Big Creek House

August, 2011

2011-08-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that this really hot summer is almost over. I will fill in a bit and explain to you that once again I am having troubles downloading pictures. I will most like post a bunch and then you will have to sort out what they all are! In June, after the wedding (and the couple are now pregnant!) we loaded up the truck and U-Haul with things that the MFA bought and selected from our house--to fill her new apartment in Greenville. We didn't get off from Marion until noon but thankfully Hubby had reserved a room for us in Louisville, at least I think that was where we stayed. At any rate, I offered to drive some, so as I was driving through Indiana, Hubby says "watch out for that deer", well, you can figure the rest of the story. Yup. Hit it. But praise the Lord only the deer's back end and the drivers side light, fender and part of the front grill were damaged. AND hauling a small trailer behind the truck! Could have been so much worse. We are so thankful to the Lord for His protection. Sat. we unloaded all the stuff for MFA and then had dinner with some sweet friends. Another blessing. Spent the next couple of nights in Greenville then off to Atlanta to drop off cars, see the grands--3 now--and then head to the airport for our trip to Holland. We spent a couple of days visiting with Hubby's cousin and his wife. Across the street from their very nice apartment was a "coffee shop". Well that is nice, you might think, but this one sells "happiness on the end of a weed". Drugs are for sale in the coffee shops. They are all over the country. We spent 1 week in Amsterdam and saw many such shops. We did stay away from the red light district, however, the souvenir shops are filled with rather indecently shaped salt and peppers and many things that are just plan in poor taste. We did busy ourselves with trips to the museums. Saw many Rembrandt's and Van Goghs as well as Vermeers. The famous "Girl with a pearl" was not in the country as it is in Germany, I think--or Paris. We took a cannal tour one evening and that was so educational, and so leisurely. Beautiful evening for a cruise. Many buildings in Amsterdam are dated 1604, 1625 etc. A couple of buildings had a very early date on the left and then on the right were a series of numbers. I learned later that those are the Jewish dating. The Jews in the Netherlands are very socialistic and liberal; we had gone to the Jewish Museum or I would not have known that. The Dutch Resistance Museum was very powerful and told of the strength of the peoples during WWII. The cafes and shopping were all so much fun. We did stay at a lovely apartment, in the French Section; the only way to go, especially if there are more than the 2 of you. MFA came along and we had a blast. Hopefully I will get some pics posted, esp. of the Holland trip. Until I can get this all figured out.....
All from the bush
ME

June.

2011-06-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Well here it is June already. I tried to post with some pictures lately, but with no success. So I will ramble a bit. I am attending a great church. I love the preaching there. I come home so uplifted and yet I know I need to work on so many areas of my life. Hubby's Sunday School is studying Transforming Grace. That is a convicting book, and so filled with hope and grace. I know that his church will put their spin on it and I am praying that the book will reach the reader and filter out the Keswick theology that the lesson will be sprinkled. If you do not know what Keswick Theology is, just Google it and read the article from A Time To Laugh blog, it is pretty clear.
OK on to more lighter stuff. Am sewing like a banshee! Trying to get some things done...actually, I should be cleaning as the MFA will be home for a short week Wed to Wed. She is a maid of honor at a friend's wedding and I am working on a dress for her. In the mean time, I a helping a young gal with a quilting project. Some of you reading this know that I do not quilt! However, I always pick up the quilt magazines, if there is a cute quilt or bag or project on the cover. She picked out a rather challenging quilt, but thankfully it is small. We are going to Amsterdam for a week and visiting Hubby's relations for a week, doing the countryside. So I have a few projects that need to be finished as well as started....I always do this to myself. I procrastinate to the nth degree! So with that dear reader, I will bid you have a great day. Read something from God's word today. Sing a real hymn, you know, from the front of the hymnal, not a gospel song....a real hymn.
From the bush
ME

Old stuff....

2011-03-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

I got this wash stand a couple of years ago. It was the right price and the right amount of
peeling paint and sticky drawer and loose boards on the bottom shelf. You know, cool old
stuff! BFA says I need to add more of this type of information about my house in my blogs.
So, this is for her. This is the official plant stand. I have these plants. Several of them. This is
only one of the plant stands. Recently, one of the Christmas cactus plants actually fell off of the stand
it was on! Broke in several places, but it is ok. One of the Christmas cactus plants came from my
mother's house, after we had to put her in the home. This is suppose to be funny, as she always said that. At any rate, it didn't bloom for the longest time. Then one day I told it it had to go out in the compost if it didn't bloom! Well, I guess it didn't want to end up there as it bloomed that year and every year since. The plant in the forground is actually hubby's. It has to go to work with him sometime. He left one job and got another....at his age! What was he thinking?? He travels a lot with this new job. One of these days the dining room with get painted a really bright color, or the master bedroom will get a facelift. Actually, that room has all of the old really ugly rose wallpaper removed. Now, I really like wall paper, and if this room's wallpaper had been cute rather than dated ('80's!), it would have stayed. Choosing a color for a room with pale peach carpet is a challenge. Especially since I want sage-y green and Hubby wants pale cream! Arg! And he will never know. Took down some old wall border in the dining room. Took me some time as I am vertically challenged. I took it down in stages: first the north wall (figured he wouldn't notice) then the west wall, then the south and east at the same time. He still hasn't noticed! And that has been over a year ago! Ah engineers. Ya gotta love 'em.
Spring is around the corner...tomorrow, asctually. Found a great new church and am really enjoying the preaching. The main pastor is, as he puts it, just one of the elders. How humble is that. He is a true man of God. He loves the people and has a heart for God. And hope springs eternal, right?
All I can think of is : Marvelous grace of our loving Lord. Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt. What a great song. Hope you find it in the hymnal and read the words. Grace. What a charming sound.
All from the bush
ME

