Christmas in a Frame

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/christmasornaments10/lightsframes.htm

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

"Christmas in a Frame"

Submitted by Marj Locker of Ludlow, Missouri

This ornament is meant to hang near the Christmas tree and it is special because it is made from left overs and discarded materials. It is also special because I used a very old tree topper we decided not to use any more. The old topper was from our college days when we didn't have much money and it was very cheap, but it has sentimental value and I hated to throw it away. So I replaced old burnt out bulbs with the extras that came with other sets of lights and made it glow once again.

The frame can be any size, depending on how many lights you want to put in it. For the star frame I used an old 16 X 20 I had stored in the barn.

Space out some wood screws on the back of the frame so that the frame sits away from the wall when hung. For the star frame I put two on each side and one in the middle of the top and bottom.

Using a staple gun, stretch some material over the frame that light can pass through. For this frame I doubled up the material because it was too see through.

On the front side decorate the material/frame like a package with ribbon and a bow. Staple gun the ribbon to the back of the frame. I used glittered pine cones for the larger one with the bow. From the back I used a safety pin to hold on the bow.

I used fishing line tied to the screws to attach the topper onto the back of the frame where I wanted it to shine through and used a piece of plastic left over from replacing a bathroom sink screwed to the frame to hold it's base to the frame.

On the larger version I placed screws every four inches or so on the frame and zig zagged the lights back and forth on the screws. That's it, plug it in and enjoy!

(Editor's Note: Remember to never leave plugged in decorations unattended. :o)

 

Billie C.

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Hello. It's almost noon

Nov 28, 2012

 

Hello. It's almost noon.  Where has the day gone?  Well... I've taken the dogs out twice. both time they wanted to do more playing that pee-ing.  I'm thinking of taking Barney for a walk around to the office. 
Oh my..  I'm be eating my dinners alone for a while. Jerry will be starting 12 hour days, starting today.  I told him I just can't wait that long to eat my last meal of the day. It's just not healthy for me at all... and that's a long, long time for him to go between meals, since he doesn't take a lunch.  I told him, he should buy something to eat on his way home each night he works 12 hours... The way it looks he'll  work 12 hours Mondays through Thursdays. He'll work 10 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.   Friday is payday. Jerry is to work these hours until Christmas break. We don't know when that will start or how long of a break it will be.
 I am going to try a few recipes that I find intresting over the next 4 weeks.
Yesterday was a cold, rainy day. Today is totally different. The Sun is out, and the camper is warming up quickly now that the sun is above the trees.  I only need a light jacket to be outside right now. After I write this up, I'll have to fill a bowl with dry catfood and take it outside for the cats.. I think we have a squirrel who likes cat food hanging around. That's why I try to put it out in the middle of the day.. between 3 and 4 I feed the cats each a can of canned food.. and I sit there with them while they eat most of it.  Yesterday's rain had me feeding them inside.. I had to put them in a kennel so the dogs would leave them alone while they ate.. They were not happy that I didn't open the door as soon as they were done eating. It was almost time forJerry to get in, so I left them in so they wouldn't be under-foot. 
From the kitchen... I'll fix a salad, a small slice of ham and some rice. I'll wait until Jerry gets home for dessert. I made up two different Jell-O's yesterday since there were 4 rings of pineapple in the can. Yesterday we had the Cherry, tonight it will be Lime with a slice of Pineapple in it.  We may also have a Klondike bar. We found some sugar free ones for me.
I am hearing...  A movie on the Hallmark Channel.  I already have the second half of this one, so I just needed to make of copy of this one since its the first part of the story.

 

I am wearing... Dark Grey Sweat Pants. and my Indial spirit Horse T-shirt. 

 

I am reading... Touching Wonder, Recapturing the Aw of Christmas by John Blase.. I got it free from Kindle books.

 

I am thinking... This is going to be a long month, with Jerry working four 12 hours days and two 10 hour days each week. We will have to do so much in just one day each week. Laundry, shopping. bill paying. And I have to pack up and have ready to ship at least three boxes. Bailey's blanket is going to take one box all on it's own.  Then there's the box for Beth and her family and the rest of the stuff for Heather's family.  Reminds me. I need to find out if David is still using the same address he was before.. All three of our kids are getting money cards from Wal-mart... The grand kids will get gifts.

 

I am thankful for... Jerry having a job. Not so thankful for the hours right now. but we know that there are times he will have to work lots of over-time hours . Just like we know there will be times he will have a hard time finding a job, We also know how lucky he is to have a job right now.

 

I am hoping... Jerry gets from the weekend Before Christmas until the day after New Years day for a mini vacation.  We would be able to enjoy that, knowing he'd have a job to go back to. We would not have to worry so much about the next paycheck and maybe be able to take a small, one day trip. I would love to go to Old Williamsburg.

