Barely six weeks after I turned in Mr. for a happier life, still in the recovery phase of all the doings that had led to my marital folly and perhaps needing just a bit of downtime, I-Needa did this!

I-Needa, my number one and only daughter.  Great gal.  She's had that name for my blog as we have both gone through phases of starting sentences with "I need a ..."  I thought it the perfect alias for her.

Yes, that is I-Needa looking rather joyful in the bridal shop getting ready to search for the perfect dress. It was a happy occasion, being engaged and planning for the happy event, a little something that would last all of us for a year.

I am tempted at this point to use planning a wedding as an excuse for dropping from sight on my blog. I think anyone who has spent a year planning a wedding would find it a reasonable excuse.  So, I'll just go with that.  It may not be entirely truthful, but I'll go with it anyway.

So here I am in the middle of a hot summer's night... awake... thinking about a blog I haven't touched for over a year.  I probably should click on photo booth and load a picture of me doing this, but I'm going to spare all of us.  It probably isn't pretty.

So here we are, one month and four days past the culmination of a year of planning and a day of celebrating.  I have one less thing to think about, and I'm in hibernation mode for the summer.  Perhaps it is a good time to get back in the swing of things.  Writing is good exercise.  It just may be a tad therapeutic too and will get the old creative juices flowing.

I do hope if you stop by that you will come again and even participate in a little feedback.  Linda!! Love you for all the times you did that!

Happy Plates

Some time ago, Daughter I-Needa decided that her new needs included happy plates.  After many years of the same old thing, she was ready for change.

I can sympathize with her.  I'd used the same china for thirty-five years.  I realized one day that I wanted a little change in china.  I started casting glances at pottery pieces in places such as Dillards and Kohls.  I have to admit that I even went to some Home and Garden parties and parted with money for dishes.

I-Needa went through the same thing, only she didn't suffer for thirty-five years (not old enough yet) and decided to buy something happy.  It was her way of changing up and changing out at the time.

With some 'gift' money, I-Needa headed for the store to purchase happy Fiestaware.  She called me frequently to confess what she had done.  That's the way we handle spending.  We really are careful about what we buy... not to overdo, you know.  However, once in awhile, a girl just has to spend a little.  When that urgent need to spend strikes us, we call each other and confess what we are about to do, or what we have done.  We have our reasons at the ready, and the other is quick to confirm that it was really a good buy and yes, it was probably a good thing to do.

I am happy to report that I-Needa is completely happy with her new sets of Fiestaware.  Mix or match has become her thing.   Select a color by mood.  Give your guests their pick of an appealing color, even if it is on the bottom of the stack.  No problem.   Mugs are also available from the cabinet.  Help yourself, she says.

I think this was a fine way to add a little color to life.  If you are going to brighten up things, do something you will enjoy!   Tah Dah for I-Needa!!

I-Needa's July Visit

I-Needa is up and into her morning routine.  This includes a little bacon frying attired in her Yarnell Art Studio painting apron and bare feet.  I had to laugh at the bare feet as like that method myself in the summer.

I think I can also say that I-Needa is fairly neat for an artist.  I don't see many paint splotches on that nice little apron, and she has used it to paint several pictures.


I'm sitting here messing on the computer and needing to get around for the day.  Taking pictures of I-Needa frying bacon, and her recent art work is keeping me occupied.  So be it.

I-Needa started painting a year ago and loves to go to Jerry Yarnell's studio for workshops.



This was painted in a workshop this past week.  She said that it looked so much easier than it really was.  Jerry told them that it was really hard and might make them crazy.

She did have fun, and plans to add a little something to this painting... not much... just a touch.

The second workshop was this waterfall painting.  She had a good time with it also.  I'm finding out that rocks are really hard to paint... so says I-Needa... and you must also learn something about the science of water.  

I think she is doing quite well in her artistic endeavors.  I'm really a little envious that she has the time to work on this.  I always wanted to take painting lessons myself, but haven't had much opportunity to do that.  Finding someone who teaches and whose work you like can be a bit of a trick.  Teaching is an art in itself.

Self Defense

I realize that the picture leaves a bit to be desired in the up close and personal photo critique.   However, it was sent from I-Needa's iPhone at the scene of excitement.

It all began when I'Needa's phone rang and the neighbor told her to 'hurry over.'    Well, actually, it didn't all began there.

