Budgeting.. Start with groceries

We need to see where our money is going and that means budget time. Starting with Grocery buying. Today I inventoried the freezer and we have plenty of "Food" frozen. I think enough Meat,Vegetables and Fruit to carry us through the next months. I am planning meal menus by the week and trying my best to budget what money is spent on food. It seems we go to the grocery store a bit too often, and although we set out to get stuff needed on our list we are bringing home more than we went for. I have checked the pantry and will organize that tomorrow. We certainly are not going to go hungry. I am making a goal to spend less than $100 a month grocery shopping. We do shop for bargains and Safeway prices are usually higher than our neighborhood "Sherms Market". We are not skimping I think we are being more frugal and since we both like to cook we can share the duty. Eat more left overs and start using the food we have canned & frozen. Today is the start of a Great Plan....but

I see a problem brewing if we decide we are not in the mood to have what is planned for the meal on any given day. I think Flexibility is the key here and making sure we three well balanced meals. Gosh maybe we will lose some pounds around our midsections if we can comply.

Another Birthday

When you have three kids it keeps me hoppin to make sure nobody's feelings get hurt.. Especially my daughters. Pj is going to be 38 on the 5th. I did not make her an apron for Christmas, while making 5 others as gifts. Well wouldn't ya know it, her "older" sister had to tell her thinking she was "special" that I made her one for Christmas. "Thanks Nancy".
PJ it's a joke You were not adopted..as your siblings like to say of you.. You deserve an Apron too. So Happy Birthday!

It is January 1st today and that was my first project of the year. I think I am caught up with Birthday wishes for my children, now to start on those sweet "grandbabies" they all have given me.. Lets see next birthday is January 26th . Peyton will be 8years old. Where does the time go? I am fairly certain he will not want an apron..and I already sent his Kid National Geographic subscription for the year, to be delivered to mail box. Kids love mail don't they? Now I want to get started sewing on my cloth Prim Doll.....while the mood hits me...

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS & FAMILY!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I lift my glass to toast all my family & friends! You won't find me up past 11:00pm I am afraid . I will be safe here with Clay & Buster as we snuggled under a nice cozy comforter waiting for the sounds of celebrations in the dark night, and the sleep fairy to dust me with a good night slumber.... I Have so many things I want to accomplish in 2009, Tonight I will be dreaming of planting my garden in the spring, once the winter blanket of snow out there thaws. I will see visions of me gathering the eggs that my "dear sweet girls" lay each day. I will be a healthy farmgirl and a good wife, mother & grandmother. I want to be a thoughtful friend and will try to do that. I will have a whole new year of stories to share of our wonderful life here on our little one acre farm. So I clink my glass, toss confetti in the air, as I wish you a Safe, Healthy and Prosperous New Year, and may all your dreams come true. Cheers!

Where are they...

Where are they when you need them? The Cleaning Crew I mean.. It's almost noon. I am looking around at this great home of ours and see such a bunch of clutter. I think maybe since Christmas is over and it is the almost the beginning of a New Year and to me that means "Clean up" ~"Pack Away" and "Redecorate."
It is so pretty outside today, our blue sky is cloud free and the sun is shining, it must be warmer than was predicted, the thermometer says nearly 50 right here in the sun. I have actually opened the front door to invite the fresh air inside. I am looking for those "cleaning elves" but only finding "dust bunnies".
The front porch is finally cleared of the snow, Thanks to my ambitious husband. (I am sure he felt this was good exercise, and it needed doing.) There is something nice about good fresh clean air and cleaning.
I really do not know where to start as I keep wandering back to this sunny spot by the computer. I did vacuum the carpet ands swept the kitchen floor. I see a few spots I should mop up but lacking motivation and the sun is so pretty shining on the glistening snow. The birds are flying into their "lunch counter" again thanks to the husband. Buster has decided to come in from his morning "look about" checking his favorite holes & shrubs incase another critter has invaded his space. He has now taken up his favorite spot in the big brown chair next to the window, overseeing any activity around bird feeder.
I really need to get a move on .. yes, I know there are lots of things to be done...But the sun is so pretty shining on the glistening snow.....maybe I will sit here for only a few minutes longer and just watch the snow melt off the roof, and maybe those "elves " are eating lunch.

