Fall

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HE and SHE

 HE and SHE

SHE slips into my sewing room chair every chance she gets. 

I had only gotten up for a moment ...

HE always covers his eyes with his paws when HE sleeps ... so cute

SHE snuggles into a furry ball to sleep ... my girl.

Cleaning Up My Act

 Cleaning up my act ... 

I've decided that September is going to be all about changing my diet and exercise ...

I spent some time over the weekend cleaning and organizing my pantry and refrigerator.

These are the foods that I can eat.

These are the foods that I cannot.

I have decided to try a plant based (vegan) diet.

Exercise = walking and stretching.

I'm hoping to lose 20 lbs.

And, in general, feel better.

Goals for September stats:

Organized pantry and refrigerator

Made grocery list

A completely vegan day - no meat or dairy

day 7 of no dairy

weight - 138.6

BOO!!!

 BOO!!!

I began this quilt last year on October 14th and made 1 block before setting it aside.

I didn't have the patience to work on this quilt at the time.

So a couple of weeks ago I took it back out and with a long weekend before me I decided to finish this quilt top up.

This is a very cute pattern but the fabric cutting instructions weren't correct and piecing the blocks can be a booger and tedious. 

I had to be very organized for this one. I don't mind a complex pattern, actually I enjoy a challenge.

This quilt pattern can definitely be a challenge especially if you don't read the instructions carefully.

The incorrect cutting instructions did create some confusion in piecing the blocks but in the end the quilt top is now complete.

I'm happy with the results, even with the incorrect cutting instruction sna-foo I was able to figure out the pattern. I read the pattern before beginning ... and for this pattern that is a must.

The quilt top, the multi halloween motif backing fabric, and the striped fabric will be the binding for the quilt. 

Labor Day

 Labor Day

here I sit at the very beginning of a 3 day weekend ... basking in the glow of endless possibilities for fun and adventure. 

Awwww, I love a 3 day weekend but Labor Day isn't about the 3 day weekend ... it is about the achievements of our American Workforce

The vital American workforce of labor has added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

History of Labor Day

Labor Day: What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Labor Day Legislation

The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Founder of Labor Day

More than a century after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.

A Nationwide Holiday

Women's Auxiliary Typographical UnionThe form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has changed in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics, and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

Happy Labor Day!

Dreams

Dreams

Dream a little dream ...

I follow Matt and Tara of @pitchpinepottery on instagram

I love their pottery and artist eye. Tara shared this photo in her stories feed from @thecabinland (whom I also now follow)  😀and I was instantly mesmerized. I could see myself in a setting such as this. A nice cup of coffee in hand looking out at that view. 

Living at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park I realized that I could rent such a place with such a view for a nice weekend retreat. So now I'm presently looking up rentals, Air B&B's in the area. Maybe I can get my daughter and/or my sister to join me for a weekend of girl time enjoying nature and the quiet peacefulness of such a place as in this photo. 

Do you ever see a photo that instantly mesmerizes you and makes you dream of being there?

Goals for September stats:

walk was rained out

200 calorie lite dinner and fruit

fruit and nuts for lunch

strawberry and banana smoothie for breakfast

A completely vegan day - no meat or dairy

day 4 with no dairy

weight - 138.6

 

Game Night

Game Night

I am fortunate enough to say that I grew up in a family who loves to play games.

Board games, card games ... you name it we love to play games!

A few years ago I was part of a group that played mahjongg every Thursday night. We rotated hosting responsibilities and it was just a fun group. We played together for years but like all good things it fizzled out and I haven't played mahjongg regularly for years now and I have missed it. 

While a regular mahjongg player I had the pleasure of teaching all of my children how to play and when they are home they will take mercy on me and play a few rounds.

A lady that I work with saw a post of mine about mahjongg and she contacted me about playing. Me, my daughter, her friend, and my friend for work set up a date to play and then the pandemic hit and we weren't able to gather together to play.

I'm happy to say that this past Sunday afternoon we all got together ... with masks and hand sanitizer ... and enjoyed an afternoon of mahjongg.

With our new 2020 game cards in hand we played for about 3 hours and it was wonderful.