It began at the grocery store.  Good Neighbor purchased a sack of potatoes and hauled them home.  Haven't we all done that?  I certainly have.  Of course, this time of year Mr. is hauling in country potatoes, so I haven't bought potatoes for a few weeks.

I keep digressing... So.... Good Neighbor was reaching into the sack of potatoes and taking them out to fix.  That's when she saw  THE SNAKE!   Yep... a snake Snake SNAKE  in the sack of potatoes that she had just hauled home form the grocery store.    What do you do????? RUN, of course... and fling potatoes as you go!   That's what she did... That's what I'd do.

She headed for the back yard and commenced the murder.  Flinging the bag of potatoes everywhere, she isolated the culprit, that wicked snake and murdered it, right there on the patio.

You can see a picture of the murder weapon.... sent from I-Needa's iPhone.    Yep.   She shoed it to death.

You can tell that she really did.  Look again at that top picture.  Does it look like a snake?   I think not.  There is not much of resemblance to anything you might recognize.  However, Good Neighbor admitted to wanting to make sure that all parts of the monster were dead.  She didn't want to shoe it again later.

Here is Good Neighbor, in a much better mood since being assured that the SNAKE was out of her life.  It couldn't get her.

The potatoes had to be picked up.  She is recanting the tale to I-Needa and telling of her bravery under siege.

It was all very exciting, and you can see from her hands just how long that snake really was....

Well....   'It was THIS long!!'

I-Needa's Cherry Coke Salad

I don't mind cooking, but I like things that are simple and quick and still make the taste buds happy... rather like the shortcut pie crust.

By simple, I'm talking about limiting the number of ingredients to items that I can find in the grocery store. I've a number of cookbooks with luscious looking food pictures and ingredients that I've never heard of before. They may be tasty, but I have no idea what they are.

I offer you this very tasty tested jello recipe. I'm having to keep it on hand at all times for Mr. He loves it... really. I've served it at dinner parties as well, and it seems to go with everything. People who initially scoff at jell-o take a bite of this delight, roll their eyes, and go for more.

So... get ready for a four ingredient recipe (five if you count the water) that is fresh and tasty and, best of all, easy to make.

Thank you I-Needa for sending your mother this wonderful recipe.... It's a winner for sure at our house.

I-Needa's Cherry Coke Salad

1 can (20 ounce) crushed pineapple

2 packages (3 ounce each) cherry Jell-O

1 can (21 ounce) cherry pie filling

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup cola ( I rather like to use cherry)

Drain pineapple juice into pan, (set aside the pineapple for later)

Add water and bring to boil.

Add jell-o and stir until dissolved.

Stir in the pie filling

Stir in the cola

Pour into a serving bowl.

Refrigerate until slightly thickened.

Fold in pineapple. Refrigerate until set.

Where is THEIR Sign?

I had to laugh this morning when I saw what my daughter I-Needa had published on Facebook. I told her that had to be blogged and she said to go ahead and copy it. So here you have it, Dear Readers. This is my laugh for the day:

"So, I can't keep plants alive in pots on the driveway by the garage. Have tried several times. Resorted to fake monkey grass from Hobby Lobby in pots from WalMart. Came home to find the yard crew had trimmed it. Trimmed it. With weed whackers. My FAKE monkey grass. IN POTS...TRIMMED! Somehow, 2 inch tall monkey grass just doesn't do it for me."

I love that saying about crazy things people say or do: So, where's your sign. I'm wondering if the yard crew needs one too.

Quick Scarf

When I visited daughter I-Needa over her spring break, we did a little shopping. It was nothing serious, just one of those looking trips.

We checked out a new shop that had lots of scarves and bling jewelry. I-Needa spotted a scarf she loved and decided to try to make one. So... back to Hobby Lobby and the yarn aisle.

Here I-Needa explains to Gigi all about life and what she is getting ready to do with the little piles of yarn. Gigi is such a good girl and hangs on I-Needa's every word.
Now we get down to serious thinking and sorting yarn colors. This is going to be a mixture of all kinds and colors.

Gigi seems a little skeptical, but she is going to trust I-Needa in this whole process. She is keeping a watchful eye on the process.

Check out that concentration.

