I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO ENTERTAIN MYSELF, MIND BLOGGING!

Hello, I'm back !
Well after all that 6FT of snow earlier, we had a green grass Christmas.  We are watching football so thought about Blogging a bit.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  

THIS YEAR I ADDED THE PURPLE LIGHTS.

NIKKI & ERIC
TOAST FOR THE ENGAGED COUPLE

ALEX, ROCKY, SARAH, ERIN AND JETHRO
HAPPY TO HAVE THE YOUNG ADULTS HOME!

SURPRISE GIFT!

NAPKIN FOLDED
SAW THIS ON FACE BOOK
JUST HAD TO LOOK UP THE TUTORIAL!

Now we are doing a few pick up, put away, things each day.  Garbage truck comes tomorrow so we are concentrating on getting the trash ready.  We always go thru the gift paper trash. 

This weekend there was Open House in a new housing development off Route 5 that we wanted to check out.  It's a big area and they only had a duplex ready to view.  

We aren't interested in a duplex but we took the tour anyways.  One floor, 2 bedrooms, open area for kitchen, living, dinning area.  Loaded with closets.  Beautifully staged with furniture and fancy decos.  I could really enjoy that home!  (NO STAIRS) But Bob wasn't happy with the basement as they installed the furnace and water heater smack dab in the middle of the floor.   The two car garage looked skimpy compared to what we have now.  The other duplex had three bedrooms.  It was very nice too.  Having finished that we drove over town to shop.
We were out of red and green ribbons, might as well get them for 50% off for next year.  While we were out we decided to look at one of those FoodSaver machines.  We have been talking about purchasing one.  Bob had researched them on tutorials and knew what was advised.   We ended up bringing one home.

It was interesting to watch the vacuum process.  Bob made the bags up and sealed them.  I dished up the food to seal.  We wanted to try everything in the kitchen.  So we have white turkey, dark turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, rolls, cookies, Balish rolls and bagels.  We kinda smashed the Balish rolls; too much vacuum.  There is a learning curve.  Then he wanted an open potato chip bag to reseal; none in the house.  So he took a sandwich baggie to try.  He just wanted to keep going.  Wonder how long the enthusiasm will last.

Then I didn't have room in the freezer so I took out the big box of Ice Cream Cake from Betsy's birthday last week.  (we celebrated early)  I cut wide slices and we sealed it up.  Wait till Betsy sees that!  Ha, it doesn't take much to entertain some folks.

Now it's time for supper and we have everything sealed up that's cooked.  We are grabbing a coat and heading to Mickey D's.  

GOLDEN GRAM 

BLIZZARD 2014 it's all about the snow, pictures and stories.

MONDAY:
We have snow!  There is a light covering on the lawn this morning.  It is pretty!  The hunters will be happy.  The news has changed the forecasts a couple times today.  So what to believe?  Just have to wait and see what comes here

JUST A DUSTING HERE

We drove over to the grocery store to pick up our 48 cent per pound turkey.  The store was busy; bread shelves were near empty, so someone wants to have bread if the storm comes. 

Betsy came home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me to celebrate my birthday tomorrow.  She also brought pumpkin donuts.   Wonderful surprise from Sarah and her.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS

We watched the Steeler's game and was wondering just when they were going to get playing.  They were really off their game until close to end.   

TUESDAY:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLINE!  YOU GET A BLIZZARD FOR YOUR DAY!
It's here!  Lots and lots of snow!  It's a BLIZZARD!!!  Strange how it's hitting in a 15 mile wide radius.  Betsy went to work and there isn't any snow there-about 20 minutes away. 

BETSY'S CAR

OUR DRIVEWAY

We were up early to hear the reports on TV.  All schools closed around us  and the Thruway closed between Rochester and Dunkirk.  Still there are people stranded on Thruway since one o'clock this morning.  One person reported snow up to his car mirrors.  I thought the thruway authorities worked this problem out four years ago.  Now at three o'clock in afternoon they are asking for snowmobiles to help bring those people fuel and food.  The National Guard has been called also.  