I didn't realize how much I had missed playing this amazing game until we sat down and began our first game. This game just never gets old! I LOVE MAHJONGG!

I even managed to win a couple of games!

I love mahjongg, this game never gets old. Each year there is a new playing card and the play is always challenging and fun. Not to mention being able to gather a small group of ladies (4 of us) together for conversation and fun playing a really great game.

We've already set a date to play mahjongg again! And, I'm so happy to be playing mahjongg regularly again. I'm hopeful this group will continue playing for a long time.

Goals for September Stats

2.02 miles in 42.09 minutes

breakfast smoothie

fruit for lunch

sweet potato, brown rice, vegetables, and salad for dinner

A completely vegan day - no meat or dairy

day 3 with no dairy

  

Just A Few More Things ...

 Just a few more things regarding cleaning house ... sort of ...

It is my goal to clean up my eating habits and to exercise daily. Both of which can be difficult when working 2 jobs but I do think it is still possible.

Last night after work I rounded up my yoga mat and lumbar roller.

It is going to be beneficial to start stretching ... especially my lumbar area. As an office worker I don't stretch enough, my posture is horrid, and my sciatic nerve gives me a lot of pain. I know that stretching will help with that. 

After working my second job last night I set my goal of walking 2 miles before going home. 

I DID IT!!! 

In just under 45 minutes I walked a little over 2 miles.

It feels so good to achieve my goals. 

Then a lite dinner, if you haven't tried this brand of ramen I do recommend it.

It is non GMO and a healthy version of ramen noodle. 

I added peas and green onion to this one and it was delicious.

Goals for September stats:

2.24 miles

220 calorie lite dinner

breakfast smoothie

fruit for lunch

Cleaning House ... Sort of ...

Cleaning House

... sort of ...

I've decided to focus on making better choices ...

Such as, it is my goal for the month of September to take a break from social media. I will still be posting here on my blog but I feel I spend to much time on Facebook and Instagram. I feel that both have become negative and toxic places at the moment. I've also decided to clean up my eating habits and focus on exercising more. I need to work on some positive habits and lessen the negativity from outside sources that I have allowed into my daily life.

That being said, I have my trusty sewing room and a few projects to help me focus on my goals.

Besides sock knitting and the quilting WIPs that I currently have going I will be making a T-shirt quilt for someone I love. I think it is a surprise, so I can't say who.

I've also started a new embroidery project.

Both projects I hope to complete before Christmas this year.

I feel good ... I feel positive ... and I feel excited about the possibilities!

Goals for September stats:

present weight - 141.6 lbs.

 

Transitioning

 Transitioning from one season to the next.

I was looking back on my camera roll and noticed that subconsciously I have been transitioning from summer and the garden into fall and winter activities.

My sewing room is now haunted!

Last year I purchased the pattern for these cute little ghosts from @thencamejune and @penandpaperpatters (on instagram)

www.thencamejune.com

www.penandpaperpatterns.com

I made 1 (one) ghost block and set it aside ... so here is me a year later picking up where I left off.

I have the Fall feels in a big way apparently ...

My daughter had surgery a few weeks ago and I bound off sock #1 of each of these pairs of socks and cast on sock #2

I'm sure I have mentioned this here before but ... I learned how to knit solely and specifically to make socks. Just socks. I always wanted to learn how to knit and make my own socks. I wanted to have a pair of socks on the sticks in progress so that when I'm out and about I have a project to work on. When I'm in a waiting room waiting to be called back for my appointment. Stuck in traffic ... you know all of those times when you are just waiting ...

I achieved this goal a few years ago and now I always have a project bag with a couple of socks in the works with me at all times. It is just one of those things that makes me happy.

My sister-in-law's mother gifted me some of her bread starter and I have been whipping up fresh bread and cinnamon rolls regularly for the past couple of weeks.

I've always wanted to learn how to make this bread. My mom made this bread for years and I loved every thing she ever baked with this starter. My daughter loves these cinnamon rolls A LOT!!!

This guy just makes me happy!

HE is always near and loves this lofty spot on top of a bookshelf in my sewing room.

If I'm in my sewing room HE is usually right there with me. 

I love how HE hides his eyes with his paw when he sleeps.

HE is such a cool kid!