New, newer and old

2011-02-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

Good day ya'll. Thought I would post some of the MFA's friends from church. The lovely ladies are in the kitchen working hard at cleaning up, perhaps hamming it up, more than likely. At the MFA's church, they have Sunday School, church, eat lunch together and then have a afternoon service. MFA spent a lot of time looking for the "right" church. One time she called and said she had to get up early for church. I asked her why she was going to such an early service, she answered, because it was less crowded. Being from the mid-west, Iowa where the "good" churches are much smaller than the "good" churches in the south. She was looking for that smaller church, like back at "home". She found one. But the drive is 45 minutes, hence the shorter day.
This little princess is my Lilly. She became a big sister on Jan 29th. Her little Liam was 7#13 and 19". He was almost 3 weeks early, so had to spend some time in the hospital. He is now home and doing well, gaining weight, up over the 8# mark. Told my daughter-in-law that he was up to his "real birth" weight, as opposed to the actual birth weight.
I have not as yet been to see Liam, as I think I told you hubby changed jobs and doesn't have any vacation.
The cost of flight is up, too. So we will see when i get to go down again. I told this when I
was down visiting just before Thanksgiving. I guess she is a great help to her Mom, and Landon
tells Liam all about his day at school. This little guy loves to read. I sent down a package
that included a book for Landon to read to his siblings.
Warm today, in the mid 40's and this is Feb! All of the snow is gone, and we had a lot.
Well, I need to close for today.
Keep walking with the Lord, all the way. Trusting His word.
All from the bush
me

Snow and Christmas tree

2011-01-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

Hello again. I don't blog for days and then twice in a row! How is that? Well, I thought I would post a pic of the day after the snow storm . This happened during Christmas, it was snowing hard when I brought Hubby home from the hospital. The roads were bad and parking lots were awful. Next is one of the ways I decoate my tree. You take those lovely picks that Michael's or Hobby Lobby has and just put them into the branches of the tree. Lovely! I have 2 Christmas catus plants. One is very old and original to me. The other I inherited from my sweet mother some years ago. For a while that catcus would NOT bloom. I told it that it had better bloom or it was to the trash pile! Well, it bloomed. Both plants actuallt bloomed for Christmas this year. Amazing. One is still in bloom, the other decided not to bother. Maybe it will after a while......
All from the bush
ME

Winter decorations

2011-01-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here are 3 of the arrangements that I have picted up over the last few years. The one on top of the mirror, which is a very old mirror by the way, I got at a small but charming floral shop in a very small town west of where I live. Actually, I think the arrangement over the painting of Bete Degris is also from that shop. It is Victor, IA. If you blink on your way to Des Moines on Highway 80, you will totally miss the turn off. The bottom arrangement I have had for a number of years and use it every Christmas/winter season.
My husband had surgery 2 days before Christmas. He had his tonsils out and some other throat work done. He spent one night in the hospital and I stayed with him that night. He has done well in his recovery and has been at work this week. Have not done much in the way of sewing, but I did cut out somethings--does that count? I have to make up a couple of bags for the grands and will post them when I get them done. I will also get some photos up of "before" and "after" of our kitchen cabinets. Took off the gold and put on some dull finish knobs and handles. This a cheap (well, sorta) way of remodeling a kitchen. Hopefully there will be a before and after of the sink and faucet....all in due time, as the man of the house recovers and has time!
All from the bush
ME

trip south continued

2010-12-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

This is my new McMansion! Not! Seriously, you might recognize this as one of America's finest mansions. It is, of course, Builtmore of Ashville, NC. Originally the home of George Vanderbuilt, now a museum but still owned by the Vanderbuilt family. It was all decorated for Christmas and just amazingly beautiful. Several of the rooms were not open to the public, rooms that Jerry and I saw about 2 years ago when we went through in January. Emily, the MFA, is a "card holder" so I got in at a better price, $10 off. It was overcast and a warm 70-ish when we left Greenville, only to arrive in Ashville to 56 degrees and rain! We walked from the parking lot to the house, then all through the house and decided to take the shuttle back up to the parking lot, as it was coming down pretty good. We then had dinner in Ashville, then home to Greenville. The next day, we had to get up early to travel to Charlotte NC to catch the 6:30AM! flight. That flight took me to Atlanta, for a 2 hour layover til the flight out to Moline. Then home in freezing drizzle --what fun!. It was good to be home and have Thanksgiving at the home of some friends from church. Although I did miss being with family. Well, enjoy these pics. All from the bush ME

2010-12-16T06:30:00.001-08:00

Trip South

2010-12-16T06:28:00.000-08:00

Good Morning: At least it is morning at this time of writing---er, typing. Here are some photos from my recent (before Thanksgiving) trip to the warmer south. At this typing, however, the south is almost as cold as the north! Well, not exactly, but close. I have a couple of cute photos of my lovely granddaughter, Lilly. She is 4. I tried to get a photo of her brother, but ended up with videos instead. Just can't read those little settings--the digital camera I use has a switch and pictures of where that switch should be switched to, all in BLACK!! How is one to "read" that! Lilly and family live outside Atlanta. The joke about Atlanta is that when the Lord comes to call us home, we will all have to go through Atlanta first! From Atlanta I took the train to Greenville. OK, just to let you know about the times of this trip, here goes: Wed I left the house at 3:30 AM! to catch the 6:30 AM out of Moline, IL
Moline is a cheaper airport, however, it an hour and 3/4 away. So I get to Atlanta airport around local time 10:30-ish. Get picked up around 11:30. Then go to the school where Drew teaches and Landon, who is in K-5 are. Stefani is also subbing that day so Lilly is with her. I go to Landon's class--all 4 of them--should have taken a pic! They are sooo cute. One little girl looks just like the Disney's cartoon of Tinkerbelle! No lie! She is just adorable--and tiny! Just like Tinkerbelle. So we leave the school (after going to lunch twice!--only eating once....fyi) and are home for a couple of hours, then take off to meet some people from Drew's church for the before church on Wed night dinner. Zaxby's has this special for kids meals on Wed nights. Then we go to church, then home and chat for a while.....finely getting to bed after 10PM! Got up early to make sure I see Landon before school. Stef is So organized! Landon knows exactly what he is wearing everyday as she has his daily clothes in separate bins. It helps that the school requires uniforms, which are very nice. Landon looks great in red, with his
white blond hair and big blue eyes. Then Stef went to school to sub and Lilly and I played outside and I picked leaves (sorry no pic) much to Lilly's horror! How dare I do that! Then, after lunch Lilly and I went to school to watch the high school do their choir, band, speech competition. Then home and out to Olive Garden for dinner and then to the train station. Here is a pic of the Atlanta train station. Reminded me of an old movie. Left Atlanta by train around 9-ish. Got to Greenville at midnight.
But was greeted by a sweet and lively 2nd child, the MFA. I will close, but add more pic.
All from the bush
ME

