Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Few Days Before Christmas and All Through the House

Several days before Christmas, in a lonely big house.
Not too many days after I'd hung this little mouse.
No cookies were baking....
No carmels to wrap.
Basically I was feeling a little like ....
The kids were all scattered 
No one coming home
It looked like our memories 
would be made on the phone.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
but a bundle of joy that this Grandmother holds dear.
Perfect little fingers and perfect little toes
Awaiting to be wrapped in pretty little clothes.
Grabbing my camera, making several flashes
Poor little one saw spots through those pretty eye lashes.
She's precious, she's wonderful and we are so blessed.
So thank you Dear Santa
I think your the best.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Decking the Halls at the Shabby Old House...in stages

 Last week I spent most of my time up and down a ladder, in and out of boxes, but mostly on the floor and if you know anything about old houses, the floors are cold!   I have to do things in stages at the old house.  Right now we are in transition between a house in Florida and the old girl but with each trip up I try to plan to accomplish at least one thing and praying as we travel there that I have not forgotten to bring all that I need.   This week I was on a mission to get some curtains made.
 I have and will most likely always have to do this in stages when it comes to these windows.  With 4 windows in the living room requiring 8 yards of fabric,  having it done and the expense was just out of the question.  So the first thing I did to cover the window was buy the lining.  This worked at  $6 a yard and a JoAnn's coupon.  So up the lining went and I must say just having them on the windows made a huge difference in the warmth of the room.   Then for their Veterans Day sale JoAnns had a wonderful sale at 50% off on their special already discounted fabric.   I drove all over Tampa to get the 32 yards that I would need to make the curtains.  I couldn't wait to get started on my project even if it did mean a cold cold fanny.  
I have done as much bending and stretching and step climbing as if I had gone to the gym.  Up the ladder and down came the linings and away I went stretching and bending myself all over the floor. I was on a mission and a sore back wasn't going to stop me.  
 Back up the ladder and onto the window they went.   My husband is a very, very, very, wonderful man for all the help he does around this old house.  I am blessed.  However, you can imagine how his eyes rolled back in his head as I told him we still were not finished with the curtains.   I am waiting for the trim now to go on sale and saving the money to get it.   Have you priced trim lately?   You just have to love the coupons and a great sale!
The savings plan starts once again, not only for the trim but for the 12 foot tree that I would like to grace the middle of the room next year.  The very best thing that could happen and believe me I am looking, is for someone to have a garage sale and have the tree and old curtains with the trim.  Wouldn't that just be awesome!  It could happen and believe me I will be looking.



I wish you all a Merry Christmas.  May all your projects be complete I hope you get all your holiday wishes at half price!  
 Please join all of the girls today for this wonderful Decking the Halls linky party hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.