Well, I've been working hard for days on a new project: miniature doll-house rugs.

I know that's quite a surprise because I don't even own a dollhouse. Although it may seem I've taken a big left turn, the little rugs make perfect sense to me. I love making rugs -- the big kind -- and I'm really lovin' my new embroidery machine. It's just a small leap to the left to get you to miniature doll-house rugs.

I've studied the ebay market and have decided I can make a little money at doing something really fun. So I've spent hours on end for days and days with my head stuck deep into my computer learning the Autopunch software and creating designs. So much so that Bob remarked last week he's afraid he'll come home one day to find just my foot sticking out of the computer because I've become completely absorbed into the ether. He's bravely promised to grab my foot and pull me out!



Well, I finally produced my first rug. Okay the design on this one isn't my own -- it's a coaster from Emblibrary.com http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/Color_Simple.aspx?CS_Catalog=Emblibrary&CS_ProductID=C2745 I figured I'd better start with something "canned" and move on from there to my own designs.




I changed the colors from the original design to make it look more like an Aubusson rug and then I fringed the fabric. I thought it turned out pretty good. I'm working on a design of my own right this moment. As soon as I'm finished with it, I'll post a picture.


Gotta LOT to accomplish today, so I'll close for now.


Have a great MONDAY!

I had a great visit with Jeanie today. We spent some time at her house -- wonderful girl talk over sandwiches -- music, talking, checking out the jewelry she's collecting to sell at her booth.

Then we went to a bookstore called the BookSatchel. I LOVE the name. Only people of a certain age would remember what a book satchel IS -- for those who are much younger, it's the baby boomer equivalent of a backpack -- and I found the name and the store both quite charming. Jeanie and I both bought a few books and we each got a book about native Texas wildflowers. It has pictures of the flowers all arranged by color. So maybe I can finally figure out what those dark purple lily-looking things in the cow pasture are.

Then we went to visit Aunt Jackie. She's 88 now and makes our short little Jeanie look tall! She's so funny -- lively and sweet and generous to a fault. She wasn't happy till I had a bagful of goodies to take home with me and a doll for Jeanie to add to her collection. I snapped a couple of pictures before we left. I loved seeing Aunt Jackie so much. I want to be just like her when I grow up -- peppy, sassy and sweet!

We went out to the Indian Creek Cemetery and had a wonderful talk. Then we drove out past Seybold. Sad to say the old foreman's house (aka the Brooks house) is gone. But I love the country out there -- prickly pear growing on the side of the road, cedar trees mingling with other native trees, and just a hint that the Brazos River is .... right over there somewhere. It always feels like home in my heart.

Altogether a lovely day. Can't wait to repeat it.

On a completely different note, regarding our "new" boat, Bob is off tomorrow and we'll be washing sails, checking rigging and getting her ready to sail on Saturday. WOOOOO HOOOOOO! Can't wait!

Exciting news! We have a "new" sailboat!

Bob saw an ad in the local paper advertising her for $500.00, which is a really good price ... fixer-upper or not, it's a good price. We went to look at her and saw she'd need some cosmetic work, so Bob asked the owner, Frank, if he could knock $50.00 off because she'll need paint. Frank offered to cut the price in half and we jumped on that like a duck on a June bug.

When we went to pick up the boat, Bob had a stack of twenties with two fives on top ... totalling the $250... and Frank said, "Could you give me that five dollar bill?". Bob looked puzzled, but handed him the bill. Frank said, "The state requires you pay something for the boat, so we'll call it even and you don't owe me anything else." Needless to say, we were stunned. Bob tried to talk him into taking the money, but Frank wasn't interested in the money -- he just wanted someone to take the boat and use it. What an amazing experience! And what an extraordinary man -- I won't even go into the whole he-works-with-the-doctor-Phil-show-and-was-recently-interviewed-by-60-minutes thing. Way, way past all his accomplishments is the undeniable fact he's a really nice guy -- what we like to call "good people" -- and a pleasure to chat with.

Anyway ... THIS is how she looked when she was sitting on Frank's property. You can see she needs some TLC. Her paint is faded, her teak is bleached out and she's got a few minor chips here and there.

We knew the exterior needed some lovin', but the condition of the interior came as a complete surprise - peeling paint, mildew, crud, old dirt dauber and wasp nests.A good scrubbing and some paint will do wonders, right?

So we took her to the Krum Car Wash and scrubbed her good.

SURPRISE -- A CREAMY-YELLOW BOAT! It's amazing what a power wash can do -- including removing the oxidized outer layer!

BTW, her name is Rising Sun. Bob immediately thought of the whole Japanese / Michael Crichton book thing. And I immediately began to sing, "There is a house in New Orleans..." LOL! For your entertainment, here's the you-tube Animals KARAOKE version of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRV9QCXLtHQ

Gonna have to go for now, but I'll keep you posted on her improvements as they come along. In the meantime, we'll be on Lake Ray Roberts this weekend! Woo-hooo!!!

FINALLY FEELING BETTER!

Yes, I'm feeling much better and it's worth SHOUTING about! After months of one kick in the patoot after another, I'm finally back to myself again. I'm not even on pain meds and I'm ready to dance a jig. WOOO HOOO!

After so many months of wanting to do this project or that and having to wait, wait, wait till I'm better, now I'm so busy busy busy doing all the things I wanted to do all those months. Yippeee!

On Sunday Bob built me a Square-Foot-Garden. If you've never heard of it, check it out. I won't bore you with all the details, but the essential premise is a 4 foot by 4 foot garden is about all the average family needs because of the manner in which you grow things -- much closer and some things (like melons) are grown vertically. Mel Bartholomew wrote the book and I read it about 15 years ago and have been wanting to do a square-foot-garden ever since. One thing or another always seemed to get in the way, but --TA DA!!-- now I've got one! We've got it planned down to the inch. As soon as I have real green things to show you (besides the "volunteer" killer tomato plants) I'll add a picture.

Also on Sunday, I had a brainstorm. I use large black felt circles between each Calphalon and/or Teflon pan. As I was putting a pan away, I suddenly remembered an embroidery pattern I have. I grabbed the felt circle, headed for my sewing machine and this is the result. I think it's kind of neat!

This is a close-up of the design. I added a red J and thought it looked pretty good. Whatcha think?

I spent about 4 hours yesterday mastering AutoPunch software. That's the software that allows me to turn clip-art (or drawings) into embroidery designs. It nearly whupped my butt. Nevertheless, I DID IT! I practiced several hours this morning and I think I'm getting pretty good at it. As soon as I've actually used one of my new designs, I'll post it.

Gotta go for now. I'm so thankful to be feeling better ... and I'm thankful Bob is healthy ... and I'm even thankful to be on a sensible eating and exercise plan ... and I'm soooo thankful I'm not missing out on summer anymore.

Now where did I put my glass of ice tea?