Fall, 2010

2010-11-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hi all, hope this fall been for you all. Here in the upper midwest, it has been beautiful. Oh, except for the HAIL!! Had a horrible hailstorm about a month back. Our house got hit badly, but Husband says we will repair the damage in the spring. I am surprised it didn't break the glass table and the windows, as it damaged some of the window screens.
The first pic is of the chandelier that I got at Amy's Four Sister's In A Cottage. Had been eyeballing the chandeliers that she has in her shop for some time, when she had her sale I scooped this one. It is pink! It hangs above the MFA's grand piano and looks beautiful.
I made a covering for the wire. You can see the shadow on the wall of the crystals sparkling. It really is a fun light fixture and will go with me to the retirement cottage, whenever that will happen. The bottom pics are of the cards I made at the local scrapbook/stamp store. We have ONE in our town....besides Michaels. This is locally owned and really fun. We were to make a dozen cards in 2 hours, but that is wishful thinking. I think I finished around 9 or 10 of them in 2.5 hours. Husband has taken a new job. Yes! Changing jobs at his ripe old age (60); and here I thought we would be in the retirement cottage in about 3 years, now it looks more like 5 plus. There are some things that I am not sure I can stand for that long. The BFA knows exactly what I mean. But God knows all about the future as He holds it in His hands. I just need to trust and obey.
I am planning a short trip to visit the MFA and the grands, taking the AmTrac between the two cities, which should be an adventure and fun. Flying into Atlanta via Moline, Il, then back to Moline from Charlotte, NC. Hubby can't take the time as yet, plus he has plans for his Christmas plant shutdown.....more of that later. I know I took a pic of some things that I have been sewing and actually finishing! Will try to get those up later. Remember it is not what we have done, but what Christ alone is doing in and thru us. Later, dear readers.
ALl from the bush.
ME

What we did this summer

2010-09-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing like summer pictures when the temps are, at least today, more like late fall than early fall, end of summer. These are the lovely grands at the pool. This pool is in the gated community where their other Grandparents live. Yes, the kids get to have one set of grandparents locally. Landon started school this fall (actually early August!). Still loves school. Told us that his favorite subject is lunch. We also asked him what he did his first day of school. Answer: we had recess, nap time and lunch. So much for the full day at school. His class is very small, only 4 kids. Miss Lilly misses her brother, but I think she has a great time with being with Mom alone. Althought that will change in Feburary when they welcome another little being into the family. The MFA wanted more pics, so here they are girlfriend. This is the girl that stops traffic when she jogs! She is training for an 8K coming up in a couple of weeks. She is busy with her piano teaching job--with 33 students--and part-time AnnTaylorLoft job and pet sitting. If you live in Greenville and see a lovely blonde in a beautiful blue Toy Solara, that could very well be her. She is in the lower pic, with Landon and me. I have yet to get a really great haircut. Do I hear an Amen! This last one was at a good salon, I believe I will go back--the head rub and shouldar rub is worth it!
But the cut hasn't worked out. Thin hair is tricky. Not like the easy to do thick hair. That is no big deal--cut style Voila! BUT thin hair is a challenge and I don't know a lot of stylists that like a challenge. And I don't know a lot of stylists that actually know what to dowith thin hair. All of the books on hair show models with THICK hair! There should be a book with models that have thin hair. Maybe they are hard to find. Sigh. I trust that you, dear reader, will have a terrific day. Psalm 30:1 I will extol thee, O Lord; for Thou hast lifed me up, and hast made my foes to rejoice over me.
All from the bush.
ME

summer 2010

2010-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

I sure hope this works! The last few times I tried to send pics, the program failed. So
here are some great shots of the summer. Just try and guess which foot is mine?! We had
a whirwind July: a trip to Atlanta (the photos) a trip to Omaha to see friends and a trip UP
north to be with family (and to avoid a certain wedding) .
News of the family: the MFA bought a sweet car in June, a Toyota Solara, rag top. Way too
cool. I want one! Well, actually I will take a VW one, lime green.....
Daughter in law is expecting, in Feb (my birthday month!) and Lilly is none too happy about this event, Son thinks she thinks that she will be left out somehow.
Hey, don't you love the earrings in the middle pic? They are Junk Jewelry, a little heavy so I don't wear them much. Well, I am going to post this. You all have a great day. This is the day that the Lord has made, we are to rejoice in it. Go and rejoice.
All from the bush
ME

