life, it ain't so bland

Because I mentioned this long neglected blog to someone today, I thought I'd update. First, the websites that can get anyone up to speed on couponing, Hot Coupon World and Slickdeals' Drugstore/Grocery (brick and mortar) forum were my go-to sites.

I'm no longer clipping coupons or chasing deals. I eventually ran out of room to house all my deals. At this point, I've given a lot away because our time here is coming to an end. Who wants to move a crate of toiletries? Not me! Especially when there is hope that move could be to Italy or Spain.

Second, I'm happy to report that after a little (okay, a LOT) of patience and effort, I've once again found a groove. People who lift me up, hobbies that keep me going, and an appreciation of the time that passes; good or bad.

Needless to say, I won't likely be back to this blog to update. That's a good thing, I think.

stupid computer

My main computer is in the shop. Apparently it can't handle Norton AND Windows update launching at the same time upon booting. Did that make sense? Because, honestly, I don't really know what all that means. I think I know what it means...but I'm not sure. I'll see ya on the flip side.

tagged

I won't tag anyone back but here is my sixth picture from my sixth folder. As you may have noticed, I don't post pictures of my kids because I am paranoid like that. However, it just so happened my picture wasn't of my children so I could play along. This is the finger of a young man who works with the Baron. They were playing football, I believe, when he suffered this injury.

I've been busy finishing up Pay It Forward projects. I had a load of packages to mail out today, including one the Baron has been patiently waiting for. The big kid is still having a bit of a rough time with his absence so I'm trying to spend less of the kids' waking hours online and doing projects. It means you may see me less, or not. I can always snap pictures during the day and wait until the evening to post.

Pay It Forward folks, keep an eye out for your treats!

unplug

Who is with me on this?

the crazy neighbor lady

I'm sure that's what the people in my neighborhood were calling me today. Do you know what these are? They sang to me from the recycle bins. I have no idea what I'm going to do with them. If nothing else, the kids will enjoy using them in the sand and water table.

chicken and ducklings

OR chicken and dumplings, as most of you may know it. It was rainy and dreary here the past few days. I felt the need for comfort food. I guess I've never made dumplings for the big kid because she had a hard time understanding we weren't eating ducklings. She was fascinated with the concept because it tasted like chicken noodle soup - without the noodles! She's as easily amused as her mother.

By the way, we do real dumplings. Not that biscuits-floating-on-top-of-soup business so many are fond of. I have an aversion to anything bread-like being left near moisture on purpose. Bread pudding? No thanks. Just 2 eggs and a 1/2 cup of flour, some salt and pepper, and dinner is served.

If I am staying authentic and have it on hand, whole allspice in with the chicken and broth is a must. Sounds weird, right? It's how granny always makes it. Yum. This is the same way granny makes her noodles, just add more flour, roll, cut and let dry. Depending on where you fall in my family, you may or may not serve the noodles, chicken, and broth over (ready for this?) mashed potatoes. Carbs galore.

sew-sew projects

I'm not terribly pleased with how either of these turned out. I followed Cute2Carry's tutorial, tracing a cardboard sleeve. The coffee cozy seems bulky. I know I've seen a tutorial for a button and hair elastic closure; I may need to give that a whirl.

The crayon roll was irritating. It didn't take a long time but the steps seemed to drag on. No way around it, that I can see, just not as much fun as I thought it would be. The 3/4" spacing to fit 16 crayons was too close, I think. I'm going to try again using 1" spacing and only fill with 12 crayons. I've already cut 2 more using the 13" length from the Chocolate On My Cranium tute. I'm going to try the 16 1/2" length tute from Skip To My Lou, next.

love, hate, and dust bunnies

Have I mentioned my love/hate relationship with sewing? When I'm in the groove, I enjoy myself. After a (usually frenzied) bout of sewing, I don't want to look at my machine for months. I once went almost two years without sewing a stitch. Which leads me to the dust bunnies.

I had to loan out my sewing table today. The horrors that lurked underneath would shock and amaze most anyone. Tonight I clean rather than sew. I have a dozen projects floating around my head. No way can I replace the table without exterminating the bunnies. Once the table is back in place, I'll be sewing and swearing in no time.

And now, a question:

Once I'm bored with sewing again I plan to have my abused and neglected machine serviced. Any tips or thoughts on that? This reminds me, I'll have to get a snap of my old Singer. She's a beauty. My grandmother gave it to me post tune-up about 5 years ago. Poor thing has barely seen the light of day. The feet that came with it are amazing! (Not that I know how any of them work, mind you.)