Childhood Memories

 Childhood Memories

My mom used to make orange juice from concentrate in a glass juice pitcher. As a person who lives alone I rarely buy juice of any kind because I never finish an entire container before it goes bad. Then I remembered that we always had tubes of orange juice from concentrate in our freezer when I was growing up. 

Mom would take one out of the freezer the evening before and put it in the refrigerator to thaw for the next morning. While grocery shopping I decided to pick up a few tubes of orange juice. I can happily confirm that it does indeed taste exactly like it did when I was a kid.

We had a juice pitcher like the one above ... actually, I think everyone had one of these juice pitchers. I remember my Aunt Marie had one and few other family members as well.

Next time I'm out thrifting I'm going to see if I can't find one of these juice pitchers, because I will definitely continue buying juice concentrate.

Preparedness

 Preparedness

I have a N.O.A.A. solar crank radio that I keep charged and close at hand just in case the power goes out. I have taken to filling up all of my water bottles (cups) with water ... just in case. I always have plenty of shelf stable pantry items.

I usually never have to use any of these items but I have them ... just in case.

Do You Wanna Build A Snowman

 Do You Wanna Build A Snowman

Winter 2025 has started out with extreme cold and snow.

Friday of last week the snow started falling around 11:00 a.m. businesses closed and people headed home.

I had prepared for the storm, so I headed home to relax in my recliner, watch BritBox, and relax while doing a bit of sock knitting.

Adult snow days are AMAZING!

A snowy landscape is so beautiful. There is just something very peaceful about it. Especially, when I'm home safe and sound and don't have to get out on the roads.

Where I am we only got about an inch of snow, other areas locally got up to three inches of snow. 

Adventures in Art - Watercolor Painting

 Adventures in Art

Watercolor Painting

In 2024 I took a watercolor painting class with my daughter. Since that time I have been reading up and watching YouTube videos in order to learn more about watercolor painting.

Above is an attempt of a desert photograph I found online. There are a few more details that I would like to add before I finish but I'm not unhappy with the results thus far.

Sweet Gifts

 Sweet Gifts

Sweet thoughtful little gifts from a friend.

A friend from work gave me this cute little salt & pepper shaker set. I've talked about my kitchen window shelf many many times, remembering that, my friend got me this sweet thoughtful gift.

First Knitting Project of 2025

First Knitting Project of 2025

I've had a slow start in my knitting lately, I've been quilting and crocheting but not a lot of knitting.

So, I decided to work on a pair of socks.

I feels really good to pick up the sticks again.

Happy Knitting!

 

Winterizing

 Winterizing

Baby it's cold outside ... for real!

I need to invest in replacing the old windows in my house with new insulated windows. My house is a bit drafty. Over the weekend I spent time winterizing the picture window in my living room. It was one of those projects where two sets of hands would have been helpful but in the end I managed to get it done.

Furniture had to be moved, the window and window frame had to be cleaned, taped, plastic adhered, and then blow-dryer shrinking of the plastic. It's not really a difficult project but it is tricky when you are doing it without help.

But in the end ... I conquered the task and my living room isn't as drafty as before.

First Quilt Project of 2025

 First Quilt Project of 2025

Red/White Checkerboard

Of course it is a Red/White quilt ... and a Scrap quilt

My personal favorites

I'm using up all of small red/white scraps from my red/white orphan block box. Along with a few bits here and there such as fussy cut motifs and labels from my yearly Advent Box.

I have no idea how large this quilt will end up being. I'm just going to continue on until all of the scraps have been used.

Check Mate

 Check Mate

For a couple of years now I have been interested in learning how to play Chess. Fortunately for me, I work with a young man who has offered to teach me how to play.

We have been playing chess on our lunch break, in the break room after we finish our lunch. Chess is an extremely complex game ... to me at any rate. Boy, do I have a lot to learn!

Kitchen Window Shelf

 Kitchen Window Shelf

I was able to take some time off from Christmas through to the New Year. I'm glad I was able to really relax and unplug. I needed the break.

While relaxing at home I spent a lot of time in my sewing room, I read two books, got a few chores on my list completed, and just puttered around. It was beyond lovely.

While puttering I spent some time cleaning my kitchen window shelf and pampering my plants. While at my son's house for Thanksgiving my daughter-in-law gifted me two more plants for my kitchen window shelf.

All of the plants pictured above were gifted to me. I've had the violet for more than a few years and it needed some new dirt and a bit of a trim. I hope it will survive my "pampering".

This window shelf and the plants on it make everyday a bit brighter for me and brings me lots of joy and happiness.

Family - The Best Brother-in-law

 Family

The Best Brother-in-law

My sister married well. Roger's 69th birthday was on September 5, 2024 - yes I'm behind on my Family history posts.

Roger (a.k.a. Roy), still calls me Goober, just one of the many things I love about my brother-in-law. He is a wonderful husband, father, and US Army Lieutenant Colonel (retired). He absolutely can build or fix anything. When I first moved into my house, he and my sister spent a week helping me make my house a home. 

Contributor: Cindy, my sister and our family historian ... and Roger's wife.

  I've been married to my hero for 45 years and I'm thankful every day.  Here's a glimpse of his life in 2002 in Bamian, Afghanistan and just the other day.  Love you!

B-I-N-G-O 2025

 B-I-N-G-O 2025

In 2023 my sister sent out the BINGO challenge, basically you complete a BINGO card with goals you would like to accomplish throughout the year.

Below you will find my 2024 BINGO card with the goals I completed marked off. Under that you will find my 2025 BINGO card.

It is a fun way to keep an eye on your goals and the goals that you complete.

Let the fun begin!!

Mahjongg

 Mahjongg

Years ago I was part of a group of ladies who played mahjongg one Thursday evening a month. As things often do, people and circumstances change and the group dissolved.

Well, it looks as though another Mahjongg group is in the works. There are a few original players and even more new players. I'm really excited about this new group and the opportunity to play the wonderful game of Mahjongg again.

2025

 2025

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