Bob ran the snow blower this morning so Betsy could get out for work and you can't tell it was done.  I told him to stay inside because it was 19o, and he isn't suppose to go out in that cold temp.    I was nicely settled in my recliner in rec room and I heard the snow blower running.  No use talking.
In Lancaster where our son lives; they received 48".   Donna sent pics this morning.

DAVID'S CAR

DAVID'S DRIVEWAY

DAVID'S POOL AREA

I hustled off to my craft room.  New quilting pattern in the works.  Still cutting up scraps, in between all the phone beeps with birthday wishes.  Thanks to everyone, so many wishes!
The birthday cards, phones and face book sure add to our pleasure.  I could tell a lot of people use their phones first thing in the morning.  Just wonderful, thank you all.

We finished the day watching the news reports and wondering how much snow we will get tomorrow. 

WEDNESDAY:
I don't know the reason but the people on the thruway (stuck)  were ignored!!  My opinion.  When we can send people to the moon, or hook on a comet, why can't we rescue stranded people. (29 hours)  They talk about back up plans, they need a bigger one.  I'm sure everyone worked hard and long, but where was the big snow removal equipment...construction pieces like. Oh, if I was Governor!   

So entertaining myself, checking for photos on the TV, and phone.  Off to the craft room..


We both went out to clear the driveway, sidewalk and doors about one o'clock.  Brrrrr, it was cold.  I uncovered our bushes; they look ruined.  Bob struggled with the snow blower as it plugged up from the wet snow.  He has one lane open, enough if we have an emergency. 

END OF OUR DRIVE
TO MUCH FOR BLADES TO HANDLE

I STILL HAVE THEM; ANNALYNN'S SNOW BOOTS
FROM YEARS AGO

I BRUSHED THE SNOW OFF SHRUBS

RHODODENDRONS  LOOK RUINED

Bob spent most of the day reading; he was still reading in the wee hours.

I couldn't wait to put my Jelly Roll strips together.  I've been cutting 40, 2.5" strips-44" long for a couple days.  Scraps!  First I had to sew together.

THE 40 STRIPS SEWN TOGETHER
VERY LONG!
40 X 44"=146'

Then sew the strip in half, then four at a time, then eight at a time, then sixteen.  Got that?  Fun to see it develop.  There didn't seem to be a way to plan colors with sewing that way so it's multi-for sure. 

JELLY ROLL QUILT TOP
REMINDS ME OF BRAIDED RUGS
 THAT MOM USED TO MAKE
KINDA UGLY!

HOT PAD
I QUILTED WITH MY SEWING MACHINE. 
playing around with one of the crooked blocks
I wanted to see if the machine would work quilting on this piece. 
I even did "STITCH IN THE DITCH"  HA!


THURSDAY:

One more day to hunker down.  Looks like we received another 8" during the night.  Driveway and sidewalks need cleared again.  So turn on the TV and see what's happening; reporting all day.  Clean up continuing in Buffalo and surrounding areas.  Thruway still closed.  Unreal! 
Governor Cuomo came to town, he is on TV; he also went out on thruway and talked to a trucker.  Sorry Cuomo-To little-Too Late!  Too slow coming!
Bob went out and did the driveway, then came in for lunch.  Then he took a nap for a couple hours.  He was done in.  

FINALLY TO THE BOTTOM!

We are out of bread so I took out two more freezer loaves to bake. 





EASY PEASY!

Most of day, I have been sewing. I put the border on the quilt top. 

4:30 pm:  Driveway is covered again! 

Flooding concerns being mentioned now.  Hints to empty basements and unplug electric appliances if there are any in basement.

CHEDDAR CHICKEN AND NOODLES
TRY THIS!
DIP IN MILK, CHEDDAR CHEESE PIECES, RITZ CRACKERS
DELICIOUS!