 

I am creating... A clean house so I can put my Christmas stuff up.

 

One of my favorite things... The smells of a clean house, getting it ready for Christmas.

 

Billie C.

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How to make felt Santa's

http://www.savvymumma.com/2009/11/how-to-make-felt-santas.html

How to make felt Santa's

Since so many people like these santa's from my last post and I said I would say how to make them, here they are.

You will need

Red felt
White felt
Black felt
Pale pink or peach felt
2 googly eyes
1 mini red pompom or a tiny piece of red felt cut in a circle
2 inches of ribbon of your choice
Red cotton
1 white pompom or piece of white felt cut into a circle.



Cut the felt into shapes as shown in the picture above. The shoes, beard etc... do not have to be exactly the same as mine, but you get the idea.




Lay the red triangles on top of each other. Fold the ribbon in half and pin inbetween the top point of the triangles. Lay the face on the triangles. Cut a hole in the top layer of red felt, just below the face. You can chose to cut clean across, from edge to edge, as you will be sewing everything up, or just cut a slit in the middle, leaving an edge on each side.



Lay the beard on top of the face and pin into place.
Place the hands inbetween the 2 layers of red felt and pin into place.



At the bottom of the triangles, fold the top layer up. Place the red felt oval on the bottom layer and pin into place.



Bring the top layer down to meet with the oval. Place the feet inbetween the oval and top layer of red felt. Pin into place.



Starting at the top of the santa, where the ribbon is, straight stitch all the way around the santa. When you come down the first side and get near the bottom, where the oval is, lift the front part with the shoes up and fold it over, so when you are sewing, it is one continuous line from the sides, along the bottom, up to the otherside. You will have to go back and stitch the front part of the oval with the shoes after sewing the rest of the santa.

Once you have straight stitched your way around the santa, do a zig zag stitch all around.



Lastly glue on the eyes, nose, moustache and pompom.
You can fill these santa's with home made goodies in plastic bags or m&m's or whatever takes your fancy. It is upto you how big or small they are.

You could also make the ribbon longer so the santa could hang on a door knob.

 

Billie C.

<

Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole

 

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

 

1 1/2 cups Squash
2 Eggs, beaten well
1 can Cream of Celery soup
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
3 Tablespoon Butter, melted
1 tube Ritz Crackers, crushed
Salt and Pepper, to taste

 

In a large bowl, mix everything together except butter and crackers. Pour into a greased casserole dish. Combine butter and crackers in a small bowl until crackers are coated with the butter. Sprinkle on top of squash mixture. Bake at 350F for 30 to 40 minutes or until casserole is bubbly.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Good Morning

Hello ... And Good Morning. Well it's morning as I write this (7am)  The Dog has been taken to the owner of the campground house.  We talked a bit last night. I was just taking out some dog food and water to him when the man showed up. If she comes and asks I'm to let her know he has the dog.  The fellows next to her, took care of the dog last time she did this, but they are not here yet. Some of the men from that crew are but not those right next door.  you know, if she had asked me, I would have been more than happy to take care of her dog for her.. but what worried me more was lack of shelter.   I did tell the campground owner that the dog was not tangled up all day. Every time I looked over during the day, he was either under the camper or over in the driveway where I could see him. At least he's not a all day and night howler.. Only when someone was outside would he howl. I'm guessing for attention.

 

 

 

Outside my door ... (7am) Still too dark to see outside much. But we are getting rain. It started around 5 am when I took our dogs out for their first potty break.
(9am) Ah.. I can see... it's dark and dreary outside... A Cold rain is falling.. We need the rain though. I'll  not be spening much time outside today.

 

The Dogs ... Are all asleep. Rocky and Macon on the beds with the cats. Barney in a kennel. He can't be trusted loose and he went into the kennel and laid down. After his next walk, I'll put him on the inside lead so he can play with the other dogs, drink water and eat some food.  He's not always in the kennel it just seems like it sometimes.  The rain is suppose to end by this after noon. I plan on finding his ball (again) and will toss it a few times for him.

 

The Cats ... Really don't like being inside until it's cold outside. Then they run in and jump on the beds and curl up with the dogs and sleep.

 

From the kitchen... Salad, Smoked Sausage in the Crockpot with Green Beans and chunked up Potatoes. We have a bit of Pumpkin cake left so that will be dessert.
I am hearing... Morning news on the TV.  The geese down on the lake.

 

I am wearing... Flannel housedress. once I get my shower it will be sweat pants and a dark colored top.

 

Billie C.