June is here

2010-06-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello. I know that I haven't blogged for a while. I am still having photo issues! I will try something new and see if that works out. If you actually see photos on the side bar, then you know it all worked and you will have to read the last post to find out what the photos are. However, if you are lazy and don't want to do that, they are photos of our trip in May to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, UP for short.
Got some sewing done for the MFA. She loved the Amy Butler Tunic top and fabric flower, and the fabric I chose, also Amy Butler. The top was lined! Who does that anymore--really good designers and couture sewers! Not that I am any of these.
I spent much of May sick with shingles! All I can say is: I feel your pain! If ever you have had this condition, it is just plain painful, and all on one side. For me it was from mid rib-cage to knee on the left side. Ouch! But, PTL, it is gone. My dental tech told me to throw away the toothbrush I was using and grab a new one, so I have done that. Oh, MFA bought a 2006 Toyota Solaira, blue with tan top and leather, GPS, nearly mint condition! Hey, she is young and single. Maybe it will be a man-magnet! She will hate me saying this. We are fussy, hope it attracts the right one.....
All from the bush
me

summer

2010-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Boy, I sure hope this works. I have been having trouble posting pics! These are photos
of our trip to the UP in May. And here it is June.
I had been sick with, of all things, shingles. If anyone has had them, it is just
horrible pain and on one side only! Thankfully, it was a mild case, lasting about
4 weeks and just a lot of pain! Been busy with sewing projects and am making
2 maternity tops from my new favorite Kwick-Sew pattern and some knit that I had looming around. I made up the Amy Butler pattern and fabric, a tunic, for the MFA and she loved it! One for the Mom. Oh, the MFA has a new car: a blue Solara with tan rag top and leather seats. She called and said it was 100 degrees in Greenville on Monday (the 14th) and too hot to put the top down. This midwesterner feels so sorry for her. All it has been doing is raining!
Well, have got to go and pick berries. Our patch is so sad this year, but we do get a few.
Later
from the bush
me

May in Michigan

2010-05-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

At long last, I do hope these photos will go to the blog! As last post, here are some
photos that we took around Mother's Day when we took a short trip to the Upper
Peninsula. For those that don't know, this is the upper part of Michigan.
ALong Lake Superior. A most beautiful lake. And snow, as it was very cold.
These pics don't show just how cold, but it was around 40 degrees and by afternoon
it was warmer.
Ran into a gal that I had graduated high school with, so last century! But she is
still the fun gal she always was in high school.
All from the bush
ME

May trips

2010-05-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I have tried 2 times to post some photos of our trip Up North. But for some reason, Picasa would not let me do both: blog and send pics. So, I will tell you that we had snow. Yes, not a lot but enough to see and the day before Mother's Day. I had a good Mom's day, spent this with my youngest sister and 2 nieces and the great niece, who is a cutie. She will be a year old in a couple of months and has figured out that if there is a camera or cell phone near her face, smile. I also have some photos of the great view from Brockway Mountain drive. This 2 lane road is badly kept, but when you get to the top, wow what a view. You can see forever! You cannot see to Canada because of the curvature of the earth, but you can see almost to Minnesota, and for certain Isle Royal. It was very cold and windy, cold being around 45-48 degrees. Lake Superior had huge white caps and it was all so beautiful.
Spent some time going over family history with my cousin, who lives a stones throw from the lake and her view to the lake is beautiful, too.
Need to get off to hem a skirt for a teen from church. She is going to get a lesson in doing this herself! I don't go to college with kids, been there, done that. Have a great day, by dear blooging readers.
All from the bush
me

Michigan

2010-05-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is the 2nd time that I will be writing this. Would I learn to "save as draft"? I
guess not. So I will try to recreate what I just wrote 2 minutes ago!
Welcome to my blog, sweet reader. Hope you are all having a wonderful day.
Just some photos of our trip to Calumet, MI for Mother's Day weekend.
The first photo is of SNOW! Might I remind you, dear reader, that this is
MAY. However, it is northern Michigan and anything can happen....and does.
The next 2 photos are of Lake Superior, the bottom one being the view from the
lonely Brockway Mountain Drive. This road is a poorly maintained--this is
Michigan, after all--a two lane road with an amazing, breath-taking view of the
landscape. At the top you are rewarded with a view of Lake Superior that reminds
you why it is named Superior. On a clear day (you can see forever....) you can see
Isle Royal, which is nearer Minnesota than Michigan.
Speaking of Isle Royal, my niece works on one of the boats that sails from
Houghton, MI to the Island during the summer. Her Grandpa would have been so
pround of her, amazed I am sure as the sailing bug bit the girl and not both boys
of my sister's family. Altho one of her boys is a sailor, too, down on the Mississippi.
Been busy with some sewing projects: an Amy Butler pattern and fab for
the MFA. Hemming a long skirt for a teen, who needs it next week! And a
pair of jeans for a tiny lady, got those done last week.
Need to make a coupld of tops for a gal @ church and just finished a couple of
nursing covers for one gal @ church and one gal on deputation.
Plus I have to get the ASG newsletter out this next week! Busy.
Well, I trust you will enjoy these photos. I will tell you it was around 45 degrees....
and windy, hence the white caps.
All from the bush.
me

2010-05-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to see SNOW in May! Yes. We went to Calumet, MI for Mother's
Day weekend, and were greeted with snow on Sat. morning.
Here is a photo of the snow-in-the-woods on the way to Copper Harbor.
Next photo is of Lake Superior and the last photo of the view of the lake, looking
north (I think!) from the Brockway Mountain Drive. This road is a poorly
maintained 2 lane--I remind you, this is in Michigan, but the view is amazing.
It has been some time since I was on this drive and it is truly breath-taking.
The mountain is some 12,000 feet above sea level, or maybe more. I didn't
take a photo of the large wooden just-the-facts-board, and a little history
of the area.
Been busy with sewing projects, trying to finish up a blouse for my MFA, a pillowcase
for the granddaughter, made 2 nursing privacy "tents". They are not tents, but
a cotton double sided blanket with boning in the top and it ties around the
neck. It is a Kwik-Sew pattern.
The blouse and fab for MFA is Amy Butler.
Also, I will be making 1-2 maternity tops --NOT for me!--for a little gal from church.
I do enjoy this, plus I am working on heming a skirt for a teen from church. The teens
don't have a prom, but a fancy dinner and so get dressed up. The girls browse the
2nd hand shops for fun dresses--modesty is important, so it can be a challenge in this
show it all times.
Well, got to get to the laundry! Hey, you can check things out on the Facebook
page that I created a couple of years ago. I dropped it for a time and now I am back.
Take care, sweet readers.
All from the bush
me