Obama was on TV-I turned the channel.  I can not stand that man! 


FRIDAY:
It's bright and sunny.  It's a different world!  I heard they are opening the thruway at 3:00 p.m. today but no exits.  So if you get on, you will be on until the Pennsylvania line.  They announced 13 deaths due to storm. Lots of controversy about the closing of the thruway; not doing it quick enough.  Warnings were posted but not a clearly stated closing until to late.

We went over town to do some shopping and to see how much snow was piled up.  Everything looked pretty much under control.  I went to JoAnn's for some batting for the quilt while Bob went to Valu and bought a roof rake.  I picked up a frozen pizza for supper which wasn't to good. 

More pics from Donna:David spent the day shoveling the snow off the house roof. 

LOTS TO MOVE!

UNREAL!

CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS?

We did the "couch potato" thing during the evening...I was using the lap top blogging while Bob watched the tellie.  Quite night.


SATURDAY:
I finished a book last night by reading into to the wee hours again!   I reread the Nicholas Sparks book-NOTEBOOK.  That story relates to Bob and I-lots of love and taking care of ourselves as we age.   

Today, we cleaned house.  The dust flew! 

I wanted to go visit David and Donna but they report roads are still dangerous especially at corners-roads are narrow and the snow piles block your view.  Dave went shopping for a second sump pump just in case.

OPPS! I HIT PUBLISH BY MISTAKE!  OH WELL, I'LL CONTINUE ON.  

It's raining hard now.  I told Bob that  we should dig up the flash lights and have them handy in case the lights go out.  The wind is picking up and if the lines freeze-down they will come.  What else?  


Bob was telling me about his dream last night.  In his dream, the refrigerator in the garage where we have our 48 cent turkey developed a hole in the back.  The mice coming in to get warm found the hole and ate up our turkey!  Ya, frozen and all.  Silly!

I sewed another hot pad for something to do.  I tried the criss cross quilting.

SUNDAY:
It's much warmer.  50's    

WE CAN SEE THE GRASS AGAIN.

Bob decided to work on the outdoor decorations while it was warmer.

I WENT OUT TO CUT THIS VINE BACK
SO ONE TREE COULD BE PUT HERE.

RIGHT AWAY ONE STRING OF LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK.


And, that's our week.  It's been a long one with all the snow.  It's still unbelievable.

I'm thinking that I'm going to take a blogging break!    I feel like I'm repeating myself with each year.  If I have any news or something exciting; I will post it on Face Book.  Many, many thanks to all my readers who have hung in there.  Appreciate it!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

GOLDEN GRAM

NEW PUPPY, NEW RECIPE & NEW HOUSE!

MONDAY:

ERIC'S NEW LAB PUPPY

I forgot to add this picture last week.  Grandson, Eric finally found a puppy of his dreams.  He has named her "Fireball!"  Her color is Red Fox or Fox Red, can't remember.  By the looks of those paws and legs, she won't be small for very long.  Cute ahe?

As we are in the Autumn of our years, live with Passion!  That's profound, ahe?  I dictated, (harsh) I requested a shopping trip, movie and dinner out for our anniversary.  I wasn't going to say, oh that's alright, I'll cook us something good.  No Way!  Too old smart. 
We both had good books on Sunday night and read until the wee hours, then slept in late and almost ruined the above plans.  We left home about noon and took off for "our" day.  Shopping time was limited. I enjoyed the movie, THE BEST OF ME-which is a Nicholas Sparks novel converted to a "girl flick".  I read the book last spring some time.  And of all the wishes; the salad at Olive Garden is out standing!  I love the Eggplant Parm, so good. 
Actually, I held up pretty good until we went to Cabelas where Bob had an exchange to make.  I  wandered way down into store to look at the out door cookware (cast iron) and my knee went out.  Oh, crud!  I hobbled back to the entrance and thru the parking lot to our car.  Some day I'm going to get that knee replaced.   We had a great day.