<

Sheperd's Pie

 

Sheperd's Pie

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 (20 oz) can Beef Stew
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
(topping)
1 1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Margarine
1/3 cup Milk
1 1/3 cup Instant Potatoe Flakes

Warm beef stew in a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish in a 350F oven for 10 minutes. Prepare potato mixture (see direction on potatoe flakes pacakge) Spoon potatoe mixture over hot stew. Top with Cheese. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until Cheese has melted.
Makes 4 servings

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Snowy pine cone ornaments

http://www.sheknows.ca/home-and-living/articles/957339/diy-pine-cone-christmas-tree-ornaments

add a natural pop to your tree

If you want your Christmas tree to have a natural and homemade feel, you can't do without these cute, snowy pine cones. Their simple elegance works with all types of decorating styles.

Snowy pine cone ornaments

These pine cone decorations add a wonderful natural sparkle to the tree. Plus they're unbelievably simple to make, so you'll have a special set of ornaments in under an hour!

Materials:

• Pine cones (natural or from a dollar store or craft store)
• White paint
• Silver glitter
• Gold ribbon or metallic rope
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Paper towel or old sheet

Directions:

1

Lay out the paper towel or old sheet to keep the area clean. Squirt some white paint onto a piece of paper or other surface you can throw out.

2

Hold a pine cone and, using the paintbrush, dab the white paint onto its top and its edges. Paint one side only to start. Be liberal with the paint so the glitter has something to stick to.

3

Sprinkle glitter onto the paint. Set the pine cone down on its unpainted side to dry. Repeat with the remaining pine cones.

4

Once the first sides of the pine cones are dry, repeat the process on the other sides. Let them dry.

5

Cut the ribbon or metallic rope into 2-feet sections. Tie each section into a large bow.

6

Glue the knot of the bow to the top of the pine cone with the hot glue gun. Let dry.

note

This is a simple craft, so feel free to get the kids involved. Do the hot glue part yourself, but let the kids take part in the painting and glittering!

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Hello ...

Hello ... We had a great 4 day weekend, for the most part. Wed's night, we found the Cici's Pizza and ate there. I don't really recommend this one though. When I mentioned that the salad looked a bit sad, all they did was add more stuff to the bowl. They didn't drain off the water in the bottom of the bowl which is what was making it look a bit "off". Jerry ate a bowl of Mac and Cheese and said it was ok. not great, just ok. We both had 3 slices of Pizza. I got the ham and pineapple.. one slice of the pepperoni and I got one that had olives and mushrooms on it. Jerry ate the meat only ones. We ended up at the mall for a little bit. We went to Sears and Jerry found the Kindle Fire and we picked up two of them. They are our Christmas Gifts to each other this year.
Thursday, We had breakfast at IHOP. I got the Eggs, bacon and Pancake special.. I asked of they had Boysenberry syrup and YES they did.. She brought me two of them when all I need is one.. Oh my was it good.
After Breakfast, we drove around a while, We wanted to explore some of the roads near us. We ended up in Chatham VA. They have a food lion there. it's a bit further than driving to Danville though so, unless the way to Danville is blocked we will continue our food shopping in Danville.
We ended up in South Boston twice.. but that's good, because now Jerry has at least two ways to get to work if there is something blocking the road he usually takes. On the second time, we went back to Danville, hoping to find the seafood house we saw our first Sunday we were in town.
We then headed back to the camper to let the dogs out and potty. We spent about 2 hours at the camper, I talked to Beth on the phone while we were home. We left around 4 PM for dinner at Golden Corral. We just beat the crowd in. I had Salad first, then some turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing. I put a bit of gravy over both the potatoes and gravy. I also had a small spoon full of sweet potatoes. I never did find the cranberry sauce. I did find the dried cranberries in the salad area and had them on my salad. They had a turkey to carve but they also had a pan of bits and pieces. I got my turkey from that pan and it was great. I didn't even walk over to the desserts area. I knew I really didn't need any as I was full.
Friday. Jerry needed to cash his check. I did a bit of shopping. picked up my insulin. and wandered around the store for a bit. I found a wreath for the door for around $2. Nothing fancy on it at all, just the green pine tips. Perfect for what I wanted. I picked up the cola's we usually drink,, Remain soup for Jerry's breakfast, Jerry found a Blu Ray on sale, so we picked up one. He picked up a movie for us to watch, as well. I found the CD's bin and picked up 4 CD's. two of which are John Denver. Each one has a song I wanted of his, but they both were not on the same CD. A Burl Ives CD and Bing Crosby... I know where I'll be looking for more Christmas music because I found at least 4 or 5 more I would have picked up but didn't want to spend all my money in one place.
We then went to Home Depot and I found the perfect ribbon for my wreath. I saw some pine cones that were painted and, since we live in a wooded area gave me the idea of just painting my own to put on my wreath. I'll be working on that this week. I have some bells in my Christmas stash and I may put some of those on the wreath as well.
Jerry took me to Hobby Lobby. I restrained myself and only picked up a few things. Some large beads to make paperclip angels with, and a small pack of dark blue rhinestones. I needed only one. while at Wal-,mart I found a locket where you put the birthstones inside and I needed two dark blue ones for September since I was putting in every one's stones. Mine, Jerry, David, Heather, Bailey, Corbin, Beth and Heather. I used some E-6000 to glue it shut. I was in tears while I was trying to put the pieces in it. I dropped one and it fell to the floor. I just knew it was lost.. It took Jerry 15 minutes to find it. That is why I glued it shut. I put it together Friday evening while we were watching TV.
We did the laundry, picked up some Propane for the heater, took that back to the camper, then we went back and did our food shopping for the week. No room in the van to be able to do all that in one trip. Besides, the dogs needed walking again any way.
We ate dinner at home. I picked up two pizza's at the store. and Jerry wanted them. I had picked up a Pepperoni and a cheese pizza. Jerry thought I was going to "doctor" up the cheese pizza. No, I didn't want to do that this time. maybe next time. I just wanted to see if we could bake them in the roasting oven. We can, if we cut them in half. then both half's will fit inside. if we do that. Jerry did the cooking and didn't think about putting half of each in.. He did the cheese pizza first, then the other one.
I made up 18 Paperclip angels while we were watching the TV, as well. I want to give them out this year, to people. I gave one to the lady who was our server at Golden Corral. I left four in Geocaches, The only reason I didn't leave in all 5 we found is one is a min and doesn't have room for one.