Now she guesses at the length and cuts the yarn. I guess I shouldn't say 'guesses'. Estimates might sound more like she knows what she is doing. I think she did know... Gigi and I were the ones watching this process. We didn't know. We were guessing while I-Needa was estimating.

This went on awhile. Sorting... thinking about color... measuring.. Gigi decides she might as well relax a bit and gets more comfortable on the carpet.

Then...

I-Needa began the braiding process.

Braid

Braid

Braid

When she finished braiding, she tied a few knots in the whole thing.

Of course... otherwise, it wouldn't stay braided. Gigi and I knew that... we guessed it.

When finished, I-Needa sat down for inspection from her favorite fan. Gigi seemed to approve the new look.

Actually, Gigi might want one too. You can never tell.

Yep... this funny fuzzy new thing around I-Needa just might be a collar of sorts. Hum... strange.

Well.... I-Needa likes it and thinks she will wear it to work to keep her neck warm when they either don't have on the heat when they should or when they run the air conditioner too long.

Either way, her work is done here and she has managed to duplicate that scarf... sorta.

Go and do likewise, if you like.

A Little About Feeding Cattle

Until Mr. came into my life, I knew cattle ate, period. I won't say I know much about the care and feeding of cattle now, but at least I know a little more... emphasis on the word 'little'.

I've driven by these feed storage bins before, but never got up close and personal with one. So far, I've managed to stand back and admire the view and not get too personal. I'll be content with admiring Mr. and cheering him on. Hopefully, it will make both of us happy.

A day or two before our last snow, I rode with him to do a few things. He wanted to check out the bin and see how much feed was left... with his own two eyes. I was going to be content to take his word for it, whatever it was. So, I took along Snappy and figured I'd try out a few shots here and there.

I watched respectfully as he climbed the ladder, then walked over and waved to me. I think he missed me. Either that, or he didn't want to miss a photo op.

Then he raised the cover and took a peek into the bin. Sorry.... I didn't take Snappy up there to see what it looked like inside. I think it has three compartments... or bins... in there. I'm not going to go look.

That being done, Mr. returned to ladder and climbed back down. The whole thing didn't take but a minute, so it wasn't really all that thrilling, but it did give me a chance to take pictures.

Ah... climbing down the ladder. Come on down, Mr. I hope you've had a good time up there!

Some time ago, I-Needa and I rode with Mr. into the country to feed. It was our first experience in a feed truck, and it was different.

We both took our cameras and managed to take a few pictures. Mr. drove the feeder truck under the storage bin and climbed up to fill the truck bin. He found a rock and did a little tap tap number on the bin to help get the feed flowing.

We laughed a bit at the rock tapping, but it worked.

Tap, tap, tap..... tap, tap,

Tap,tap, tap... tap, tap...

Then out came the feed into the truck. The cattle were going to be sooooo happy! Yummy food.

When the feed truck bin was full, off we went to the pasture to feed.

Since this is a little lesson in feeding cattle, I'll keep it short. You've probably learned enough for one day. Just remember to take along a rancher, a feed truck, and a rock if you go to feed cattle. Oh... take a camera too, and remember to stay inside the truck!

Wild Sunday

I mentioned a blog or two ago that I'd stopped screaming while riding behind Mr. on his four wheeler. Yesterday I found myself screaming in the tractor.

It all started with a trip to the store to get a birthday card. Then Mr. headed to the ranch to feed the dog and cats. The streets in our town are clear, and the highway was clear. What wasn't clear was the county roads. As we turned onto one road, the snow plow was just ahead of us. I found that comforting. Then he turned off and we had to go straight. I didn't find comfort in that. We had a long way to go on Mr.'s road.... not a good thought.

Sure enough, as we were heading along, I felt the vehicle slipping.... yes, that lovely four wheel drive vehicle was slipping and sliding into the bank. Thank goodness it wasn't much of a bank, but it was a fight to get back on the road. Trust me, I didn't make a peep. Not a peep. QUIET. I was really glad when we got back on the road and out of that mess. It could have been a long walk to the house. I'd been holding my breath and praying us back on the road.

So... off we went to the house... fed the dog and cats... and headed back up the road. I sure hoped we didn't go sliding again. I was CONCERNED Then we saw the snowplow truck ahead... stuck in the ditch where we had just been. He was STUCK....