TUESDAY:
  The sun is out and shinning beautifully.  Bob mentioned raking the leaves today as it's suppose to be  warm.  He isn't up yet but we will see if that comes off.

Yesterday while at the mall, Bob mentioned the Apple store but he didn't persue it, knowing that you have to register and wait twenty to forty minutes for a turn.    He has several items on his phone that he has questions on. 

Well, things change.  I had a ham slice defrosting for supper, two loaves of freezer bread rising, and had made banana cream pie when Bob came in and said we were going to Lockport.  Oh, okay.  He had been working on our leaves outside.  I put the bread and ham in the refrigerator and got ready.  I wasn't passing up a chance to go visit and see baby Lorenzo. 
Debbie had called Monday requesting Bob's help with an electric change.  Deb and Rocco have had bad luck with their pool and patio decks so they all are gone.  The pool liner has pulled loose and water escaped (several times, for several years) and the deck boards blistered, split and looked terrible.  It was weather treated too. 
When we arrived a small cub backhoe was running and the operator was pulling out cement fence posts and dropping them into pool area for filling.  Mud everywhere.  What a loss. 

DIGGING UP THE FOOTERS FROM GAZEBO AND DECKS

Bob disconnected all the electric lines so the  backhoe didn't hit them.  When Rocky came home from work, he helped too.   Rocky was in Denver working this weekend. 

Christianna stopped over with baby Lorenzo.  He is rolling over both ways now.   We went over to her house to take pictures of him in the leaves before Joe ground them all up..

LORENZO
HE HAD LEAVES IN HIS HAND, READY TO EAT THEM. 

Debbie and Rocky typed our supper order on the computer from Panera.  There was a couple mistookies when we passed it out at the table.  Debbie's salad was missing the fruit, mine was missing the chicken and there wasn't a loaf of Sour Dough bread for us to take home.  Deb told us to drive up and get the bread so we did.  They put the bread in the bag,  another salad with chicken and two pasteries.  That's customer satisfaction. 

WEDNESDAY: 
Hay, I'm up at 6:30.  It's raining!  I turned the TV on and they are telling about sever cold weather in Colorado and Minnesota, with a foot of snow.  It's coming our way!  No, stay out there!  The two loaves of freezer bread was ready to bake so that warmed up the kitchen. 

YUM,  THIS DIDN'T LAST LONG!

Today was all about doing the little stuff, or finish this or that.  I had a special washing load of all sweaters to do.  I had folding of clothes that I hang to dry.  But I still made time to go in the craft room and  work on the quilt.  I can see the end in sight and I want it done!  I extended the time to go make supper to do one more thing on it.  Given an inch and take a mile!

Bob started to take the grout out of the upstairs shower.  Maintenance is always a mess-he has the glass shower doors propped up in the hall, tools all over the floor.  A person could kill themselves walking in the dark.  Well, walking in the dark is not a good idea at any time. 

THURSDAY:
At 5:00 A M, it's 33 degrees out.  No snow yet.  The whole house is cold. 
They say the snow will start about 7:00 A M.  Maybe it will go South of us.

Bob received a call from Caledonia RV that the motor home repair was finished; we could pick it up.  First Bob told them he couldn't come today, I felt he should go get it because of the expected weather.   After discussing it, we decided to go get it.  Once there, I went on to the quilt shop.  Bob looked things over and paid the bill. 

THREE NEW ROOF VENT COVERS PUT ON
ROOF SEAMS RESURFACED

I had a good time looking around the inventory at the quilt shop but everything looked above my current abilities so I didn't buy anything.  I did sign up for a class to make a few simple Christmas things. 

