Moving right along............like a slug that is!

Saturday was a very productive day and since I post the Sunday Spin on Sunday's I thought today I would show you what I accomplished Saturday....especially in light of the fact that yesterday I barely got anything done! LOL!  But it was R n' R day after all.
Saturday I got out early since it has been so hot here.  I got more weeding, mulching, and rock laying done.  In case I haven't told you, I am making a curved path to my front door.  I thought this would be less expensive than hiring a cement contractor to build a sidewalk but I'm beginning to wonder!?!?  Between the labor, time it's taking and the price of the rubber mulch I'm not so sure anymore.

  Below is/was my birdbath but when I picked it up off the base to go clean it......

This is what happened................

I guess I should have brought it in over the Winter.  It probably got water in it and then froze....what was I thinking?  Obviously I just wasn't!  Oh well, I put a cement circle on top of the base and I think I'll get a trailing, flowering plant to set there.  As for the "pieces" above...anyone have any ideas what I could do with them?  You know me...I can't throw them out.  I was thinking either crack them into pieces for a mosaic or I could use the middle part as a trivet and the outer part as a collar around some plant in the garden.   
I think I mentioned that I've been trying to work outside each day for 1 hour and then inside for 1 hour on projects that aren't just daily or weekly maintenance.  So, after my 1 hour outside I came in and did some thorough cleaning of my family room for an hour.  While cleaning I watched the pre-derby activities on the telly.  By now I had closed the windows and turned on the ac since it was hovering around 88 and humid.

 

I dusted, vacuumed, and put lots of stuff away that was covering about every surface in this room.  I threw away some and took all the "fireplace" equipment out to the porch for the summer and leftover logs back out to the woodpile outside.  The picture above on the wall is old sheet music that is framed and the song title is "If You Saw All That I Saw in Arkansas".....I found it in the back area of an old hardware store.  I love it!

This is my "craft" bookcase.....I know.....with all these books you'd think my whole house would be homemade! LOL!  The bookcase I got at a junk store for $12 which I thought was good for a bookcase...in fact everything in my house is "used" not new....I need to paint the book case but so far I haven't done it....another one for the grass catcher list.

W hen the ac is on I light my candles.  I told you when it gets hot in the South, I treat it just like Winter in the North except for no fire in the fireplace...LOL!

And then it was time for the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby!  No mint julep or fancy hor'deurves but this suits me just fine!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Sunday Spin.......and not the political type either!

Good morning!  I want to share a very special and talented group with you today.  These gals are diva's in the blogosphere.  First is a young, stay at home Mom who does things with fabric that are so gorgeous.  She is Maureen Cracknell  of Maureen Cracknell Handmade.    She does marvelous things with fabric and also features new internet fabric shops that are carrying the latest quality fabrics and designers. And did I mention  she likes color?

She's so creative and  has her own shop on her website and makes many custom items like her famous "crowns" and pillows.......or even a crown pillow

 

 One of her latest projects were some beautiful aprons she made for the women of Haiti.  How she manages a family, webshop, children, blog and then make for charity too is amazing but she does!  There are directions on her website on how to make Aprons for Haiti and where to send them etc. if you're interested.

 Maureen also has drawings for fabric weekly on her site from her many sponsors.  If you're looking to make an income from your blog this woman would be a great role model!  On top of that she replies to your comments.....as busy as she is she finds the time.  She is not only extremely talented but kind and selfless too.   Thanks for being YOU, Maureen and continued success in all you do!

Next on our Sunday drive is Posie Gets Cozy  which is Alicia Paulson a woman who "likes to create things" and create she does!  She and her husband, a corgi and 2 cats live in Portland, Oregon and have the coziest home and lifestyle.  She knits and crochets beautifully............

 

She abounds with great ideas for making the most mundane tasks special and meaningful...........below she took pictures of their favorite recipes and then affixed them to the back of the recipe card and then laminated them for posterity....just the very favorite ones.  I need to do that!  She made it special and insured they were the right size cards and found a special box to hold them.....she turned it into a meaningful ritual which is part of the secret to "living in the moment". We need more people like Alicia to show us the way.