Mr. put the vehicle in reverse and drove backward in the ruts toward the house until he could turn around. Then off we went. He hopped out of the vehicle and said WE were going to go back in the tractor. WE? You and ME??? Me? Going in the tractor? I'm suppose to climb in the tractor? Oh, Gussie!!! Why did I marry this man?

I just sat there and looked around hoping I'd be transplanted magically back into my recliner at home. It didn't happen. I thought of my friends and wondered what they would say if they could see me. I was sure they would laugh. Then the all important question: 'Are you coming, or not?'

I considered just sitting in the car and waiting. Why on earth I climbed out of that car and headed to the tractor I'll never know. Perhaps I have a death wish. Not really. I did it to myself. I headed to the tractor, handed up my purse (Who wouldn't take a nice handbag in a tractor?) and climbed up into that tractor. At that point, I was committed... or perhaps should have been committed.

So... off we go up the road toward the stuck snow plow. I decided at some point on that journey that I have sincerely lost my mind. I'm too old for this. I'm too sensible for this. I'm too smart to have gotten into this. So, why the heck was I in that tractor bumping along the road?

At some point, I demanded Mr. to hand over the cell phone. I called I-Needa and screamed into the phone. 'You'll never believe what I'm doing!! I want my Mother!!!' She was laughing uproariously into the phone. She had no concern for my well being. That girl that I bore just laughed at me. I kept screaming into the phone and she kept laughing. Finally, over the roar of the engine, I screamed that I was hanging up and would call back if I lived over this. That infernal tractor was bumping me all over the place and I just wanted to go home.

As it turned out, the snow plow was stuck... really stuck... Big Time stuck, way too stuck. There wasn't any pulling him out of the ditch. So, Mr. took that tractor and scraped a way for us to get around the truck. There were bucket loads of snow lifted up and onto the side of the road. I had to close my eyes a couple of times. I couldn't decide if I was having fun or not. I wasn't sure. I sure wondered why I was there.

WE rumbled on up the road again and I managed to climb down from the tractor without falling. I'd considered a few times how I was going to get out of that thing. It is high up off the ground, and my shoes weren't the ones I'd have chosen to wear for getting into and out of a tractor. I was sooooo glad to be out of there and almost kissed that muddy ground.

We managed to get back up the road and around the snow plow. He had used his cell phone to call for bigger help to get out of that ditch. Poor guy. I really felt badly about that.

We made it home. I called that I-Needa again on the way. She said that it was wonderful that I'd married a man with skills. Skills!!! He took me out into the country. I had to ride in a bumpy tractor!!! I guess I did experience some things that I'd never done before, and I had to admit that I was safe and sound. I will also admit that it was a bit interesting.

I'm a little concerned as Mr. kept talking about how horrible it was going to be to feed on Monday. I don't know how he is going to drive into the pastures.... not the way they were looking. I'm sure muddy mess would be an understatement. What really worries me is that I am probably on standby to come get him if he gets stuck. I'm going to check on last minute trips to anywhere. I think I could be at the airport in an hour. I might not come back for awhile. Chicken!

Yard Work and Crazy Thoughts

Because a blog must have pictures, I offer these dreary looking still in winter mode pictures. It is all I have to show for the time I've spent outside on our two previous sunny days.

Let me advise you from the beginning: I hate yard work. Perhaps hate is a little strong, but it is close to the truth. I don't mind being out there messing around at my own pace when I can stop and go inside when the yard work mood passes. Actually having to accomplish something is another thing entirely.

I was so busy last fall that I didn't have time to cut down the canna and bag them. The huge brown dry leaves against the fence were a constant reminder that I had work to do. Since the temperature went up and the sun came out, I donned my oldest jeans and a sweatshirt and headed off to round up the rake, pruning sheers, and a few yard bags.

Five bags later, I'd bagged the canna remnants, pulled a few other weeds, and picked up the trash blown into my yard from the neighbor's yard. Lovely, really. I actually have some plans for these dreary places, but had to discipline myself from running amuck and putting in a spring look. After all, we are expecting snow... lots of snow... Surprise!

As I was out looking at this poor excuse for a yard, I kept thinking about all the lovely yards I've seen... places that look like they should be in Better Homes and Gardens, or perhaps Southern Living. Mine needs to be on TV as a desperate makeover project. Seriously.

