Emptyknitster

Growing up my mother always sewed my school clothes. Beginning in August she would find patterns and material and then proceed to sew five new dresses all month long. Gathered skirts, Peter Pan collars, little vests to go on top, and sashes to tie into bows. The week before school we would go shoe shopping and I would get a new pair of saddle shoes – the choice I had was: black and white, or cream and brown. In the spring I would get a new Easter/Sunday School/party dress out of a sheer flocked material. At this time I’d also get my one and only pair of patent leather shoes for the year. (By Christmas they were usually tough to squeeze into) My friends and I loved birthday party days because those were the only days we could wear the lovely party dresses to school! I was one of the nicest dressed girls in my grade! In high school she continued to sew for me. I babysat a lot (for 50 cents and hour) and I knew I could get more bang for my buck if I bought the material and patterns and ...

Today I went to my favorite hairstylist, Lisa, and had a highlight, cut, and style. Over the years we have become good friends, she was a neighbor of my Mom and Dad's and was a true and loving friend to them as well. We always have a good visit, catching up on our families, and neighbors in the old neighborhood. Lisa has her shop in an assisted living center - a natural place for her. She loves the ladies and gents so. I didn't know that today, I was in for and extra treat. As I was leaving, there was a lovely lady sitting at the entrance of the facility knitting her little heart out.  I could tell that she was a long time knitter, speeding through the row and watching as others entered and left the building. I also noticed that she knit in a way I had only seen one other person knit, holding her right hand under the needle and guiding it around the yarn and through the stitch. The first time I ever saw this technique, the lady was in a knitting class I taught. She shared tha...

I think that Jo gave me this recipe after a large Thanksgiving turkey with plenty of family to feed. I like to fix this after a night of hubby's cooking - one Costco rotisserie chicken! Because it is just the two of us, I now make half a recipe in a 9x9 pan. This is the original full recipe: Easy Chicken Divine 2 10 ounce packages of frozen broccoli 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey (chunks) 2 cans cream of chicken soup 1 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I also add 11/2  cup cooked rice to the bottom layer of the pan) This recipe works fine without using exact proportions - I often use more broccoli and chicken depending on how many servings I need. Thaw broccoli in microwave and drain off any liquid. Grease a 13x9 pan. Layer thawed broccoli in bottom of dish. Top with chopped chicken or turkey. Combine soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice and curry powder. Pour over meat. May top with cheese and bread crumbs t...

I have an old teapot that my mother-in-law, Maida, gave me many years ago. I treasure it because it meant so much to her. It had once belonged to her Grandmother Rosanna Fancher Thomas. The teapot had a tray to match but when the Thomas household was dispersed, Maida and her sister, Hannah Rose, split the set.  (The picture to the left of the teapot is a picture of my Granddaughter, "Chloe A Little Bit" and her cousin Joseph meeting for the first time.) This teapot belonged to Chloe's Great--great-great-grandmother! The high chair is one I bought at an auction. It's a great plant stand but a little tippy for a baby to sit in! Jacob and Rosanna Thomas settled in Aztec, New Mexico after traveling by covered wagon from Altamont, Illinois. This was a second marriage for Jacob Thomas. There were several children from his first marriage but only one surviving child, Maud, from his marriage to Rosanna. Front: Jacob Thomas, Maud Thomas, Rosanna Fancher Thomas Back: Elizab...

Last week "The Chick" flew the coop - the nest is empty. It must have been traumatic because this is as far as the post got until today...... May 5th: Today I went to work as usual but Hubby and The Chick packed up her belongings. It was, "To The New Job or Bust!" They loaded up all the furniture that I'd been hanging onto for this big occasion, and Babycakes was put into her cage. She sang a mournful solo for a good many hours! Sadly, when they arrived at the new apartment, the couch wouldn't fit in through the door! - IT'S NOT MAKING THE TRIP BACK HOME! - My new furniture is arriving Saturday morning! - No returns!! Update: The old couch came home, it's in the garage. I got my new furniture and love it! "The Chick" starts her new job tomorrow! Babycakes is reverting to her early childhood, using her binky and not sure life is okay without the Cat Whisper!

A year ago, when the blog began, I decided that there would be no whining! Mom always said,"If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all!" The blog has been quiet for almost a month. Today, I'm breaking my own rule. The wind has been blowing for weeks - up to 60 mile an hour gusts. Our roof is damaged, but thank goodness hubby is handy! It's no fun going out and trying to do a little gardening when you can hardly stand up. Then, the wind died down but this is what I woke up to this morning...  May 6th, 2010 At school, it's spring - everyone is getting "fed up" - including the kiddos! One little guy came to me this week and asked, "Just what process do I have to go through to get out of this class?" There's 20 days left buddy! "Pass third grade and I'll let you go to a new class in fourth grade!" When I got home today this is what I found peaking out.... Just maybe, things are looking up!