So ... according to my camera roll  (hahaha) ... I have been actively transitioning into Fall without even realizing it.

Happy Fall to you all!

 

Weekend Vibes

 Weekend Vibes

Pesto and Vanilla Extract were on deck for this weekend's activities. I'm happy to say that both tasks have been completed.

I'm still shocked that my little herb garden did so well this summer.

I'm so happy that I was brave enough to plant my own herb garden this year.

I am definitely glad that I asked my brother to teach me how to garden.

Gardening has become a real joy for me.

I have 5, 1/3 cup packets of pesto in the freezer.

I ordered brewing bottles for my vanilla extract but you can just use canning jars.

I wanted brewing bottles because I think they will make a better presentation when given as a gift.

I watched more than a few YouTube tutorials on making your own vanilla extract and some said to use vodka and some said to use spiced rum. All of the videos stressed using a high quality vodka or spiced rum. Well, I decided to do a taste comparison, making 3 bottles with vodka and 3 bottles with spiced rum.

Only time will tell ...

Vanilla Extract

Spiced Rum vs Vodka

Simple Pleasures and Small Comforts

 Simple pleasures and small comforts.

Sundays are just made for them.

No Bake Cookies and Lemon Scones are two of life's little pleasures.

No Bake Cookies

And, the small comforts of having ingredients on hand and the time to make a few of my daughter's favorite treats is just a priceless blessing.

Fresh baked Lemon Scones

I haven't baked scones in a very long time but my daughter asked for them specifically, so it is safe to say I will do anything for my baby girl.

It's been a wonderful Sunday.

Hygge

Hygge (/ˈh(j)uːɡə/; Danish: [ˈhykə]; Norwegian: [ˈhŷɡːə]) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.

This little red cabinet give me the Hygge feels ...

Planning Ahead

 Planning Ahead

Last year, or so, I read an article about living more intentionally and somehow that really struck a cord with me. I look back on my parents and grand-parents and how life seemed to have so much more reason and value.

They lived seasonally, if you will, not just planting and harvesting but with each season there were activities whether work or leisure that seemed to focus them and ground them. The activities were planned and planned for.

Since reading that article, I have been working toward living a more intentional life and planning ahead has been key for me. I wanted to learn how to garden, so I made a plan ... 

I wanted to learn how to can and freeze food, so I made a plan ...

I wanted to learn how to make bread and cinnamon rolls, so I made a plan ...

This weekend I have planned ahead, gathered recipes and supplies, and I will be making homemade vanilla extract and sweet basil pesto.

I will be keeping some of the vanilla extract but it is my plan to give this as gifts.

And, a happy plan came about when I posted this picture of my herbs. With a family recipe I will be making pesto for my freezer. 

I LOVE it when a plan comes together.

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Successful Bread Making 101

 SUCCESS!!!!

All very delicious and totally worth the effort!

YUM!

Next up homemade vanilla extract! Yea BABY!!!

Bread Making 101

Bread making 101

Over the past few years I have been working toward ACTUALLY learning how to do all of those things that I have been interested in learning;

Gardening

Canning and Freezing foods

Bread (sour dough) making

... and this summer I have been ticking these things off of my list. My sister-in-law's mother has shared her sour dough bread starter with me. This is the starter that my mother used when she was making bread and cinnamon rolls. 

Step One

Obviously I plan on making A LOT of bread .... hahahaha

Step Two

Step Three

Now it is time to Rise ... this evening when I get home from work, hopefully everything will have risen and will be ready for Step Four ...

which is baking up in the oven!

I'm so excited!!!

Next up ... making my own vanilla extract ...

Bountiful Summer

 I have had a bountiful summer full of gardening fun.

... and I have learned so much. I can't begin to express in words how much I have enjoyed myself learning how to garden and can foods.

My little red cupboard is getting full.

There are beans, pickles, vegetable soup, and salsa.

I also have my honey from Crossville stored.

My freezer has corn and okra.

I've had delicious fresh tomato sandwiches, where the tomatoes were still warm from the sun.

Seen a sweet little frog on a big okra leaf.

And watched the cutest pup, Rusty, enjoy a garden fresh cucumber.

Oh the beauty, bounty, and fun I have had in my brother's garden this summer.