A New month

2010-05-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Thought I would change things up a bit. Here it is May already. In March I was sick for 2 weeks, just a really bad cold. I honestly do not know what happened to April. We did get spring and I have been busy with company for our missions conference held the end of April. We hosted a lovely young couple living in South Carolina and on deputation to serve the Lord in Uraguay. The lady was raised on this mission field, and her husband on another mission field. A very sweet couple. He has a cousin that lives and works in Kohler, WI and is coming to IA to work in the Bochner chocolate factory. I said that she could come and stay with us until she finds a place to live, and she can pay me in chocolate--even broken chocolate. I sent my BFA some of this chocolate, the best. We will be heading up north the end of the week for just a few days. See the gaves, and the ones still living. Sounds morbid, but it isn't. May in the UP! Bring my winter coat! Oh, I forgot to let you know that I went ot a wonderful ladies retreat hosted by Morningside Baptist in Rockford, IL. Ran into several ladies that I know and so that was fun. The speakers were Elizabeth George! Yes, she is wonderful! And Holly Stratton, the wife of the president of Clearwater Baptist Bible College in Clearwater FL. Total opposits! But great lessons from each of these Godly women. Mrs George is such a humble lady, a great speaker and a wonderful author. Do check your local Christian book store for any of her titles. "A Woman after God's Own Heart" for starters. I picked up her title on being a meek and quiet sprit, something I struggle with. Being a prophet, I see things in balck and white. I tend to be very intuitive. If I say anything to anyone at my local church, I am met with "are you bitter?" or "you are reading into things/" Needless to say, I am not understood, and so it is with most prophets. So I generally don't share my thoughts, but sometimes I don't listen to my instincts and let it all out! Mistake!
I will try to get some new pics up, but I think I will have more from our trip.
Later ladies, have a truly blessed day. And remember: Whatsoever things are true, think on these things.
All from the bush.
ME

Spring...maybe

2010-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Good morning: It has been a short time since I blogged. Is that a verb?? I wonder what they are teaching in college English these days. Our language, always changing. My dear sweet MFA spent a little over a week with us, in the north: cold, snow! But she had a great time visiting her firneds and her parents. She is fun to have a round and is missed. Spent 2 days trying to get myself together after she left. Maybe just lazy, but I forgot some things that are of import, but not neccessary.
Just sewed up an outfit for a little gal at our church who is expecting their 2nd child. She told me that her old maternity clothes didn't fit, not that she has gained wieght, actually has lost weight! Ah, but we know that scenerio. So I made her 2 tops from some great knits, one from Hancock Fabrics, from a newer Kwick Sew pattern. Then I made her a skirt as she was tired of wearing the black one all of the time. When you know your weight is going to be different for only about 6 months, then it is hard to justify buying all kinds of new outfits. Hey don't we do that anyway!!?? Then I have to finsih a purse for a friend, sew up some really pretty silk dupiona that I got at Hancock Fabrics. This yardage is for a dress for Little Lilly who will be 4 in April, just before Easter. So I have to get that made up and sent. Then Dear Hubby wants to have a lunch bag that is insulated....sounds like another project. With all of this on the sewing table, what am I doing here?
All from the bush.
ME

What! Feb. already?

2010-02-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, where did January go? The MFA had another birthday, as did dear hubby. Here are some photos from our trip to South Carolina in December. The top is my tree, w/o the flash. It really did turn out very nice this year. We had a real tree, I love real trees. I suppose someday we will get a fake one. The next photo is driving back from SC, the mountains and the snow--the little bit they get. I think the next one is of dear hubby and me with his new truck, the real reason we went to SC.
Then, the communion table at church with the really nice fake pointsettia. Several people asked me where I got it and they were very suprised when I said "Michaels". The table has a sheer drap with twinkle lights underneath. You need a close source of power when you put lights on the table like that. This year (at church) I did simple and elegant. But of course.
OK since it is now Feb. , that means it is MY birthday month. And BFA came through once again remembering the event with a lovely box of goodies, including a wonderful tea cozy. Along with a small box of Abduluah's chocolates (yummy!), several altered art (at least in my mind) items and her wonderful ACT's, they go right on the 'fridge! Napkins, the tea spoon, which went up on the china cab. This year dear hubby surprised me with a party on the 4th. Since the 3rd was a Wed and we have church, we did not go out to eat. So he told me we were going out on Thurs. I was looking forward to going to eith the Red Avacado or the Linn St. Cafe. Mostly I just like the names! But, just 5 minutes before we were to "leave the house" the door bell rang and there stood 5 gals from our church. He served us pizza and cheesy bread and then Dairy Queen ice cream cake. He had 3 games, all of which were the kind that I had to guess at something about the 5 gals that came....
I did ok, and they got prizes--which he bought himself! The big gift was a gift card to a local stamping/scrapbooking shop that also offers classes. I did get another gift card to my fav coffee shop: Witt's End. All in all, I had a great birthday. The gift box from Mpls is always the most special, though (and not just 'cause you read this blog, either).
Well, this is all for today. Go worship and rest, as this is Sunday.
I have been reading Sarah Palin's book and so the scripture for this day is :Prov. 21: 1 The King's heart is in the had of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will. Pray for our country.
All from the bush.
ME

the new year

2010-01-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

I trust that all had a great Christmas season. Goes fast. We took another trip down south, this time to Greenville, SC to be with Emily. We had Christmas with her and Christmas dinner with some of her friends, duck with dark cherry sauce...really yummy. On Christmas Eve, Emily played the keyboard and led a string group in Christmas singing at a Presbyterian church in Simpsonville. There were readings from Scripture inbetween the traditional Christmas songs. Emily did a great job and we are so proud of her and the talents that God has given to her.
I do not have the photos uploaded from that trip and the house decked out for Christmas, thought that hubby had done that, but will get that done soon. Here are some photos from the week before Thanksgiving when were in Atlanta. Are not these the cutest grands you have ever seen....of course, they are not your cutest-grands-you-have-ever-seen....
Oh, forgot to tell you the REAL reason we went south: Hubby picked up a white Toyota Tacoma, 2007--no rust! Drove it back to salt-n-sand country and it is a nice truck, will serve him for many years I am sure.
Later
All from the bush
ME

after Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

Good morning. Bet you all thought I had forgotten about this space! Not on your life.
Here are just a few of the photos from out trip to Atlanta and Greenville, SC the week before the
week of Thanksgiving. We had Christmas, passed the Thanksgiving thing altogether. I had bought
poppers last year and then forgot to bring them with me when we went down for Christmas last year.
So, I took them this time. Poppers are an English tradition. They wrap little toys, trinkets in a tube
much like a toilet paper tube and then wrap the tube in Christmas wrap. There are little metal thingys
that snap when you pull the ends out away from the tube, and voila all the little trinkets burst out, plus these
cute little paper hats. My daughter-in-law looks like something from one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, with her lovely dark coloring, her dark eyes and hair. Drew and his family are at the top, Landon being 4' at 5
years old! Lilly is 3.5. They have a dog, a puppy. Lucky. Hummmm, I call him Unlucky.
Here is a photo of Landon taking Lucky for a walk......or is it the other way around??
Then of course, the lovely MFA in the lower pic. Any one know of a great single Godly guy, late 20's , early 30's...
OK, so. The weather was great until we left Greenville on Sunday after the services at Emily's church. It rained and was downright cold, after experiencing 70 degrees most of the time. I had to drive in the dark through the mountains, and in the rain. The Angel Protection Services were very, very busy with me at the wheel. Back to the church......
Her small congregation is just a great bunch of wonderful Christan people. They love us because they love Emily so much. How refreshing. Drew's church is much, much larger and so they just have a small group that they interact with most of the time. I think that happens a lot in larger churches.
Tonight is ASG program so I have to get ready for that and wear the top and jacket I fashioned out of that crazy material that I have a photo of on this blog. I will look festive, and I am glad it is going to be warmer today! Last night I got most of the church decorated for Christmas, with the help of a a gal from church and Jerry, doing the manly hanging wreaths and such. Forgot to photo the fall table! Arg! And I wanted to do that for this blog. I will get a photo of the Christmas-look....I promise.
I do that a lot don't I??? I am too much like my Mother. Procastinate--a way of life!
You all have a great day. Thank you so much for reading this blog. Please leave comments. I love them.
Thanks Deb, in advance ;-)
All from the bush.
ME

fall # 2

2009-11-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hello! Hopefully the pics will hold today! Here are the apples, some fabric with the patterns that will
get sewn and a velvette shrug I made for a 10 year old and yours truly with a Vogue, Marcy Tilton
pattern and some cheap knit . I hope to make this out of some better knit as it is a fun top, most edges are raw
edge. I have a sister, who also is a quilter, who detests raw edges!
We are going to be going down to Georgia and South Carolina to visit the grands and the MFA.
Both visits will be all too short, especiall with the MFA as we will be sharing the time with her with others.
There was a small group of people who came down a year ago to help rebuild a house in the flood-ridden village
of Palo. The town of Cedar Rapids had been hit badly (and we are still recovering from) by flooding in June, 2008
Anything along the Cedar River got flooded, and Palo was basically under water. At any rate, this group will be
gathering for dinner and we will be there, too. Hopefully the MFA will not have to work!
Oh, also, I got new glasses. No one has noticed.....even hubby took a long time to figure out what was different
and he knew I was getting new glasses! I am so vain! BFA would notice, I just know!
OOPS, I just noticed tha the foyer pic is not in the group, I will have to get that to you all yet.
Later....
from the bush, me

2009-10-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

Good Morning all. Here are several photos that I wanted to share with you all. The top is my bargain scrapping stuff from my fav store: Target. Then the big apples that I bought the other day. The candle smells sooooo good! It is Coming Home from Yankee. The rest are photos of my fall decorations. The foyer and dining room. The painting is the Pat Bjornseth that I bought some time ago, of Bete Gris, MI. The cards on the foyer table are from my BFA, I save them for my decorating, the winter ones also. The are displayed on a frog! The frogs I buy at antique shops for small prices. Going to one of my fav antique shops today, and gift-y shop. On Highway 1 (on the way to Kalona) you have to stop at Sister's Garden and Bloomers. Also the Rug Cottage. Then there is another shop along the English River. Never been, but am calling to see if they are open this year. OOPS! I think I just lost the apple photo! Why does that happen???
I will try for that later. BUT in the meantime, check out the Coming Home scent. I got it from the new display at Target. They are also carrying Papryus, something we do not have here in fly-over country.
All from the bush.
me

2009-10-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

My BFA says :more photos, girl!" OK so here are 3 that I found recently. One is our crazy Himilayan names "Gizzmo". We didn't name him! He came to us as a skinny 2 year old. Now he is a fat 7 year old. Can't believe that we have had him that long. The MFA wanted a cat when she lived at home after college. So after days of looking in the ads, her dad said "OK" and we purchased Gizzmo. Or Gizzy, or Mo, as in "you are covered in Mo-hair"
The second photo is the back side our our house in the winter. The bottom photo I downloaded from the pasty.com site. I am sorry I do not know who took this one, but isn't it just beautiful! It is my fav lake: Lake Superior. I think I know the beach.
One of the paintings in my foyer is of Bette Gris (pronounced bay degree). I found the painting here in town, but I KNEW it was of a Lake Superior shore! Hubby had told me I could buy one painting at this show, I kept coming back to that lovely watercolor. Eventually I asked the artist about the painting and she told me Bette Gris! When you know, you know. Like colors. I am very good at going to the fabric store, forgetting my samples at home and coming home with the exact colors I need. My Grandmother (who died well before I was born, always used to say "back to the bush", that is why I say "All from the bush" Enjoy the photos. me