So, while I was in full whine mode, I headed off to read a few blogs. There is always a good read with Ree on Pioneer Woman. I was surprised to find that there may even be a movie in the offing for her story. Actually, I don't know why I should be surprised at all. I've been amazed watching all the things develop in her life. Let me tell you for sure, her yard doesn't look like mine. Her cooking doesn't look like mine. Mine is basic... not fancy. I've learned to 'whirl' in the kitchen and have a fifteen minute time limit on refrigerator to table. I'll admit to trying some of Ree's recipes.

Now for those crazy thoughts:

As I thought about my own personal life and this blog thing in comparison to the above, I felt a secret little laugh trying to surface. Then I-Needa called and I shared some of my thoughts. I told her that I could so write a spoof on all that country life. However, I wouldn't dare.

I can just see Mr. if I told him I was going to write a steamy romance story. Ha! I'm not saying that I couldn't write one (although that would be a question) .... but I'd be killed... probably... by Mr. I'm also rather certain that no book publisher or screenplay writer would beat down my door. Of course, Mr. would have killed me anyway.

I can just see a cookbook in the offing... pictures of favorite places to dine out, some well used home cooked recipes, and perhaps a picture of the Schwan's truck speeding down the street.

As to any Home and Garden segments, I offer you the current blog complete with breathtaking dry grass and empty pots. Yep.... had best not go there either.

I-Needa and I laughed a bit about the whole thing. She said I'd need a name for my steamy story and suggested I call it 'Arch Supports to Four Wheelers'. Now what do you think of that?

Now Dear Readers, I want to impress upon you that I'm not in any way knocking all that fine country living and very interesting blogging done by the afore mentioned woman who was thrust into the country life after growing up in the city. She has a very interesting blog. I really am impressed with all she does and the fact that she has thousands of readers daily who hang on her every word. (Thank you again to my Twenty!... Love you!... and to my three 'Followers')

I think the deep down laugh that is so trying to come out has to do with the fact that I'm just starting this whole process, and I'm a senior citizen... There is hope! Yep... married three months ago to a rancher and taking pictures of cattle. Crazy. It's a totally different thing in my life. Totally! I feel like a pioneer of sorts, and.. Yes, I've been on a four-wheeler. I haven't driven it yet, but have stopped screaming when riding with Mr. He is patient. I'll be sure and work that into my steamy romance novel.

In the meantime, have a totally wonderful day. Watch for any opportunity to find humor, and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. If you don't do it, someone else will. Tah Dah!

The Finer Side of FROG

I learned some time ago from I-Needa that frogs are very special. It's one of those things that you might even consider a symbol. In this world where Christian things are often banned from public view due to possibly offending someone with sensitivities, there just might be another way to share symbolisms.

You might remember that in the long ago times, a fish drawn in the sand was used to help those who followed Christ recognize each other. So, you may think that I'm going somewhere strange with this line of writing. Actually, I'm not. If you want to think of a frog as Fully Rely On God, it makes more sense. I sure hope they don't ban frogs from the classroom or other places. A frog is a frog... or not. It just depends on your thoughts about it.

I grabbed my camera and headed for I-Needa's yard to see how many little frog items I could find around her yard. Now there is one gal who can see the finer side of FROG... and mean it. So... I found these little cuties in the yard.

I must say they are happy little critters.. just hanging out and seemingly not having a care in the world. They seem to have everything right.

I think this is also what happens when people find out you like a particular thing. They seem to buy them and gift you with them. I have a feeling this has been happening to I-Needa as well. I don't really think she bought all these little frogs.

Yep... just hanging out in the sunshine being happy.

It amazes me how many arty things can be done with a frog. Also... everywhere you look, there is a reminder of that FROG thought. It never hurts to have a little reminder.

It's a good thing I'm enjoying snapping pictures. (By the way... I just had this fine revelation to name my camera... gives it that rather personal touch, you know. I believe I'll name it Snappy. What do you think? Is that a good idea, or not?Crazy, or not? Do you name your cars? But I digress........

Snappy and I continued working around the yard and caught these two looking busy.

More to come, for sure.

Keep scrolling.... it's almost finished.

Seriously... just a bit more.

This little fellow has been hanging around in the sand for quite awhile. I do believe he needs a little cleaning up. I imagine I-Needa will be out giving him a little clean up wash soon.

I've pretty much finished out in the yard, so Snappy and I headed back inside to see if there were any obvious FROG reminders inside. Besides, it was getting a tad chilly outside.