Speaking of.....here is one of her beautiful meals.........

Like I said, Alicia Paulson is well-known and I certainly didn't do her justice in these few pictures.  She has the most beautiful embroidery in either a downloadable pdf or a kit you can purchase.  Also, a great tote and a crocheted baby blanket.  Trust me.....you will adore her blog....I do!

Moving along down the road now we run into Susan from  Homeroad   Susan is a teacher, mother of 4 girls and wife and an unbelievable DIY'er!  She's amazing!!  I swear, this gal could take a roll of toilet paper and turn it into something pretty and practical.  She makes me tired just looking at all she accomplishes!  But at the same time she is truly inspiring and motivating!  When money is tight for people she shows us that you can make beauty out of the humblest materials.  Take a look........before........

and after............Woo Hoo...would you look at that?  I barely recognized it!  Didn't I tell you this woman is AMAZING?!?!?!

She makes me speechless with her talent and that takes a lot!  Those of you who know me will agree! LOL!

Stop by and visit these divas of the blogging community and I'm sure you will be overwhelmed with inspiration and happiness as I am every time I visit them!

Have a wonderful, restful and renewing Sunday.  Thank you all for your comments...they mean so much to me!  I have met some wonderful people through this blog and I hope to meet many more.

Happy Cinco De Mayo and Happy Derby Day too.........

Here's a great recipe that I love.  It takes a little more time than your normal evening meal but if you prep ahead of time it's not that bad.  It just dirties a lot of dishes.  But it is healthy and tasty and for me I have lovely leftovers!  I didn't take any pictures and I'm sorry for that but when you're working with chicken and dipping and breading it's a bit much.  I use Panko Italian Style bread crumbs and in my mind it makes all the difference in the world!  I'm not sure where I got this recipe.  If it from one of you please speak up and I will credit you because it is a real KEEPER!   

Chicken Caprese

____________________

6 skinless chicken tenderloins or 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in 6 pieces lengthwise

1/2 C Italian style bread crumbs

1/2 C flour

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 T olive oil

2 Roma  tomatoes

1/4 C basil, loosely packed

6 ounces fresh mozzarella balls

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Chop Roma tomatoes into bite size pieces and put in a bowl.  Tear or chiffonade basil and add to tomatoes, stirring to combine.  Season with salt and pepper and set aside.  Rinse and dry chicken.  Dredge each piece of chicken in flour and let dry on a rack for 10 minutes.  Re-dredge each piece in flour again and then dip in egg wash and then in bread crumbs.  Let the chicken dry on a rack for another 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, heat a large skillet or saute pan over medium high heat.  Put 2 T of olive oil in pan and when the oil is hot add chicken pieces.  Cook each side for 2 minutes and then transfer to a 9 x 13 baking dish/pan.  Continue cooking all pieces adding more oil if necessary.  Place all chicken in baking dish/pan, trying to have as little overlap as possible.  Chop mozzarella into 3/4 inch cubes and sprinkle over chicken.  Bake in oven for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and when it comes out sprinkle with the tomato basil mixture.

After supper I crocheted on my basket a bit more..........2 more colors!  Not sure when I'll stop....maybe when I run out of colors to use.  LOL!

I can't even remember what I did in the morning yesterday.  I think I just cleaned up the house, laundry and I think I might have worked outside a bit too.  I better get a grip!  Next thing you know they'll be asking me who's President!  Have a glorious Saturday and I hope the weather is just what you wish whereever you are.

A beautiful INSIDE day...........and it's my fav day...Friday!

 

I worked on my basket last night and it's getting TALLER!  As I mentioned, today will be an inside day.  I went out and watered this morning and it is already HOT and muggy and it is going to be in the 90's today with high humidity.  I don't mind as I have ac but I have to get some inside things done and when I walk in this weather I better plan on coming home, taking a bath and not getting anything else done.  Maybe I'll walk tonight if I'm not to tired but I'm not counting on it! LOL!  I have my pedometer on and I'm going to go by steps more than anything.  So, far this morning I've already gone 1584 steps so I'm no couch potato! LOL!