Ramblings

2009-10-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today hubby is home to do some home work....you know, when you decide to take apart 2 windows, then go away for the weekend and it rains.....so you get the pic. Poor guy. He ordered a new window, just like I asked him to do first. Some men it takes them a while to figure out that wife may be correct about some things. But at least he can do these things, and for that I am so thankful.
Got my hair cut on Monday. Why do stylists, who are much younger than the client, assume that the client wants a buffont?? No I do not do the '60! Been there. Done that! Thankfully, it looks ok when I do it myself hehe.
Need to photograph the display that I did at church. We have a ledge between levels and usually I have a very tall vase and tall grass-like stuff coming out of it, on that ledge. But with fall, I bought 3 bails of hay (smaller ones) and added the fake pumpkins that I bought last year and a couple of swags of leaves and low and behold it looks nice. I was able to find a nice vase/grass arrangement from Michael's on Labor Day for the big sale they always have and so that is on the communion table. Photos really tell the story better.
Got my 2 skirts done and now I am working on getting things organized to go on a sewing retreat this weekend. I will post those things next week.
My BFA sent me a lovely package of a fall hankie and fall dish towel! I love it--and of course, a trading card that is too cute. She is sooo special. xxoo to Deb.
I took an altered picture frame class a couple of Sat. ago. Using Tim Holtz's distressing paint and grundge paper. Never heard of the later and didn't know how to use the former, now I do! The paint (in a very small bottle!) is 2 steps in one. With acrylic crackle, you need to paint a base, a color and then the crackle. With the Ranger Ink, you do a base (on wood or canvas) and then apply the ink/paint and that is all. The globbier the larger the cracks, the smoother (less) the smaller and finer the cracks. Does this make sense?? We painted the wood frame, that had already been base-coated and then stamped on the grundge paper. The paper is almost like a leather, heavy weight and flexible. You need to use a stayz-on type of ink for stamping and then we used the Ranger distress inks to ink the flowers on the paper. The paper can be manipulated to some degree. Check this paper out at your better craft store, you have got to feel it.
Well, I have got to do some work in my sewing room. Soo all for now, dear friends.
me from the bush

ramblings

2009-09-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

Oops, this is the photo that didn't make it to the blog for some reason. Cut out 2 skirts today, went to Weight Watcher's (why??) then to church to decorate, didn't have camera with so don't have photos yet.....then out to the Ben Franklin's in Iowa City with a girl-friend and then dinner rather late, at a Mexican place...so much for any weight loss!
I made this really neat skirt, cut on the bias, from a Great Copy pattern. Just have to put together a little jacket from the pattern. I will get photos up soon. Funny how I forget about that important part of my life. Hubby is at a men's retreat through tomorrow afternoon. I am taking a class at a new stamp/scrapbook place in town tomorrow afternoon and I will do photos of my creation....
all from the bush
me

2009-09-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Good morning. I never know quite where these words will show up! Now I know just why some dear friends have given up their blog. Maybe they don't have Picasa. Our verse for today is: Job 6:8 Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Jo's grief was great and he longed for relief from his woes and the answers to his questions. But God was good to him. ALthough, some would say that Job's wife was Satan's doing as he didn't have her "done in".
Had a quiet weekend. Entertained the College and Careeres from our church with a cook out and fire in the firepit. Then breakfast on Saturday with my friend Angie and later mimi-golf and pizza with the Barnabas group from church. Those are the ones that don't fit the college and career group, or the young marrieds. In other words: the old people!
Photos today are of the grands when we were down there (Atlanta area) this summer. Everyone needs a pirate, don't you think? The St.Louis landmark was in view while waiting for the traffic jam to clear and then one of the gardens (NO, this is NOT mine! I wish!) that we visited on the garden walk this summer. Landon went to a birthday party and Lilly came with the grandparents to lunch and shop. She did so very well for a 3 year old. Entertained herself with watching us in a strange grocery store and singing "It's a Small World Afterall".
I didn't get to take a photo of the backyard today, all foggy and misty. Really nice. Reminds me of the land of my growing up: Upper Penisula of Michigan, along Lake Superior.
This is all for today.
As always from the bush, me.

Old photos

2009-09-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Good morning all. Sorry for the delay in writing. Hubby loaded the best photo program for blogging just for me, isn't he the sweetest? However, we are still without sound on the computer, so don't send me any YouTube stuff:)
TOday's photos are from last year. The top are the lovely and talented and smart grands at their other grandparents community pool. The middle is the MFA, looking very pensive, and her daddy. THe blanket on the couch is Landon's, I "made" it. ALl too easy, just cut the fleece along the selveges and cut 4"x1" strips along all 4 edges and tie together. I used a solid green on the back. Landon LOVES John Deer. My blue-eyed grand tells me his eyes are " green, Grandma. John Deer green" The bottom is last Christmas time at Stone Mountain. Yes, Jerry is a lot taller than me, by almost a foot! But I am smarter, so that counts more.
I am going to go to 4 sister's in a cottage today as Amy's shop is only open for a few more weeks. I hope to find a treasure there, I always do.
I hope I can get some newer photos up soon.
Verse for today: Psalm 111:1 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. If someone asks you why you go to church, here is your answer. PTL
All from the bush. me

on-line once more

2009-08-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon. Yes, I am finally getting back to the computer after a LONG dry spell. This is the story (and isn't there always one): the day before we left to take the MFA to Greenville, I turned on the computer and voila a blue screen. This blue screen was a new thing to me and I figured out quickly that is was a bad thing. I at first thought that it was due to a virus, or something that hubby had done as he had been working on the MFA's rather sick computer. Come to find out, it was "just" a bad drive and this drive wouldn't read anything. Now, what I truly know about computers and the hows and whys of these things you can put on the head of a pin, so I won't bore you with details, just this: This working on getting it fixed cost a bit, more than a song in my estimation. However, it is mostly fixed. The BAD news is no Picasa program ie no photos!! And I wanted to show off the grands and how cute they are. I will have to wait on that. ARGGG!!!! OK, on to more pressing matters. We are OK. The rain (over 6" in 2 days) didn't affect us, just a bit of traveling around the flooded creeks...and the constant rain. It is cooler today, but the Lord is good to us is He not? Do I have a witness? Ps 118:1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: because His mercy endureth for ever. Wow.
All from the bush. (My Grandmother Bergh used to say that)
ME