Sure enough, downstairs, two happy little readers under a pine tree. Considering years spent teaching, this seems most appropriate too.

Snappy and I sat down in a comfortable chair at this point and decided to call a rest to frog snapping. I hope you will recognize the finer side and view the frog as FROG. Have a blessed day.

The Tech Bug

I took advantage of the opportunity to visit I-Needa, and headed off to see her. It was the first time I'd really gotten to visit in person with her for awhile. Mr. was sad to see me go... I hope..., but off I went for an overnight at I-Needa's place.

Of course, I took along my new camera... my tech toy. I've been snapping pictures like mad. I don't know that I've gotten any better with it yet, but am at least giving it a good try.

I-Needa greeted me, and I pulled that new toy out of the case. I-Needa was happy to humor me and pose a bit in the kitchen. I think she looks like Betty Crocker... well... not really. But she does look happy to be in the kitchen.

I hate to admit that I-Needa takes after her mother in the quest for new toys. She has been enjoying her new computer, and then decided that she just must join the ranks of the iPhone world. She said that she did it as needs to keep up with technology to be able to teach her school children. They were starting to feel sorry for her as she was far behind them in tech knowledge.

Well, we can't have that. I-Needa didn't really need much encouragement to run to the store and come home with a new iPhone not long ago. If that isn't bad enough, she also had the iPod nano bug hit too. So... here she is with computer, iPhone, and nano in hand.... all at once. I think her eyes are spinning because of being bitten by the Tech Bug. It is a very addictive thing. I know.
I decided to check on the well being of Gigi. I think she was feeling a little left out of the picture at the moment. You mustn't feel too badly for Gigi. She is one spoiled pooch. Even with I-Needa in the middle of the Tech Bug Sickness, Gigi is thriving quite well. She hasn't missed a treat or a petting. She is fine.

I came home without having any of I-Needa rubbing off on me. I still don't have an iPhone, or an iPod, nano or otherwise. I think I'm safe for awhile. Let's just hope I-Needa doesn't think of anything else that she needs for awhile. I think she is going to be busy with her toys.

Just Too Cute

I-Needa was doing a little shopping in her hometown for some doggie treats. She wandered into a new store in the area... Petco.

Now just look at this display. You've got to love it, especially if you are a pet person. Check out the dog shaped bone with all the doggie treats!

I-Needa couldn't help herself. She reached for her iPhone and sent me a picture. I know she was excited with this. I completely forgot to ask what she bought for Gigi, and she forgot to tell me. I'll bet she bought something. I know I couldn't have resisted. You've got to give it up for good marketing. I'd say someone had a good idea.

Wallpaper Scraps

When I-Needa was little, her bedroom had one wall with wild panda bear wallpaper. There were cute pink and white curtains in the window to match the bear's noses. Cute!

I have always had the habit of saving a bit of wallpaper I use. I usually try to get an extra roll just in case something happens and I need to repair or replace part of it.

This paper has long ago disappeared, but it was cute at the time. I think I-Needa loved it and considered these little creatures her personal friends.


At some point, I-Needa managed to save a piece of the paper from her long ago room. She sent me this picture recently to show me what she has done with it.

I think it is rather a neat thing to preserve a memory like this. Just look how cute it looks with this one bear framed and hanging in her hallway. At least it is meaningful.

A relative of mine was quite talented in making ceramic pieces. She made a set of several little ceramic panda bears for I-Needa to match her room decor. I-Needa has set one on top of a candle and put it with the hall grouping.

Seeing this has made me look around my own home a bit to discover little things I have sitting about that remind me of my childhood or have some special meaning for me. What do you have in your home as reminders and remembrances?

Warm and Tasty Memories

This is a scan of a very very old picture of my grandmother. (Born is 1885 and died in 1965)

I started thinking about her this morning after visiting Ree's blog.... you know... Pioneer Woman. She has posted today in her cooking page about making homemade donuts. She has wonderful pictures and a blow by blow account of how to make them. Recipe included, of course. You can go there in a bit and see what I mean.

The pictures of all those homemade donuts bought my Grandmother Clara Estelle instantly to my mind. She was a cook deluxe. Her parents both died when she was quite young, and she went to live with her grandmother... her Mother's mother... who was a seamstress. Clara learned to cook at an early age, but never learned to sew much. Clara took over the kitchen and became the great cook in the family.