Saturday.We had breakfast at Hardies. Apparently it's the local gathering place for the older crowd. Two people walked close to us, before deciding we were not who they thought we were.. (Ha ha)
We went back to the camper after breakfast. I fed the cats some dry cat food. We

We got to meet the neighbors' dog. He's a Husky. He's thin. He came right up to Jerry the first time he got away from her. I was just about to take the dogs out when I saw she had a dog with her. I saw him get away from her, and went outside and he came right up to me. He's a very friendly dog. I was surprised how thin he felt, under his coat. She tied him outside then left.
We went Geocaching. We didn't find a parking area close to the first on the list, so we by-passed it. We did find then next 5 though. I left paperclip angels in 4 of those we found.

Sunday. We had a water problem of sorts. I always rinse my hands before checking my blood sugar. I turned on the hot water and waited for it to warm up.. and I waited and waited.. it was cold. Jerry's "OH Great" was not good.. But then, any time something goes off he's not happy.

We ate breakfast at Golden Corral. waiting for the day to warm up. After we ate breakfast, we went back to Home Depot so Jerry could find out if they have the heating elements for the hot water tank. They have two so we will have to go back to the camper and see which one we need. I found a Christmas Cactus in a small pot and I picked up one. When we got back to the camper, we had hot water again. No idea why we didn't have any hot water at either sink, although it was the coldest night of the season so far.
When we got back, we also discovered that the gal next door left her dog out all night long. He howls.. he's cold. for a Husky he doesn't have a very thick coat. I went over and discovered he's got his line wrapped around a couple of trees and can't reach his water or food. I untangled him and he drank all the water I took over. the water in his water dish was frozen. He ate what food he had in his dish, as well. Of course he got tangled up again not long after I left him.. We kept waiting for her to come and take care of him. We never saw her all day long. Jerry tried to call the campground owners but no one was answering. We found out later that they buried his father in the afternoon.
Jerry and I both took an afternoon nap. Jerry decided we would eat dinner out, He tried calling the owners again and got a voice mail box and left a message. While we were at Arby's they called him back, and Jerry told them the dog has no shelter, gets tangled in the trees, and howls when it hears us outside and we haven't seen his owner all day long, We haven't seen her since yesterday afternoon, as a matter of fact. It was after dark but he came over and saw for himself that the dog was tangled in the trees again. Jerry went over and told him I had untangled it once and made sure he had water and food in him before I walked back to our camper. If we didn't already have 3 dogs, I would ask her for him. He has two blue eyes. Even the cats are not afraid of him. He's interested in them but didn't try to chase them while he was un-tangled. He said that this isn't the first time she's tied him out then left he alone for more than a day.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Sausage Casserole

Sausage Casserole

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

 

1 lb Sausage (mild)
1 Onion, chopped
1 Bell Pepper, chopped
3 cans Mushroom Soup
1 small can sliced Mushrooms
2 1/2 cups grated Chedder Cheese
6 medium potatoes (sliced)
1 tube Ritz cracker, crushed

 

Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and set aside. Fry sausage, onion and bell pepper until sausage is well done. add the potatoes, mushroom soup and mushrooms, mix well. Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour sausage mixture into dish. Sprinkle cheese on the top, then put crushed crackers around the edge of the dish. Bake for 40 minutes at 325F or unto hot and bubbly.

 

Billie C.

"We Gather Together"

"We Gather Together"

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.

Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,

Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;

So from the beginning the fight we were winning;

Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,

And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.

Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;

Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

 

 

I remember singing this when I was a small girl, in church. It was a rare day that my Mom went to Church. Being a single mom, she felt like she was out of place and being judged.. and in the 1960's that is most likely very true. The church we went to though, Didn't hold that against us kids. We were picked up most Sunday mornings by the Gobble Family and returned to home by a different family. Mom used the time we were out of the house to renew her own spirit in her own way. She also made a large dinner for us. Using the left-overs for meals for the rest of the week. She did bulk cooking on Sunday's so she could get dinner on the table easier and faster during the work week.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Quick and Easy Casserole

 Quick and Easy Casserole

 

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 lb Hamburger
1 medium sized Onion
1 pack Frozen Peas
1/2 lb Noodles
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 1/2 cup Milk
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Fry hamburger and onion, drain. Cook noodles and peas until done, drain. Mix soup with milk. Mix everything together in a large bowl. Spread in a casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350F for 1 hour. Add buttered crumbs or cheese on top and bake 10 more longer.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Pumpkin Spice Cake

 

Pumpkin Spice Cake

 

 

1 box Spice cake

1 can pumpkin

Stir the pumpkin into the spice cake mix then pour into a lightly greased cake pan. Bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes. Test with toothpick, when it comes out clean the cake is done.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Hello ... From a Gray but warming up Virginia

Hello ... From a Gray but warming up Virginia.  We may not even need jackets this weekend while we are driving around.   There are hardly any leaves left on the trees. The wind this past week brought a lot of them down. All brown, Tan and crispy.. and Barney loves it.. He loves to run around in the noisy leaves even when he knows he's outside for a different reason.  The cats have been in, then out, then in again, now they are out again.

Tonight I'm fixing Spegettie with a meat sauce. I'll brown the hamburger in a bit and add it to the sauce in the crock pot to simmer the rest of the day.

We have Dish back, Yay!!  I've already set it up to record lots of stuff. I found lots of Christmas Movies and I had to reset to get Y&R and other shows that I expect to miss in the evenings.  Jerry likes going to bed extra early and I am finding I really do need to go to bed earlier as well. 4:30 comes too early for me.. it takes me about 20 minutes to cook breakfast while Jerry is getting dressed and he wants to be out of the door before 5 because it's almost an hours drive on winding back roads. The GPS shows that both the fastest route and the shortest route are the same. 

I am wearing... Dark Gray Sweat Pants and my Spirit Horse top. 
I am reading... Emails and recipes.  I really need to make a Pumpkin Spice cake soon
I am thankful for... Jerry loving me. I know I am not an easy person to live with but he puts up with me, anyway.
I am creating... I'm planning on tieing the blanket this afternoon, after I get the rest of the camper cleaned up. Which I'm working on slowly.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Potato Casserole

 

Potato Casserole

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

 

8 to 10 potatoes, cook and mash, adding nothing
1 pkg (8 oz) Cream Cheese
1/2 to 1 1/2 cups Sour Cream
Lawry's Season Salt
Butter (optional)
Salt and Pepper, to taste

After mashing the potatoes, add the cream cheese, butter, salt and pepper. Whip or beat with Electric beaters. Grease 9 x 13 casserole dish, dot with butter. Add potatoes. Sprinkle with Lawry's season salt. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Good Morning this Brr morning

Hello ... Good Morning this Brr morning. I've been a busy little person this morning so far. Not even 10 am yet and I've got the back of the camper all straightened out, laundry sorted and into bags ready to go to the van tonight, to get it out of the way.. and the beds are made. I had to take everything off Jerry's bed because his sheet corner came loose and I had to pick up the mattress and reset that corner. The dogs and cats were not pleased that I made them get off his bed. But now they are back on it and asleep already. I see blue sky outside the window, and some sunshine. I may be able to turn off heaters this afternoon if this keeps up. As soon as I finish this I'll be taking the dogs out for their second morning potty break and play time. Now I just have to find that orange ball for Barney to play with.. um... wonder where he's hid it this time... .. . ... ..

I'll look for it in a bit.

Oh. I had to put a new rope in one of the laundry bags. The last one came loose and the cats found the end and unraveled it a while ago. I didn't need it to close up until now. I have some laundry cord that works just fine and now I can tie the bag shut and not worry that things will fall out of the top of it.

From the kitchen... Last night's chicken was a bit spicier that I expected it to be. I have enough left over to make me a sandwich this afternoon with it. I forgot, when I started the bread maker yesterday that if it and the roasting oven both draw power at the same time, the breaker may trip.. so I had to find an extension cord for the roasting oven. Otherwise my bread would not have turned out very well at all. It was after dark and I couldn't find a flash light.. I found three flash lights today, so far. go figure. I had Jerry on the phone while I was trying to walk around to the back of the camper and not trip over anything to get the electric cord off the back light where he had hung it. I will keep it in the house now.. We draw way more power up front than we do in the back. When this camper was made, back in 1979, there wasn't near as much things that needed plugged in as there is now. and most of it is up front... I run a cord from the bathroom up to the front cause that breaker only has four or five things on it.

