before Thanksgiving.

UPDATE:  I finished one sock and found it was way too big.  I ripped it out and started over again.  This time, I am doing k2, p2 for the cuff instead of k1, p1 because that ribbing is tighter on the leg.  I started it over again on November 25, 2009.  My new goal date to finish the pair is by Christmas.

Eerie Quilt

I took this photo at a recent quilt show in Pennsylvania but neglected to write down the artist.  I think it is eerily interesting and quite beautiful.  I believe the artist named it metamorphosis.

Enjoying My Life

I have started taking the attitude that life is what you make of it.  You can either be miserable or start to enjoy life.  I have been trying to find fun in everything I do.  For example, yesterday we went to a farmer's market.  You think, what's so much fun about that.  Ah, but we found several things that just made our day.
This particular farmer's market also has a flea market.  While walking up and down the aisle of vendors, I happened to look to my right and saw two horses galloping in the pasture beside the flea market.  Ah ha! I thought to myself.  This is a photo opportunity I am not to lose.  I walked over to the fence, and stood there focusing my camera.  The horses saw me and came running over to the fence.  They must have thought I had carrots to fed them.  Unfortunately, I only had a camera in hand.  My husband came over and they nuzzled his hand hoping for something to eat.  Nope, he didn't have carrots either.  They did pose nicely for me so I got a couple of photos there.

Later, we came across a cousin of my ex-sister-in-law that we had met several months ago.  He is such a unique character -- and I say that in the most loving way.  His house in town is filled to the rafters with finds from this very flea market.  While we were chatting with Mervyn, one of the vendors came over and asked how come he wasn't buying anything.  Mervyn answered, "because I don't have any more room to put things!"

I then ventured over to the animal auction holding pens.  I love cows so thought I could get a couple of photos of those up for auction.  No such luck.  They were all the way in the back of the barn and it was too dark.  They were going to auction next so I couldn't even go into the barn.  Since I was not a buyer, I couldn't get into the auction either.  So no photos of the beautiful cows.
However, I did get a couple of shots of the cutest little goats.  One of them tried to eat through my bag to get to a sack of sesame sticks I had just purchased.  Guess he smelled them right through the bag!

After purchasing a lot of fresh vegetables, some freshly baked breads,  and a new, smaller, case for my camera.  We drove home very tired but simply alive with all the sights and smells we had witnessed that day.

Five of my Favorite Things

I like lists.  I always have.  I start writing them early in the morning, and before I go to bed I write a list of things to do when I wake up.  So having said that here is a list of five of my favorite things in the world--well, at least right now.
1.  My Sansa Fuze MP3 player.  I take it with me on my walks and listen to my favorite podcast--Coast to Coast AM.

2.  My camera.  I take it everywhere with me just in case there is a photo op--don't want to miss that.

3.  A good cup of tea.  Why does everyone suppose coffee is the only hot drink?

4.  My computer.  I think I would die without it.

5.   Taking digital scrapbooking classes.  As someone on the Jessica Sprague forum said, she is a classaholic.   I think that just about says it all!

OK, I did my list for today and now I'll scribble my list for tomorrow morning.

DECEMBER DAILY

It's a funny thing about intentions.  We all have them and many succeed in actually doing them.  Every year it is my intention to do an album leading up to Christmas like Ali Edwards does.  Years have gone by without success.  This year I really do intend doing it.  I am so sure I will succeed this year because I already have the album made.  All I have to do each day is take a photo, write a bit of journaling, and embellish the page.  Sounds easy, right?  Wish me luck!
Here's a photo of my album just waiting to be filled with gorgeousness...sorry it's so dark.

...here's a couple of the pages--

It's a great way to use some of those swap items that have been stashed away waiting for a good way to use them.  I only hope my album turns out as nicely as Ali Edwards's always does!

How will I remember everything in 2010?

I'll be using my newly downloaded ebook Scrapbooker's All-in-One Memory Log Book for 2010.  I downloaded it last night and spent most of the morning printing it out.  I opted for the ebook because I wanted to personalize it.  I heard about the book from members on the Jessica Sprague general forum.

I love things like this but sometimes I get overwhelmed and don't carry things through -- like the 2009 365 Project.  I had good intentions but life got in the way.

This book, however, is perfect for me because all I have to do is actually use it.  It lists weekly challenges, has questionnaires, monthly and daily calendars, log sheets for jotting down memories, and layout planning pages among other goodies.  I have no association with the designer of this ebook, but if anyone is interested check out www.logyourmemory.com and check it out.