I remember her visits when I was a kid. I'd go off to school in the morning and wonder what wonderful thing I'd find to eat when I walked back in the kitchen in the afternoon. I clearly remember the treat of finding roasting pans full of freshly made donuts and holes. What a treat! The smell and the taste of them still linger in the back of my mind. It was such a warm and tasty memory. My grandmother and those wonderful donuts made with love. On this cold cold winter morning, it warms my heart to think of it again.

I found this picture and turned it to black and white as some of the color was a bit aged now. This is I-Needa at her grandmother's house... my mom... I-Needa and Right Back call her Mimi. She was the cookie, pie, and cake baker. My kids laugh and sometimes make quite a point of the fact that I wasn't the one making cookies in their youth. I didn't need to... Mimi did it.

Mimi also took her responsibility of passing on a few cooking skills to I-Needa. I know there is a picture somewhere of I-Needa with a few smudges of flour on her face... and everywhere else. I'm going to have to dig for that one.



You know that old saying about the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I-Needa is a little older here, but still at it in the cooking department. She is on the counter again as still isn't tall enough to reach the counter top. Besides, what good cook doesn't sit on the counter top to cook? Just kidding.

I-Needa has gotten Right Back to join her this time and he just needs to stick that finger into the bowl and have a little taste. I'll bet it's cookies.


Somewhere in I-Needa's mind, there must be a thought or two of her Mimi's kitchen smells and tastes. I think her grandmother passed down a few things to her.


Here she is again... in Mimi's kitchen. She is Miss Organization in the kitchen and is still happily doing her thing. Mimi is older now and needs a bit of help getting things done. Family get-togethers and lots of doings are a bit much for her. I-Needa is the just the gal for the job. She flies around the kitchen with ease. That's the same place that she use to sit on the counter.

Hummmmmm.... I think I'm going to mention home made donuts to her and see if she is up for the challenge.

Then and Now

I-Needa sent me these photos of her little back yard. I almost hesitate to call it a yard, but it is what is outside her back door. She gardens like a mad woman when it's gardening season. Look at all the lovely foliage. It grew like weeds under I-Need's loving care this past spring and summer. It was a happy little nook.

Looking at this picture made me feel all warm and cozy. I love the green leaves and flowers. It's happy! I'm sharing this with you for the same reason I-Needa shared it with me. It's green. It's growing. It's not white.

So that was then....

Of course, you are going to see the now.



I have to admit that, in my youth, fall was a depressing signal to me that winter blahs were on their way. I knew those beautiful fall leaves meant that the green of spring and summer would soon be gone and replaced with stark reality.

I've grown out of that and learned to see some beauty in every season. Fall is one of my favorite seasons as love everything about the colors. I've even learned to look at the naked branches of winter with a bit of artist eye. They can be quite interesting.

I have learned to accept that we must have the cold of winter. The green will be back. I'm sure it will, as have noticed it happening before. Remember, this is temporary, no matter how distressing or inconvenient. It will pass. In just a few months, I-Needa will be planting again like crazy, or watching for things to come up again. That will be a super good day. Spring fever will hit with a vengeance and those who garden will emerge from their dens and dash to the gardening centers.

In the meantime, we wait and practice a bit of patience.

All this talk of green things and planting just reminded me.... oh dear.... Mr. wants me to learn to can green beans. He loves to garden. He will be one of those out planting when the snow is gone. He has a big garden... big... with all kinds of vegetables. He is going to want me to take care of all this stuff.

You know... I think snow is a beautiful thing. I believe I might just love the cold winter. Spring and planting season is how far away? Perhaps I'd best find some articles on canning and pray that the snow lasts a little longer. Tah Dah

Well...Look at That!

I-Needa has been having fun with her new iPhone. She spent awhile trying to convince herself that she really needed it.... remember her name... I need a (fill in the blank)

I'm not really chiding I-Needa. I just know her very well, since she is a copy of me. You know that old 'I've become my mother' saying. It's true.

It took I-Needa awhile to convince herself that the iPhone is a necessity in her life, but she managed to get the job done. Actually, I'm having a little envy battle, but I just can't come up with a good enough list of reasons that I'd need one.