I am hearing... The heater fan, water dripping, and my own thoughts in my head..... I miss the sounds of the TV and I got tired of the radio.

I am wearing... dark blue sweat pants and a lighter blue top. I have my leather belt on and it's helping my back feel much better.
I am thankful for... Jerry letting me sleep in this morning. He must have gotten up before the alarm went off because when I woke up he was already getting dressed. He decided to buy sausage biscuits for breakfast on his way in to work. He sure does like his sausage each morning.
I am hoping... that Jerry gets over his cold quick. He seems to get a cold almost every time he starts a new job, and this time, he had to work in a damp ditch on his first working day, and was chilled most of the day because it kept drizzling all day long, as well.
I am creating... I worked on Bailey's tied Blanket. I didn't finish it, but I got all the edges trimmed off and can now tie it together when I cut the strings on it. Beth sent me a picture of a jean quilt her boyfriends mother made and it's much like the one I want to make, but I did notice that when the squares were cut for it, the seams were included as well. I always cut the seams out of the material when I save jean material. but I like how it looks and want to make up mine as soon as I get a few other things out of my way.
Oh. yeah.... (again) I found a subway art, that I printed and put up between the cubby above the couch. I was pleasantly surprised when Jerry noticed it last night. Usually it takes him days to see something like that.

One of my favorite things... A warm camper in the morning. I felt warm enough to take my shower right off and not put it off any longer.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Well. Jerry has to work all weekend long because next week (Thanksgiving weekend) he will have four days off. He'll get his first check on Wed. and I'll have to do some shopping ! I hope to do some shopping before then, but I can make meals with what I still have on hand right now. I hope to send off a box to Beth for Baby Heather and I will see if I have enough stuff to send on to Heather, as well.

 

Billie C.

Hello ... Good afternoon

Hello ...  Good afternoon. Soon to be evening. It's been one of those dreary, dull, cloudy days. (4:45) It's starting to get dark, and I don't think we had any sun at all today. Just clouds, No rain, either.  I just can't seem to get warmed up much at all.
 I've had the dogs out a few times today.  Barney keeps tangling in the trees. He just doesn't get it that he has to go back around a tree after he goes around the first time. He "found" his orange ball outside and brought it back inside. He loves to bounce his ball. He picks it up and drops it, then picks it up again.. He'll do it so often that it drives Macon up a wall. Macon will come in, pick up the ball after Barneu drops it and take it to the other room out of Barney's reach.
I fed the cats a bit early this afternoon. They all three acted like they haven't seen a can of cat food for a week.  I used a stick to dig out the last of the cans and dropped the leavings on the table so they could get to that, as well as putting a full dish of dry food out for them.  They are not sure if they want to sleep inside, in a kennel or outside in the cold. ...
I'm going to bake some potatoes in the roasting oven and I'm thinking of baking some chicken strips in it as well. I was going to do buffalo seasoned tenders but Jerry said No.  Aw well, maybe next time.I decided to use the bread maker today. I've got a loaf of bread going in it now. It should be done about the time I'm ready to start the potatoes in the oven they go in about 30 minutes before I start the chicken.
 I am hearing... I have a "Little House" from where I recorded a few shows for a couple of weeks, on. I also hear the bread maker kneading the dough and the fan from the heater is also working.
I am wearing... my usual. dark sweat pants and a dark blue top.
I am reading... emails all day long
I am creating... I am working on a tied blanket for my older grand-daughter. I trimed the selvages off but haven't gotten any further than that on it today. I really should finish it up but now I just feel like rolling it up and putting it away for a while.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Mexican Casserole

Mexican Casserole

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

13 Corn Tortillas, torn or cut into 4ths
4 Chicken Breasts, cut into strips
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
8 oz Sour Cream
Black Oives, (slices, about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup skim Milk
1 can Tomatoes and Green Chliies
1/2 cup Salsa
Jalepenos (to taste)

Spray large casserole with cooking oil spray. Mix all ingredients together except cheese, pour into casserole. Put cheese on top.
Bake at 350F for 30 to 45 minutes.
Serve over rice.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Nov 12