Now, for the big reveal as to what I got in the mail yesterday?  Take a gander at these treasures!

 

The first book in the M.C.Beaton series of Agatha Raisin....Ta Da!  I ordered from Thrift Books    They have free shipping and discounts on multiple orders.  Nancy Jo recommended them and I couldn't be more pleased.  Thanks Nancy Jo!

 Then this DVD is for my health and well-being iniative...walking for heart and lungs, lifting for muscle and back strength and yoga for flexibility.  Peggy Cappy has been on PBS many times and you know if she's on PBS she's got to be good!

The next book has been all over the internet so with that many of my friends endorsing it I just had to get it!
So far, so good! 

And the feast de' resistance...............

the backing for my quilt............isn't it gorgeous??????????  I so love it and it is the beginning of my new cottage farmhouse look!  I don't think anyone has coined that style yet?  Cottage Farmhouse or should it be Farmhouse Cottage?  Anyway, stayed tuned for multiple changes in my decorating.  You've already seen some in my crochet.....lots more of that coming down the pike too!  For the rest of today it will be laundry, clean up house, work on budget and bills for May, watch Wind at My Back on INSP at 1:00 p.m. while I crochet and take a mid afternoon break and then make Chicken Caprese for supper.  I'll also be taking breaks and reading my new Homespun Style book.  What a great weekend ahead...starting right now!  I hope yours is wonderful too!

On the road again.............

 Oh...BTW........walked 3 miles  bp 125/73 pulse 73

I guess I'll be setting my alarm so I can get up early while it's still fairly cool.  It was overcast today which kept the temp at 72...still humid and I still "perspired" but I was able to landscape for an hour and then I went and walked my 3 miles with the girls.................Above is Benjamin Creek where an underground spring runs and it fills with tall grasses and lily pads.

Below is a literal "pasture" of honeysuckle....I could smell it the entire walk.....heavenly............

a little inlet pool.............

Look at the vines hanging from this tree and the flowers too...............

 

See those tall reeds below?  I'm wondering if those are the type that people make baskets from?  If so that would be really cool because I have a steady supply here!  Does anyone know?

 

 Here's the lily pads getting ready to bloom.  The yellow are their buds getting ready to open.  Nitty thought it was as good a time as any to cool off her feet too. 

 There are LOTS of lily pads here.........

Below you can see where Benjamin Creek leads back to it's origin....I wish I could go back to find where the spring starts but I already have over 25 bites on my body and that's using Deep Woods Off! LOL!  Plus, I don't have a kayak or canoe or even waders. 

 This little creek and underground Spring is what filled this man-made lake many years ago.......

This is Crown Lake...this is one corner of it.....it's pretty big and goes way beyond what you can see out there.  This is the small part.   At one time this was a big valley that they filled.  There are even houses at the bottom of it.   At the other end of the lake there's a big wall that keeps the lake from spilling over to another valley.  I think it's a spillway and if we get too much rain it spills over the top which is a road.  You wouldn't want to be on that road at that time! LOL!  There are few guard rails in Arkansas....there are so many dangerous curves and steep cliffs and such the state would go broke trying to  put guard rails everywhere.   There are a lot of "one car" accidents here and the speed limits are more "I dare you to try and go this fast" signs.

I live across the street from the lake and I can see it in the Winter when there are not leaves on the trees but not in the Summer.  This is Fisherman's Park about a block from my home.  It is maintained by Arkansas Fish And Game Department and there are a few picnic tables, grills and a dock for fishing.  This lake is stocked and well taken care of and there are many people that fish here usually although today I saw no one!

Here's little Orphan Annie "hunting" in the tall grass............she's such a hoot and so darn brave for such a little girl

On the way home the postman stopped me and handed me these packages!  