I-Needa was driving along minding her own business the other day when she came upon the above. That isn't something you see every day on the street. I believe it is a Red Bull can... I took some time and scrubbed out the license plate number as want to be a responsible blogger.

Since I-Needa had this wonderful new toy (excuse me... necessary item) with her, she just snapped a picture and e-mailed it to me. The e-mail has a little 'sent from my iPhone' at the bottom. Isn't that just wonderful? I submit this to you today and wonder if you've seen anything this strange on your drive to or from work.

Gigi's Woe

Bless little Gigi. Her person, I-Needa, has been housebound with the ice and snow. Poor little Gigi has missed her walks and play dates with other pooches in the neighborhood. Just look at her. Isn't that pathetic?

So, what is a pooch to do when cabin fever strikes? She doesn't read, or sew, or paint, or scrapbook. She does watch TV and sleep. Those are about the only options. Perhaps an extra treat from I-Needa would be nice. It would last a few seconds at least.

Yes, I too know about cabin fever. It can be depressing and make one feel a little forlorn. At least, as a human, I have more options than just watching TV, sleeping, or eating. Oops... I do believe I've just listed what I've been doing. Hummm. Perhaps I should select something more creative. At least I have a variety of options that I can do without getting me into trouble. I don't have to chew a shoe or anything like that to keep me entertained. I have choices. I choose to not get cabin fever. I choose not to look like this poor pooch.

I think the big question on Gigi's mind, and perhaps on mine as well... and yours... is 'When is spring coming?' Let me out of here!!

A Present for Right Back

I-Needa took up painting last summer. She had seen one of the teaching programs on PBS by Jerry Yarnell and loved his work. I found out that he had a workshop fairly close by, so off I-Needa went for a two day workshop. She loved it.

After that, it was paint, paint, paint. We put our hints in for Christmas presents and good old I-Needa picked up on it and painted like crazy. Each of us received a lovely gift of her time and talent. Here is Right Back appreciating his Christmas present.

I-Needa is still working through the Jerry Yarnell learning series and having great fun with it. I believe she will go to another workshop this next summer.

Personally, I think she has talent. I'm really encouraging her to keep up the good work and develop her talent. We need to put our hints in early if we want another round of paintings for this next Christmas. Paint, I-Needa, paint!!

I decided to add another picture of the picture.... a little more up close for your examination. I love this picture! So does Right Back! (Click on the picture and see it bigger!)

I-Needa Needed Windows

Daughter I-Needa woke up one fine day and decided that she just needed a few new windows. Yes, she had seen someone else in the neighborhood getting them, and she began to see the issues with her own windows. Of course... I-Needa needed something.... windows.

Today the man from Window World arrived to install a new window in her bedroom and two new windows in her kitchen.

He began by hanging around to take the current window out. Gee... that looks like a torch. Yep... going to be cutting that window away.





He really was tidy. I'm glad he hasn't been around Master Carpenter Man. These Window Man droppings aren't too bad... really.




Don't you like that little stool with storage in it? Handy, huh?





Now comes the exciting moment with the new bedroom window in place... Of course.. double hung. She will be able to lean them inside and wash them. Such joy!


She said when he put the new window up, she couldn't even hear the air conditioning noise from outside. She was amazed. Oh... she is going to love her new window.










Here we have the final picture after I-Needa wrestled new mini-blinds into place and rehung the valance. She confessed to me that she had read the directions for putting up the mini blinds and that it was a mistake. I think I must have hung the last ones as she didn't seem to remember such an experience.

I told her that I always throw out the screws that come with the blinds and go to the lumber yard to get new good ones. The screws that come with them strip out easily. She thanked me for giving her that good piece of advice after the fact.








Now to the kitchen. These windows have lost their seal and it is really hard, if not impossible, to see through them. The one on the right looks like some kind of monster. Actually, you can see Mr. Window Man through the one on the right, but he does look a little scary.







Let's take a closer look at that window. Ah, perhaps I-Needa really did need a new window. She calls it her 'Monster' window. I'm thinking I can see a monster if I look really close.






Yep... I think it was time for a new window.







So, here is Mr. Window Man caulking in the new windows. Yea!!!


I-Needa really does love them.









Now she can see her fence and flowers outside. I know she was worn out after having the noise and doings going on today. I reminded her that I'd suffered almost seven months of construction noise and droppings. She had sympathy for me. Yes, she did.