Hello, and Good Early Morning. We were up by 4:30 so Jerry could be on his way out the door by 5 for orientation at 7. He needed to make a stop on his way and it's an hours drive, via two lane roads with 45 speed limits. We spent yesterday morning finding places. Breakfast at Golden Corral. When Jerry looked it up, the GPS said 20 miles. I looked it up and got 9. Um... ok... Wal-mart.. he found out was 20 miles. (again) and again I found one closer. I spelled it out, he used a different app on the GPS. But after that, the GPS was spot on for where he had to go this morning and where the job is at, as well.
We did our shopping in the afternoon, after finding the job site. Took the dogs with us all day long, They got to get out several times, but I'm sure they are ready not ride much for the next few days.
We had to make a trip back in to town for some cut wood so we could get camper level. We just lacked a couple of pieces. Because we move often though, I asked for three different size boards to be cut. What we don't need, we can always burn in the fire ring we have at this site.
It's going to take me a while to get through all my emails from the weekend but I will catch up as quickly as I can while I'm putting everything back away and cleaning up.
The cats are not all that happy because they have not been allowed outside, yet.
Today the high is suppose to be 70. After today though the highs will only be in the 50's. maybe some low 60's
It's been very pretty outside. There are still a lot of leaves on the trees despite the wind from Sandy last week. At least, in this area. Beth called my last night, and said they had sleet. The weather said there might be snow if it started early enough but it didn't. So what Kansas City got yesterday I figure we may be getting either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
I fixed Hot Dogs and mashed potatoes for our dinner last night. For tonight I'm thinking of making up a crockpot meal. Jerry enjoyed it when I cut up a smoked sausage and cooked it with green beans and potatoes so I'll do that for tonight. Its something I won't have to watch too closely. Of course I'll add a salad and I need to make a dessert. I just might make some Buck eyes because he liked them.

I am wearing... The flannel housedress that Donna gave. BTW Donna makes a very great Chili... so great that Jerry ate two large bowls of it and I think he would have eaten more but didn't want to miss out on the Buck eyes. I loved the chilie as well and ate two medium sized bowls of it.
Time to go change clothes. (8:30) going to put on sweatpans and a work top.

I am reading... emails and more emails, trying to get caught up with emails today between cleaning and putting away stuff

I am thinking... I hate unpacking but it gives me a chance to go through stuff and consider if I still want to keep it, ot should I toss it...

I am thankful for... a safe alibet long trip from Niota TN to Danville VA. Not much trouble in getting the camper level this time and a great time with Jerry.

I am hoping... That this job lasts a long, long time. I don't want to have to unpack and repack for a long time.

I am creating... A cosy home for us.. and a clean one, as well.

One of my favorite things... Early morning when the birds start to sing and the world starts to wake up.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Pill Box Advent Calendar

Pill Box Advent Calendar http://www.cantstopmakingthings.com/2012/11/pill-box-advent-calendar.html Posted: 04 Nov 2012 05:00 PM PST Here is a compact little calendar to make. Materials: 5 jumbo weekly pill boxes white spray paint for plastic small wooden beads small screws various colored tissue papers masonite ( foam core, heavy chipboard) white glue black permanent marker 1" wide ribbon rub-on letters wood putty or caulk sand paper acetone tools: utility knife screw driver Use the utility knife to cut off two boxes of each pill container, leaving 5 per. Use the acetone to remove the lettering and the sand paper to sand off the braille bumps (if any). Glue the boxes to the masonite backing. Screw the beads onto each box as knobs, screwing from the inside of each opening. Using caulk or wood putty, fill in each outside bead hole. Spray the entire thing white. Glue tissue paper to the inside of each opening. Use a permanent marker to follow the indentation around each opening. Glue the ribbon around the entire calendar to hide the seams. Using rub-on lettering or rubber stamps (use StazOn ink), place a number in the lower right hand side of each little box. Place small goodies in each opening. Cute and easy to mail to all of your small munchkins.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

28 things your family need to hear you say

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

(no subject)

Hi everyone, my name is Jennifer.
I live in Ottawa, Canada, am a Mom to three daughters who are all about to have BDays in the next 2 months they will be 21, 18, and 16. I have been married for 30 years to the same guy.

I am holding a free Facebook event on Saturday Nov. 10.

 Basically it is a 12 hour Organizing Extravaganza. We will be working on challenges throughout the day. I have a lot of giveaways to mail out, recipes, games, a few downloadable I have created such as grocery lists, holiday menu planner and more.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please drop by my facebook page and click "Like". Then come back on Saturday at 9 am EST and the fun will begin. There are no limits on the amount of people who can participate so tell your friends. We are shooting for 1,000 participants!

Fee free to email me if you have any questions

www.facebook.com/adventuresinorganizing.ca

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Awww Man

Aww Man.  Jerry just got a call. As much as I love this area, we have to leave.  I've already Called Donna to change our plans for Saturday since we will be on the road that day.  We will go to her place on Friday and have one last meal together. Exchange a few goods and just chat the night away

 

 The good news is, We are going to South Boston VA.  I'll get to meet Shelby. 

 

We are still considering of, in a couple of years or so, buying some land outside of a town here in this area of Tennessee so we have a place to retire to, some day.

 

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Hello, for today Nov 4

Hello ... And good Morning (9am)  We were up early, even for time change. I went to bed late and got up early. About 6 hours after going to bed. I got up, dressed in the dark and took the dogs out even though they were not "asking" to go out. Then Jerry turned on a light. (agh)  We went to "The Dinner Bell" for our Sunday Morning breakfast.  We won't really have to eat until we want an early dinner.
We have to go to Wal-mart later as I need more strips for my Sugar checker.
(11pm) I'm watching the Mentelist while I type this up. We got to Wal-mart. I picked up the strips, and a few other things. By the time we left we had spent just over $70.  Jerry got new shoes, I picked up pet food for both the dogs and the cats. (don't want to run out) I picked out two more nail polishes (don't need them, but wanted them so much)  Some Felt.. Jerry's cigars. and I forgot what else.   I tried to cut the felt with my cricut and it failed. The felt is too thin, and even with ironing the freezer paper to one side, it still didn't turn out like I wanted it to. I spent about an hour cutting freezer paper to iron onto felt and I'll cut around that with scissors. (Hey, I didn't have to use spell check to spell Scissors) Jerry had on a football game when Beth called. We talked about 45 minutes.
Another Air Stream moved in across from us. It's only a year older than our but we can see several things differt just from the outside. Jerry and he talked a bit and they moved the bath to the middle and changed the bed from twins to a single in the back.
Outside my door ... It's very dark. (it is 11 pm) Today was nice though. I sat outside for a bit with just a thin t-shirt on. (Of course I was wearing pants as well)  I just took the dogs out for last call a bit ago. I could see a lot of stars so it's not cloudy any more. I read an email that we are under a frost warning.  There are only a few leaves left on the trees. I can see a lot more bare branckes

 

The Dogs ... I have had to squirt Rocky and Barney several times this morning to make them stop rough housing. It's not that they are playing, they are shaking the camper with how rough they are playing. I'm glade to see Rocky play with Barney though. Rocky usuall just lays around all day long.

 

The Cats ...  were more than willing to come inside when I took the dogs out for their last call. I'll be putting all three into a kennel to sleep, tonight. Right now they are all in the bedroom with Jerry., Rocky and Macon. Barney is in his kennel for the night already.   The time change has us all confused.  The cats were ready for their canned food before 2pm. I don't usually feed them until close to 4 but they know if they all three come to the camper around 3 I might go ahead and feed them. I didn't feed them until 5 which was 6 before time change.  There is another black cat in the area. He (or she) Is a bit larger than ours. It comes over to eat once our cats have finished up. It doesn't run when Jerry talks to it but still runs when I open the door.

 

From the kitchen... Salad, Hot Dogs, Remain Soup, and popcorn for desert.

 

I am hearing... The mentalest on the tv. Jerry is in the bedroom watching something else. 

 

I am wearing... splattered t-shirt and black sweat pants.

 

I am reading... emails, emails and more email.

 

I am hoping...  That Jerry hears from a job this week. I'm starting to get worried. It usually doesn't take this long for him to find another job.  We know we may not hear anything until after the elections on Tuesday but we are not giving up hope just yet. It's just stressful not knowing if we are going to find a job here or if we are going to have to move.

 

I am creating... I love the post it notes program. I realized I just totally forget what I really should be working on. So I filled out a few with the different crafts I should be working on. 
My plan is to do things on the computer until Jerry wakes up, if I'm up before him. Clean house in the mornings, the work on a craft in the afternoon each day I have some "post it's" with things like sewing or make jewerly but they don't have details of what I need to work on. These I set up today are for each porject.
One of my favorite things... 

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...  food shopping. If we spent at least $50 at a time at Engles between the middle of October and the week of Thanksgiving 6 times we will get a free 12 to 14 pound turkey.  We are half way there already.  We don't know yet, where we will be spending Thanksgiving.  We will have to do laundry soon, as well. When we do, I'll take the covers and pillows off the couch this time, they need a good washing.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Halloween pictures

On October 27, We went to a dance at Bakers, in Englewood TN (  http://www.americantowns.com/tn/englewood/venues/baker-s-place  )

 

We had a blast with Donna and Larry.  It was a Halloween party, so we did dress up a bit.

This is my birthday dress that Donna gave me.  I love the contrast with the side of the van. I was going for a Mardi Gras look.

 

 

Hubby, getting ready to take my picture. 

 

Donna, the Dark Fairy.. Love her mask. She made it a couple of years ago.

 

 

 

Larry, Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

 

 

 

Donna and I together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This man won first place in the costume contest.. I love it, and if we are here next year, will do a version of this on Jerry.

 

 

Tupelo had to get in on the Halloween action. She's under the toy Rat that is on the dish.

 

 

 

 

Beth said I could post a picture of Heather, as a Dalmation. Even her shoes look spotted.

Billie C.