The "Start eating healthy Plan"

Okay, we have had enough cookies, candy, and snack foods. I wanted to start planning our dinner meals by a weekly menu plan. Often Clay & I just decide on a whim of what to prepare for dinner. We both enjoy cooking and trying new spices & sauces. We tend to over indulge but Clay got bombarded with great gifts on Christmas with fabulous spices, rubs & BBQ sauce recipes. Thanks everyone!

I plan to make every effort to cook healthy and try my best to stick to a plan. We need to eat more fish and I just happen to have a nice fillet of Cod in the freezer. After looking through about 6 cookbooks and gleaning bits of recipes I think I have it. We have eaten some of the best vegetables from our garden and taking a freezer inventory I am now aware that I did not freeze enough corn. *putting that on my garden seed list for this year* As I rummaged deeper, to my surprise I find some sugar snap peas so that will be accompaning the cod. I think perhaps I can add a wedge of lettuce with some fresh homemade French dressing to the plate as well. I better pop a jar of canned pears in the refrig to chill for dessert. Where did I put those shortbread cookies mom made? You didn't expect me to Not have something sweet did you?

Another Blog site

Well it's done...I added another blogsite today where I will be selling my Country Prims and Barnyard creations.

They are all hand made by me with vintage cloth, lace, buttons & other salvaged notions. I design my own patterns and each is created with love.

Feel free to drop by for a visit at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com anytime and leave me a comment or even make a purchase.

No question It's Winter in K- Falls

Snow, Snow,and more Snow predicted here today and the remainder of the week. We are looking out the window at the at the snow accumulation on our front porch. We cannot get out the front door.

Our driveway has been plowed a couple times and it will need it again I am sure by the end of the week. We will start shoveling off the porch first thing. It is begining to thaw so it will be really heavy . I wonder if we should make an appointment with a chiropractor first?

Home again

We made it home today. We really enjoyed our time with Family and Friends in Oregon & Washington. Feels Like we were gone a long time.. We really do not mind the travel or the snow. Lucky as It is snowing still here and we have about 2 and 1/2 feet on the front porch. Tomorrow that will be number 1 project to get it shoveled off.
Buster was very well taken care of and was excited to see us return. Jackie and Steve were very kind to house him over the Holidays. Thanks again guys.
Now comes the fun of putting all our gifts away as I spend time really looking over what everyone graciously and generously gave us. It will take a few days to put everything away, like the tree and some of the decorations. Thank you all for having us visit and we will toast you from our porch New Years Eve..

The Big day is Over

The presents are unwrapped and the remaining Christmas ham is ready to be made into soup. We have had a fabulous time with family and friends here in Washiongton. Nancy in Monroe and Stephanie in Sultan were tied as Equally Horrible where weather conditions & SNOW topped over 2 feet in the driveways to say nothing of the roads to get to see them. It was still snowing yesterday morning in West Seattle. Sister Karen's drive way won over all Hard to get into & out of as those nasy ruts really gave us a thrilling ride.

We hear word that it is better in Portland as those roads held the first challenge getting up here in Washington over Ice and chain required roads. But those memories are tucked away as we have our bags packed and we look forward to more driving in the snow, rain, and slushy cold roads. Today we're headed south back on the road towards home.

Buster is waiting for our return and even as we love being away .. there is a great place called HOME.

Lots of Snow along the way

Over the river & through the woods... A sample of weather conditions on our way to Seattle from our house. We

stopped a couple times to clear off the wiperblades. We arrived at Mom's and luckily had our snow shovel with us because we couldn't get to her front door. The weather warnin has been lifted for today with another storm coming Wednesday when we will drive North .. but I don't think to the Pole..Santa will find us I am sure.

Only one week before Christmas!

The sleigh is being made ready to go

and it's begining to once again snow.

All packages are not wrapped in paper & bows,

There are only few last minute shopping woes.

The stocking stuffers are last things to buy

We will be on the road by noon if we really try.

Our Families will be waiting for us to suddenly appear

over the many slippery miles of highways we must carefully steer.

With Santa Clay as the more experienced driver it is clear

I must try my best not to nag the "dear"

So slipping a relaxer or two into my bag with hopes that tomorrow's travel

will glide us safely and our nerves will not unravel.

With our dog Buster sitting beside me, waiting to get out,

we will give a big wave and a loud shout,

and as we drive out of sight

we will be wishing a "Merry Christmas to All

and to all Good Night!"

Happy Birthday Clay

Today is Clay's Birthday!

Did you know that Today December 17, back in 1903 the
First airplane flew near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina?

Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful flight in history of a self-propelled, heavier-than-air aircraft. Orville piloted the gasoline-powered, propeller-driven biplane, which stayed aloft for 12 seconds and covered 120 feet on its inaugural flight.

I don't know why, but Clay reminds me of this every year!

Although we do not celebrate big time for his birthday we will be going out to dinner tonight and possibly by the bakery for a birthday cake and German Chocolate is one of his favorites.

On Monday in Seattle we will celebrate again as we atttend the mainstage at Triple Door with dinner and show with family.

He really is not hard to buy pressies for as his interests are many. (I can't wait to see how how he likes his Christmas present.) I seem to always gravitate towards clothing he might need for Christmas get togethers. This year I got him a nice sweater vest and a pullover sweater and to my delght, they both fit him nicely so I don't need to return or exchange them.

Now ready For Adoption

WE NEED A NEW HOME!
Born: 12/15/08

In the K-Falls Korral at Blue Sky Farm.
Our mom "Star" is moving to Washington to a lovely pasture and we cannot go, but We are too Precious to stay at the Korral. Our travel expences are included in the adoption if we are going to a MJ Farmgirl. Notify our owner k-fallsfarmgirl.

Well look here who came to sit on the couch with the sheep. It's Lady Jewel the hen. She wants a new home too....



Hi, My name is "Midnight

You can adopt me for $14.99

I am ...15"x 10" Big

Hi, My name is "Lydia Belle"

You can adopt me for $14.99

I am 15"x10" Big

Hi My name is "Lady Jewel"

You can adopt me for $14.99

I am 15"x15" Big

My very first pair

All I wanted for Christmas was a pair of Gingher pinking shears.. Really, That's it....well I'd like a new bathrobe too...and a pair of warm slippers (hint) or maybe even a gift card for Jo Anns or Michael's would be appreciated!

I have never had such a nice pair in all my years sewing. I told my husband he could get those for me.. Well he has no idea what I am talking about, and he really doesnt want to be in a fabric store. I know he would feel differently if we were in a hardware store. Today, while we were out looking for "guy appropriate things" like de-icer for the driveway. I drug him once more to JoAnns and he actually came in the store to see what I wanted him to get me. First I had to intice him to see that they were 50% off on the ad today. Like a man in a hurry to leave, he looked at the display of ALL those brands of scissors and picked up a blue pair that were nice looking with padded handles for only $12.99. "You want a $45 dollar pair of SCISSORS?" This is where I reminded him 1/2 off....and without pouting and not wanting to look snobby ...and ungrateful, still thinking, I really wanted Ginhers, when he smiled & said "go ahead get the ones you want" So here they are.. I plan to start cutting today as I lounge around watching the snow fall. I have yards of fabric to play with so I may be here at the cutting counter awhile. I promised to polish them after I use them & tuck them into my Christmas Stocking......

If you are outside today, where ever you live... bundle up and stay warm.. it's Winter out there...

"Star" is born... a Primitive Sheep that is....

Now that I have time to play, I thought I would try my hand at making a Prim-Sheep. I made a practice one from muslin and used a permanent marker to make the design on the body. I have to do some hand sewing to complete that one. Then I drug out an old white chenille bedspread and started cutting. I think I will give her to my mom...she might even let like her laying on her bed. I named her "Star". Yes, I know I have finished with Christmas gifts...so

I will keep or sell the muslin one. It only took me about an hour to complete the two of them so it could be fun to make & sell them. Maybe, I will open an Etsy account... I wonder if mom counts sheep at night to fall asleep...she might like a flock...

"Just Ducky, Doves in a row"

Yep, got my "ducks" in row.. actually we don't have ducks.. (not yet anyways) but these Mourning doves are all lined up this morning, I think they are waiting for some fresh food in their feeding dish, that is completely covered with snow. We woke to about 3 inches of snow this morning and we are expecting more during the day. The wind is blowing this cold accumulation around a bit and yet these birdies seem to be happy to sit on the snowy fence.

Well, I am not sitting on the fence I am completely finished with my shopping and Santa & I will be gathering our fruits of summer labor and misc. packages, loading up the (Explorer) Sleigh to work our way north to Washington on Friday. We are hoping the passes are not too bad, and that those snowplowing elves are ahead of the game. I must admit it is pretty out there, as I sit warm and cozy in here.... I am sure Mother Nature has her own winter plan and her Ducks, Doves and Deer are in a row...

Where is the Partrige?