findings

2009-07-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hello. I have been busy with the MFA who is home. Tomorrow she will play the piano for all of the church services and choir, special in AM and PM services and the offeratory! Boy am I glad she is home! It would be me if she were not.
Here are some new photos, the top two are soem of the things that I bought at 4 Sister's in a Cottage. Amy was not there but her charming daughter was. Amy is having a great sale so I bought these items for aaround $5 total. I would say that is a great deal. I am sure that my friend Deb would think so, too. Got to close this out for tonight.
me

2009-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hi, found some of the photos that I had wanted to put on the blog. These are just 2 of the
alter table decorations that I have done. One is simple, anytime. The other is
for Father's Day. This is a fishing theme. This past father's day, I did a golf theme.
Usually I change the table after the evening service. Sometimes it is hard to do the vertical as
well as the horizontal lines. As you see, no flowers for Father's Day.
Enjoy.
me
Did I just lose a photo???

dresses

2009-07-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Here are several photos of the little dresses that I have made recently. This pattern is from a new pattern company called Portobellopixie. This dress reminds me of the dresses that were popular when I was a teen! That peasant dress! Remember?? Those dresses were mostly the same pattern and color, so today's update is fun. I usually go to the store and select a collection of fabrics from one line and then mix and match. The pattern has one other view that I will make for my lovely grand daughter soon, and then make a matching blouse as the view is much like a jumper in the fall and sun dress in the summer. The pattern is pricey ($16.00) but the sizing more than make up for that. It goes from 6 mo. to 8 years.
The top dress is a size 1 and the bottom a 3. The top went to a little girl from our church and the bottom to my lovely granddaughter.
Many of the independent patterns are more expensive than the big 4. However, they would all be expensive if it were not for the 99 cent specials at Hancock Fabrics. The Vogue patterns are very sxpensive. I also like the Burda line and you can find that at Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Today I clean as tthe MFA is going to be home for a week plus. Then we take her back south and visit with the rest of the family. Cool and rainy! Can you believe it is summer? Tomorrow it is supposed to be summer. One day a week........
me

threads and serger tails

2009-07-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. Got back last night from my great time in Albuquerque. First time I had been there. Two words: HOT and DRY. My roomie, Suzi (a former regional rep with ASG) said I lived in a swamp and wasn't used to the dryness. Well, I don't actually think of Iowa as a swamp, but she might be on to something being the exact opposite of NM. My luggage is supposed to arrive sometime today! The perils of 3 stops! Well, I am off to chime practice and will most likely update then. No new photos, forgot the camera! But being an English Major (I belong to the Society of English Majors, listen to Garrison on Sat. nights) I should be able to write so exquisitely that you will get the picture, so to speak....later
me

2009-07-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, The photo on the bottom is the one deleted (who knows why!) from the blog yesterday. Lilly is 3
and a princess, don't you agree?
The other photos are of our daughter, the MFA in piano, Emily and her Rag Doll cat,
named Arwin. Arwin is my next oldest grandchild! She is 4 and I haven't met her yet.
Will do so in a couple of weeks.
Getting myself together to fly out to Albuquerque , got some sewing and packing to do.
All for today.
Hope everyone had a blessed time in God's house and with His own today.
mary-ella

2009-07-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken last December at our son's house. This is our lovely daughter, the MFA in piano! The next photo is of our lovely little 3 year old granddaughter and below her photo is her dad . I am only 5'2" and he is 6'3"! The final photo is of the note that I received one morning when I went to Weight Watcher's. Hubby had dropped it off the day before! This was the final clue to where we were going to spend our anniversary in June. I will have to put this under "random thoughts!" as this is just what this is.

2009-07-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Galene at Durty Gurt's
View from the top of a ski run on the Mississippi from Galena .

Jim Post as Mark Twain. He was really good!

Our strawberries were very good this year.

Rain

2009-07-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today it is raining but then an opportunity to shop or sew--or both!
Later I will try to get some photos uploaded. The reader has to know that I was born in the last century and before you could hold a computer on your lap, let alone your desk! I was always going to take one of those computer classes, but haven't--as yet. I never did one of those lists to the things one is going to do before they turn 50. Way too late for me on that one. One of my 4 sisters did that and I think she completed most of her list.
Next week I am off to Albuquerque, a city that I have never been before. I leave really early on Tues morning and will be back home late Sunday night. American Sewing Guild is holding the national convention there and as president of our local chapter the chapter pays for the president to attend. I am so very fortunate for this to happen and I work hard to deserve this gift. So, with that being said, I will not update my blog next week. You see, I don't have a laptop and I really don't trust public computers with passwords--and neither should you!
Thank you for reading my blog.
ME

2009-07-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

Hello, At long last a blog! My bestest friend in the whole world told me "you need to blog!" So now I am on that cyberspace-ship along with those cool gals that blog!
I plan to create a blog devoted to "the arts". One of those being photos of the displays that I do for our church. Mostly I just do the front communion table and I hope this is a help for those that do this sort of thing at their church. Mostly for the smaller church with not a great deal of room for huge and expensive displays, but pretty and budget minded. Sometimes I bring things from home and I will mention where I get all of the stuff. I will also include things that I have sewn for myself or for granddaughter, daughter and daughter-in-law.
I also belong to the American Sewing Guild and hope to have visitors from that group.
Well, I best get this posted.
Thanks for reading....I hope you can come back often.
me for Big Creek House