Tune in tomorrow to see what I got in the mail!  WooHoo!  Treasures!!!!!!!  Have a great Thursday everyone!

Whoa Nellie.....the walking backfired on me!

 

Not to say it isn't healthy for you but I didn't realize how hot and humid it was early in the day and it zapped me!  I was exhausted and beat for the rest of the day!  Maybe it was just coincidence or the effect of my illnesses or medicine but I was a dishrag.  I finally just gave up and curled up in the chair and crocheted and watched t.v.  I was good for nothing!  I probably should have taken a nap as I couldn't stop yawning all day.  I did manage to get over 7,000 steps in according to my pedometer but I think you're supposed to do 10,000 a day for optimum health.  Anyway....I got some serious crocheting done and my ripple is growing!

 

 I also spent some time organizing all my printouts of crochet and knitting patterns off the internet.  I had picked up some plastic sleeves at the Dollar store last week and they were 20 for $1.00 so I got 3 packs of them.  I got 2 pages inside each one and now I just need to get notebooks to put them in.  I 'll have one for crochet, one for knitting and one for books as I have an ongoing list of books to read in addition to books that are part of a series and the order of them.  I should probably make one for recipes too.  The plastic sleeves allow me to take them out of the notebook and use them without getting them all ragged and beat up looking.

As for today.....If I walk it will be after supper that way if it "zaps" me I can just fall into bed!  LOL! Meanwhile I have laundry, chicken Caprese to make, ironing, watering, making bread and working outside for an hour on a project and inside for an hour on a project.  I also want to find some more refrigerator cookie recipes and get some dough frozen ahead to have on hand.

I hope your May Day was bright and gay and continues through the entire month!

Tuesday topics.............

Walked 3 miles
Blood Pressure 111/72 pulse 78

Sundays are my Rest and Relaxation days and I always ask myself what would give me joy today?  Sunday I thought.... I would like to paint a small project to get me back in the swing of painting/crafting again.  So, I chose this small "GROW"  sign that I have had for about 40 years.  It used to have test tubes that fit in it for putting flowers or cuttings.  I need to get some after I'm done redoing it. 

Well, I got out a can of turquoise spray paint and gently and lightly sprayed one side.  It said it dried in 30-40 minutes so I went out to turn it over and spray the other side.   It felt dry and I turned it over and sprayed the other side but when I came outside to get it....I got this..............

So, I made sure it was dry and went to scrubbing off the paper but then I got this.............

 The paper was gone but the printing remained......so, I took it out to my garage as doing it outside didn't work.  I thought maybe the sun or dampness from the ground had something to do with it?  So, I laid paper down and even put a sturdy plastic bag underneath just in case it might stick again and then I got this................

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Why do my craft projects always crash and burn...almost literally!?!?!?  This was in the garage, there was no wind outside much less in the garage!  Needless to say I was getting upset....my day of "joyful" activities was not off to a good start!The last time I tried "crafting" was Easter.  Everyone was out there in blog land making these cute decoupaged eggs and it looked so cute and easy.  So, I got my plastic eggs out and tore scrapbooking paper and got Mod Podge and went to town......if I didn't have the biggest mess on my hands!  I didn't post about it because my hands were so covered with Mod Podge and paper I couldn't take pictures.  Plus, it was so disappointing I really didn't want to immortalize it on my blog.  So, then I thought it was maybe too humid outside so I brought it into the house to thoroughly dry...again it felt dry.  I put it on the counter and then this happened.........

and this on my kitchen counter.........

 I'm not one to give up on things but I will walk away from them....sometimes just for awhile to cool off and sometimes forever (this can include people too).   If anyone has any helpful hints or tips as to why everyone with half a brain seems to be able to spray paint except for MOI......please let me know!  And I did it just like the directions said! I hope your Sunday was more "joy-filled" than mine and that your Tuesday is even better!   Maybe I'll have something prettier to show you tomorrow.