I decided to follow directions in a magazine for putting the backing on the quilt.  The first quilt I put the border and binding on before the filling.  It turned out nice. 
So I matched up the backing and batting for the quilt.  I basted.  Then I sewed the binding on thru all layers.  I had to adjust the tension of sewing machine.  Still the material stretched on top and gathered at the bottom.  What a mess.  I hunted for some chocolate!   I kept pulling and went on ahead.  Now I have it finished and the hand sewing is done too.  I'm not happy with the way it lays. Guess I should have signed up for the binding class instead of the Christmas ideas.  The tutorials show a Walking Foot for quilting; maybe I need that...oh dear, I see it, I need it! 

FINISHED

I did the hand stitching of binding while we watched the Bill's football game in the evening.  Boy, they just couldn't get it together and lost.

FRIDAY:
Yesterday on the news was all about the cold and snow coming.  Lots of hoopla!  First thing this morning, I opened the blinds and looked out to green grass!  What do you know, it by passed us.  There is a faint covering on the shed but it has all melted off the lawn.  So maybe this weekend we will get some coverage..who knows.  Buffalo's record is 2.5" less than other years already.  Wonder if that will hold? 

GREEN GRASS

Bob finished up the bathroom while I dusted and vacuumed the downstairs, lots of threads on the rec room carpet.  Then I made some oatmeal raisins cookies, need some sweet stuff around here.  

SATURDAY:
We needed milk and bread again.  So we went for groceries.  Turkeys will be forty eight cents a pound this next week so I didn't buy much so I'll have the required expenditure to get a turkey later.

Once back home, Bob went out to rake leaves again.  He had a scare while working up around the shrubs close to the house.  As he pulled the leaves away, there was a raccoon laying there.   It was dead!  He loaded it up and brought it to the back field to bury it. 

WONDER WHAT CAUSED IT'S DEATH?

While making dinner, I wanted to try a new recipe that a friend from Columbus, Ohio, sent to me.  CHILI PRETZELS.  It just sounded so different.  I had the oven going anyway so I mixed it up and baked it.  It was quite sweet and I couldn't taste enough chili seasoning.  Next time I will increase that seasoning. 

In the evening, I had a good book to finish and Bob watched TV.   He is a quick channel flipper so there's no use getting interested in anything. 

SUNDAY:
Today we were invited to Mark and Annalynn's to visit and see their first house.   We had good driving weather.  Their house is East of  Rochester within a lovely neighborhood.  It's two stories, hard wood floors thru out. 
They have painted several rooms.  Lots of work done already. 

ANNALYNN & MARK
CONGRATULATIONS

THEIR DOG OTTO.

A HOUSE WARMING GIFT! 

We had a nice tour and visit.  We are thrilled for them to be home owners.  We wish them many happy years there.

Time to post.  We have had a good week.  Thanks to all who have clicked in.  ENJOY YOUR WEEK!

GOLDEN GRAM 

QUILTING, ELECTION, LITTLE MORE SNOW

MONDAY:
Here we go, off on another week!  We have a bit more on the calendar to do.  

I no more than got the washing sorted and started and Bob came in to say he was ready to go.  Okay Bob.  I thought we were going when it warmed up outside.   He had an appointment over to Caledonia RV to get the motor home roof seams checked.  He also wants to replace the skylight vents that are cracked.  Maintenance-Maintenance-ride em and fix em!  So I dropped everything and got my coat and proceeded to help him back out of driveway.  Then I followed him there.  They will work on it on their own schedule since we are finished camping.  They will call when ready for pick up.  Hope it's on a day when that quilt shop over there is open!   

I worked most of my spare time on the string quilt.  I think I made a boo boo by starting off building the center blocks to the color I liked...looks like I'll have to improvise to get the edge blocks done. Maybe not.  

LOOKS KINDA SCRAPPY FOR NOW!

Bob worked on computer.  He has a flyer ready to go out for our camping Christmas Party.  Joni (President) sent the information by e-mail.  Instead of a chairman planning the meat,  she has found a restaurant to serve us, we bring snacks and desserts.  We need twenty people so hope that works out.  