The 12 days of Christmas begin today but I doubt my true love is waiting for a partridge in a pear tree this year. What I do know is that it is snowing and the birdies around the feeder are nowhere to be seen or heard. I assume they are all snug in their nests trying to keep dry.

It is raining and it is turning to snow. I carefully drove home from the Thrift store before it really started snowing. I found a small Santa dish and a really cool basket along with a 1993 Leisure Arts magazine with a pattern for a red & white work sampler and a pattern for a heart quilt (I'm thinking I now will have a couple more projects to work on as winter settles in here at BlueSky Farm.) I hope you all bundle up & stay warm....I think its time for a hot cup of tea...and lets see how does that song go?.."On the first day of Christmas, My true love gave to me....la la lalala llala and a partrige in a pear tree.

A few snips of juniper

I cut some sprigs of our juniper trees this morning and had some fun

spreading bits of Cheer around my kitchen. Just a snip & some ribbon was all it took and a small tin envelope spelling "Peace" hangs

over my stove now and the smell of juniper is in the air. It took so little to make this farmgirl happy.

There's no place like home...

“There’s no place like home”

It’s Christmas time and I think of being at home. My visions are of family together eating & playing games.
The decorated Christmas tree and a warm burning fire with stockings hung neatly waiting to be filled with special trinkets and candy canes, chocolate Santa’s and nuts to crack later. Listening to Carols and sipping cups of cheer. Watching snow flakes fall softly on the the cold ground leaving sparkles of shining glitter and thinking thoughts of the blessings of the past year. Ah, there is no place like home….
In my world Home is a comfortable place. I know it is not so for some and it is sad that “those “people have memories not as pleasant as mine. Those less fortunate homes were shadowed with abuse and alcohol stories we would rather not hear. Still some have some memories if they search deep within their souls of a childhood Christmas memory one they can hold dear. ..and some can’t reach that deep without pain.
“Going home” has a meaning different to so many too.
For those who have a belief of a religious nature “Home” is going to be with their maker, or meeting family and friends waiting at those pearly gates who have gone before them.
For the men & women who are serving our country it is a sacrifice to be “away from home” while keeping our homes safe from our enemies & terrorists around the world. Please pray for them and their families waiting “at home” for their safe return.
Some years we travel to be “at home” with loved ones and we travel far & near, while our thoughts turn to those we cannot reach to wish them well, we bring out the Christmas card list and sign it with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
With all these perspective thoughts I share quietly sitting at my kitchen table, I can’t help but want to put on my Dorothy Shoes and click them three times and declare to myself in the comfort of my home … “there’s no place like home.

"Christmas won't be Christmas without presents"

I was thinking today, about Jo March in "Little Women". Remember, she was grumbling about not having any money for presents?

Christms is about gifts, always has been. This year I decided I would not over do but make gifts for my family. (actually it was a decision brought on by one of my daughters & son's discussions with me on the economy and how it was effecting us.)

We convinced the youngest daughter to go along with our idea of making or purchasing gifts from a thrift store. She really didn't like the idea because in her mind she had already had an idea for gifts. After talking to her about her gift idea It was revealed that she unconsiously had already decided on an economical alternative to buying gifts. Funny we sometimes can't see the forest through the christmas trees.

Every year I remember Christmas with memories of Christmas's past. I try to reconstruct some childhood magic, it becomes overwhelming I suppose at times, but somehow Christmas comes and goes with a blink of the eye. All the preparation of making a christmas cardlist, spending money on postage and then always forgetting somebody, gift making and wrapping, baking tons of cookies and candy adding more pounds to my butt, to say nothing of the recipes that do not turn out looking just like Martha's. Decorating the house inside & out. Replacing burned out light bulbs can be a full time job as we continue to get caught up in the Christmas chaos.

Oh yes, Christmas is all about gifts. Gifts that surprise, gifts that delight, gifts that nurture the souls of us the giver and those receiving. Perfect gifts, authentic gifts, recycled gifts and gifts we push into those cute christmas stockings we hang up each year.

And just when we are absolutely sick of Christmas the after-Christmas sales start when I can purchase next years gift wrap, cards and holiday decorations at 1/2 price. If I don't have something for everyone on my list by now there is always Ebay and my sewing machine is still set up....or I can stoop to buying a gift card... I wonder is it too late to request a gym membership or if I should have a hot buttered rum and just listen to some Christmas music? Let me think about it for awhile....I still have 15 days til Christmas.