TUESDAY: 
ELECTION DAY!  
We googled for the voting ballet to read before going to vote.  Would you believe the Board of Elections did not have it on their site.  Bob called them to verify.  They suggested the Daily newspaper.  Bob found it and it was so little a person couldn't read it.  No time to fiddle with it either.

Wonder what an election day supper is?  You know like-St. Pat's is corned beef and cabbage.   We'll, have to goggle that one, here it's beef stroganoff in the crock pot.  Bob is off to Ray Laks Honda for the first service check up on our car.  When he gets back we will go vote and stop at a grocery store for the sour cream.   I made brownies too.  

Nice warm day today, several neighbors out raking leaves.  Our red maple is always the last to drop it's leaves so may as well wait a little longer to rake.

After supper, Betsy helped me take down the Dept. 56 Halloween display in the rec room and  she helped to pack it all.  That was a big help.  Now I can finish packing the rest of the stuff in the morning. 

Now to watch some of the election results.

WEDNESDAY:
It's a bit windy today.  I'm glad there isn't snow with the wind.
I dusted and ran the vacuum in the rec room.  Then I finished packing the Halloween stuff from all over the house.  I'm seriously thinking that I don't need to do this anymore with all the grand kids grown and gone!  And I'll soon be dragging out Christmas stuff, hoa-hoa!

I worked on the string quilt some more.  It's getting bigger.  I have the edges all figured out now.  Tomorrow I trim the blocks...hope they come out to 10".  I tried real hard to make quarter inch seams.  We shall see.
I made stuffed peppers for supper and they were so good.  Last night I forgot to put the seasoning envelope in the Beef Stroganoff, but it still was good.  Old age! Nobody complained.

Bob went for a hair cut today and then he finished up his e mails.  He watched an old, old Santa Claus movie after supper.  I could probably say the words since we have watched it so many times.
Time for some brownie and ice cream.

THURSDAY: 
It's raining, good day to sit around in pj's and read magazines.  Only that's not me...gotta be busy.  After breakfast and a shower, empty the dishwasher etc., made the bed.  I was ready to go.   I asked Bob if he didn't have a full schedule, would he help me to cut my quilt blocks to 10" square.  I had trouble cutting the previous blocks, as they move.   He was willing, and took right over and cut all the blocks.  That's love!  I was so happy as I'd still be stewing while on the first row.   All the tails of strips must be trimmed back to the 10" paper.

HE SAYS, 'IT'S JUST LIKE CUTTING WOOD!

ALL TRIMMED

FRIDAY:
It's snowing, big chunks, covering the ground!
I started sewing early as Bob wasn't up yet.  When I put a block together wrong-I quit.
Bob just had the car washed during the service appointment so he didn't want to drive it in the snow.  We waited until it quit coming down in the afternoon, then we went over town to do a few things with the intention of stopping at a charity event before coming home.  The daughter (Kim) of my deceased friend, Mickey, has an Art Studio in the Harvester Center Building.  She is hosting a "Brush Out Cancer" event with painting classes and charity baskets.  I wanted to donate in memory of Mickey.  Kim was happy to see us.
That evening, we watched the concert honoring the military on PBS.   
SATURDAY:
And the leaves continue to fall.  One thing I wanted to be sure and do today was to go down to the library used book sale.  I didn't like the price hike the last time I was in BJ's looking at books. 
Bob went along, looking for Civil War books.  We picked out 20 books between us and they came to $10.40.  Some are hard backs too.  At home, I checked my file and I had read three of them so I'll  just pass them on to another housebound friend.  The prices were .25 - $2.00.  What a haul, I'm set for the cold weather.

SUNDAY:

After breakfast of poached eggs, Bob wanted to replace the grout in bathroom.  So I headed for the craft room and did some more sewing.  The grout that Bob bought was the wrong color so that has to be exchanged.  
I have the quilt pieces and border sewed on now.  That's enough for today.  We watched some of the Bill's game.  No Pittsburgh on our TV today.  

About it for this week.  We hope you have a good week and thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM