Tag Archives: simple woman’s daybook

For Today ~ 06 May 2013 ~ A Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 06 May 2013

Outside My Window… Grey windy morning…the sun is trying to peek out between some clouds to the east, black snow clouds up in the mountains to the west.

I am thinking… I wonder about the story of an elderly gentleman that I see at the bus stop near campus every morning around 6:30 am. Not sure why, but he makes me smile when I spot him there…and worried when I don’t see him. He has a Billy Connolly look to him, only thinner…same wild white hair and facial hair too.

I am thankful for… That the infection on the left side of my face has finally calmed down (I looked like I went a round with a boxer). After 10 days of antibiotics, many lancing of the gums, and a few refills of Percocet…I may be able to open my mouth all the way by next weeks root canal appointment.

From the kitchen… I took some chicken out of the freezer that’s been marinading in McCormick’s Grill Mates tomato garlic and basil. I buy boneless chicken breasts in bulk…get different grill mates marinades and put two pieces of chicken in a gallon ziplock, put the marinade package, then pop them in the freezer. In the morning, before work, I place one on the counter where my husband will stick into the frig after he has his coffee and goes about his day.

I am wearing… Jeans, blue waffle thermal shirt, and sandals.

I am creating… Absolutely nothing for the last three weeks. My head was hurting WAY too much. I did pull out my batik Grandma’s Flower Garden and made about 10 hexies, but that was it.

I am going… put the kettle on for a pot of hot tea.

I am reading… hiking trail maps. :) Looking at areas around town to go hiking/walks since we don’t have much money to leave town right now.

I am hoping… that my friend April had a wonderful visit with her Mom and Dad last week…and a very safe flight home today.

I am hearing… the traffic outside. People using their card keys to get into the building.

Around the house… Deck needs cleaning after the wind storm yesterday…lots of tree droppings. Inside is cleaned.

One of my favorite things… Listening to Van Morrison on Pandora while it rains.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week… Not really sure.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you… A few pictures that I took up at Galena Creek…before the rain hit.

Mt. Rose from the Jones-Whites Creek loop...used Pixlr-o-matic's Aladin and Scrap filters to make it feel early 70's.

Mt. Rose from the Jones-Whites Creek loop…used Pixlr-o-matic’s Aladin and Scrap filters to make it feel early 70′s.

Mt. Rose from the Jones-Whites Creek Loop.

Mt. Rose from the Jones-Whites Creek Loop, I used the Metal and Hassel filters.

For Today ~ 14 March 2013 ~ Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 14 March 2013

Outside My Window… High grey clouds, birds on an empty bird feeder, huge (10′ high 30′ wide) pile of mulch.

I am thinking… a certain vindictive family member really needs to reflect on who it is that actually has the anger problem.

I am thankful for… once again and always…my friend April.

From the kitchen… I steamed artichokes last night…not really sure what I’ll make tonight.

I am wearing… Jeans, tennies, olive green cotton shirt.

I am creating… I have all 30 blocks of my Denyse Schmidt quilt finished and 20 of them are sewn together (top four rows). I have two more rows to add before the quilt top is complete.

Top four rows all sewn together...have 10 more blocks to sew together into rows.

Top four rows all sewn together…have 10 more blocks to sew together into rows.

I am going… dig through a few more of my craft books and put them up onto ebay.

I am reading… All Roads Lead to Austen: A Year-long Journey with Jane by Amy Smith…still reading this. Up to chapter nine now…am enjoying this read.

I am hoping… that the neighbor who left on Monday morning comes home soon. He left his alarm on so it comes on EVERY MORNING at 3am and doesn’t go off until 4:15am.

I am hearing… the traffic outside. Train going by.

Around the house… the trees are starting to bud out. We set a record high yesterday (77F).

One of my favorite things… Pretty fabric. New music. Old books. Good friends.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Keep on quilting. St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you…

Truckee River in the McCarran Ranch Preserve.

Truckee River in the McCarran Ranch Preserve.

For Today ~ 18 January 2013 ~ A Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 18 January 2013

Outside My Window… There’s a pogonip moving through the valley. The freezing fog is putting a frost onto everything in it’s path. Even me while walking down the hill from the parking lot to work!

Pogonip frosting a pine tree near my office, taken about 6:10 am this morning.

Pogonip frosting a pine tree near my office, taken about 6:10 am this morning.

I am thinking… I wish I could shake this head cold. My nose is red and sore and I’m tired of coughing.

I am thankful for… Kleneex with “potion” in it.

From the kitchen… I made a “hmmm…what’s in the frig that I can put into the pot?” dinner last night. Onion, garlic, red and orange peppers, mushrooms, spinach, chicken sausage, tofu…all tossed with brown rice and Israeli couscous a splash of olive oil and fig balsamic vinegar.

I am wearing… Jeans, tennies, black mock turtleneck, purple wool sweater.

I am creating… I’ve been pulling out the triangles I cut out a while back and sewing them into rows. The fabric is Frolic by Sandy Gervais for Moda.

I am going… To check out the movie schedule for the weekend. Still have some movie passes from Christmas.

I am reading… All Roads Lead to Austen: A Year-long Journey with Jane by Amy Smith.

I am hoping… It warms up into the 40′s with some sunshine.

I am hearing… Muted sounds due to the fog.

Around the house… laundry needs to be done and the kitchen floor needs to be mopped.

One of my favorite things… Books and a teapot full of hot vanilla chai tea.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Not really sure.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you…

Leo and Lucy snuggling.

Leo and Lucy snuggling.

Snuggling again...same chair different night.

Snuggling again…same chair different night.

For Today ~ 21 November 2012 ~ Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 21 November 2012.

Outside My Window… Partly cloudy…and those clouds are scooting along pretty fast. Most of them dark. Windy. Sun is hitting the hills behind me.

I am thinking… Still have lots to do before we catch the train tomorrow morning. Also very happy it’s snowing up in the mountains! I’ve never taken Amtrak over the Sierra before and fresh snow will be pretty!

I am thankful for… my friends, health, my job.

From the kitchen… Probably grilled cheese sandwiches and soup.

I am wearing… Jeans, waffle-thermal shirt, tennis shoes and my hair in a pony tail.

I am creating… Not really creating, but I am FINALLY finishing up the dresser from my grandma’s house. I had to scrap off about 20 layers of paint. LOL! Still didn’t get it all off, but dang-it! I have to get my butt in gear. Bought Cajun Spice stain. I have one layer of seal on it with one more to go.

Before


After…still needs sealing.

I am going… to go on a train ride! Go on a train ride!

I am reading… The newest NatGeo magazine that came in the mail.

I am hoping… that it’s quiet here at work today.

I am hearing… the winds.

Around the house… it’s clean. How about that?!

One of my favorite things… L’Occitane’s 20% shea butter dry skin hand cream. It’s a must during this time of the year.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Go on a train ride! Go on a train ride! Oh…and when we get back, go see Alice Cooper on Sunday.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you…

Reno Sunrise 21 November 2012

For Today ~ 1 October 2012 ~ A Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 01 October 2012!!!! It’s OCTOBER! YAY!

Outside My Window… Sun. Going to be another HOT day. SOB! It’s supposed to be in the 70′s NOT THE 90′s! Ok…enough of the rant. Tree’s are changing colors as are the fire bushes. There’s a few wee sunflowers that the birds planted.

I am thinking… Thoughts are scattered today…me thinks the full moon had people weirded out where I live…they kept me up both Saturday and Sunday nights. Headache didn’t help either.

I am thankful for… For allergy meds, since the rabbit brush is blooming for what seems like the 50th time this year.

From the kitchen… Maybe pizza, maybe grilled ham and cheese…not really sure.

I am wearing… Tan cropped pants and a olive green shirt, tennis shoes and my hair down.

I am creating… I took a break from leather/bead wrap bracelets to make my friend, April, her earrings. Sterling silver hammered wire with pearls, silver and purple beads. I don’t like the french wires I put on them so will go look for posts or make them myself.

I am going… try to find out if and when the UP #844 will be coming back east so I can get pictures of her in the canyon west of Reno.

I am reading… Still not finished with The Hobbit. Been flipping through a few different magazines too.

I am hoping… That once this weekend rolls around with the cooler weather that it will STAY.

I am hearing… Cars on McCarran and Enterprise, people walking in the hallway, me typing.

Around the house… is clean! I did a lot of housework yesterday.

One of my favorite things… Pumpkins. Football. Baseball’s scramble to get into the playoffs. My Giants have no worries…so GO Oakland and Detroit!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Look for something to wrap my soaps up in…I may just use parchment paper and string.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you…

Tree line looking west from Verdi’s Crystal Peak Park.

For Today ~ 06 September 2012 ~ Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 06 September 2012.

Outside My Window… Big grey clouds and blue sky…it rained all night long. Hopefully soon Balloons! It’s the start of the Great Reno Balloon Race!

Enjoy this absolutely beautiful time lapse video.

I am thinking… This sure has been a bad summer for allergies.

I am thankful for… that the autumn equinox is just around the corner!

From the kitchen… I’m thinking just bbq’d hotdogs and potato salad. Or we’ll use one of our Groupons and go out to eat.

I am wearing… Tan cropped pants and a blue shirt, tennis shoes and my hair in a pony tail.

I am creating… Still making leather wrapped bracelets and some hammered copper bookmarks.

I am going… to have to turn in two craft fair applications.

I am reading… Re-reading The Hobbit…will be ready for the movie this December! :)

I am hoping… That we get some afternoon rains…I figured we can have afternoon rains so the balloons can go up in the mornings.

I am hearing… Me crunching on my breakfast…Emerald Breakfast on the Go in S’mores. :)

Around the house… Clean bed sheets, now have to vacuum.

One of my favorite things… Brightly colored hot air balloons.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Build up my craft fair supply; label the soap.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you…

For Today ~ 20 August 2012 ~ A Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 20 August 2012.

Outside My Window…

Reno, Nevada sunrise ~ 20 August 2012

I am thinking… It sure would be nice if autumn would come sooner than later. I’m really tired of the heat and wildfire smoke here in town.

The red maple out front is starting to turn colors.

I am thankful for… Friends. Love them to pieces.

From the kitchen… Pork chops and rice for dinner tonight. One of my favorite dishes that my Great Aunt Hazel would fix my sister and I when we visited.

I am wearing… cropped olive green/tan pants, olive green shirt, and sketchers sandals.

I am creating… I’m multi-tasking at the moment. Just finished another wire-wrapped pendant yesterday. Am still hand-piecing a Farmer’s Wife quilt block.

Wire-wrapped piece of petrified wood.

First pendant…with the copper “antiqued”

I am going… have to start looking for craft fairs coming up! Ruth, Reva and I have been making stuff all year long. I found one in Portola, this October, for $25/table. Need to find some in town.

I am reading… Finished all three stories in Mary Downing Hahn’s Haunting Tales, will have to just close my eyes and pick another book on my nook.

I am hoping… That I my copper wire wrapping becomes better as I really would like to use the silver wire! LOL!

I am hearing… a small plane overhead; traffic on McCarran; me.

Around the house… Laundry.

One of my favorite things… creating with my hands.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Try out a few new dinner recipes; buy a good pair of flat-nosed pliers for jewelry making; finish up a few leather wrapped bracelets.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you… (LOL! I’ve been sharing pics like crazy up above, but will find another)

Spent wildflowers outside of Portola, CA.

For Today ~ 04 August 2012 ~ Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 04 August 2012.

Outside My Window… Smoke. Lots of smoke from a fire up in California.

I am thinking… It’s been awhile since I’ve done a daybook post. Well, any post for that matter. We’ve moved. Living next-door to a four generation household and the VA Hospital was a little too much. It’s extremely quiet next to the river. :) Can’t wait for it to be fall so I can make a real wood fire in the fire place.

I am thankful for… my mother-in-law taking Luna (she’s Sheba now). They are a perfect fit. They love each other very much.

From the kitchen… We have $35 in coupons at a local hotel/casino, we’re going out. :)

I am wearing… cropped tan pants, olive green shirt, and sketchers sandals.

I am creating… I’m still unpacking, so not creating anything right now.

I am going… off the rails on a crazy train. :) Speaking of trains! At our new place we get to listen to the trains go by again! WoooooWooooo.

I am reading… Dang it all to heck it my Nook’s battery went dead last night right when I was already to snuggle into bed with it! I’m on the second story in Mary Downing Hahn’s Haunting Tales ~ All The Lovely Bad Ones.

I am hoping… That I have a nice quiet work week a head of me…one of the labs is off to Calgary for a conference. :)

I am hearing… the a/c unit…that’s about it.

Around the house… Still have boxes here and there. Need to set up my sewing station. Put my fabric away.

One of my favorite things… Right now it’s sitting on the balcony (it’s cooler along the river in the evenings).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Finish unpacking. Go to a movie. I have my fingers crossed for Pyramid Lake.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you… Part of our balcony (we have our table out there now…so no tv tray there).

Our place is behind the trees ~

For Today ~ 14 May 2012 ~ A Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 14 May 2012.

Outside My Window… Blue sky, trees blowing in the wind, birds feeding on the feeders, water truck spraying to keep construction dust down, God awful Scottish broom blooming.

I am thinking… I probably shouldn’t have hoed and dug in the backyard so much over the weekend…I killed my hands again. Taking lots of advil. But…I now have two garden boxes made out of recycled fencing materials (even the screws!). And most of the weeds are hoed out of that section where the fence was pushed back.

I am thankful for… Kitty hugs in the morning.

From the kitchen… more like bbq’ing from the back patio. Last night was New York steaks, mushrooms, and asparagus…tonight is bbq’d pork chops and a salad.

I am wearing… cropped tan pants, brown tshirt, and sketchers sandals.

I am creating… I’ve pushed the Nevada quilt aside, lost my mojo on it. I tried a new pattern (from the Zakka Style book) for a sewing kit, already have plans to “redesign” it.

I also have some fabric cut out and ready to make an e-reader holder/clutch…another new pattern to try.

I am going… to have to figure out what type of smellies to make some cold processed soaps. I should be getting my oils, butters and lye in the post soon!

I am reading… I just finished all five Percy Jackson books and am rereading the first book of the Heroes of Olympus series, The Lost Hero. Then will move onto the second, The Son of Neptune.

I am hoping… That the bloody phone stops ringing.

I am hearing… Coughing from upstairs, heavy high heel walking out in the hallway, traffic.

Around the house… floor needs vacuuming and the beets need weeding.

One of my favorite things… turning brown after being pasty all winter. :) And painting my toenails with Del Sol nail polish. I have Surfer Girl on my fingernails and Sun Kissed on my toes.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Play around with new sewing patterns, plant more seeds (gotta get the cucumbers in), pray for Mr. Stripey, the tomato plant…he didn’t take to transplanting very well. Oh yes, also have to cut up my charms for the Denyse Schmidt Charm swap.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you…

My Sugar Snap Peas

For Today ~ 19 March 2012 ~ Simple Woman’s Daybook

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FOR TODAY … 19 March 2012.

Outside My Window… Lots of traffic. High clouds with a bit of blue sky.

I am thinking… I’m tired of my left foot hurting. The chiropractor said its my plantar fascia that is inflamed. All I know is it hurts like hell and I want it to stop.

I am thankful for… April, who I’m sending a long distance hug to.

From the kitchen… I’ll probably make pizza tonight. There’s a chicken breast left in the freezer so will make a chicken pizza with garlic olive oil sauce.

I am wearing… jeans, tennis shoes, a black mock turtleneck.

I am creating… Still working on the Nevada quilt, I have the state finished along with 3 stars, some geese and a few other odds and ends. See the state below.

I am going… to have to take a few days off of work to finish painting the inside of the house. I had to call it quits after my hand died, still have some trim and touch ups to do in a few rooms. Also, I definitely picked out the wrong color for the living room…the living room will probably go to a neutral color as the sea foam is just not working in such a large room, great for a bedroom, just not a huge room. Went to Lowes and bought Valspar’s Ultra Premium (one coat coverage) in Antique White.

I am reading… still reading a few stories a night from Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover’s Soul.

I am hoping… that the foot stops hurting, it’s been over a month already!

I am hearing… Construction trucks backing up beepers. A backhoe. Windows creaking. Traffic. Have I told you the insulation in this new building is really really really awful?

Around the house… Flower bulbs trying to bloom.

One of my favorite things… Laughing. Until it hurts. We rented The Rum Diary last night and there was one scene in which I had to pause it as I was laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. My sides hurt soooo bad.

Rum Diary Car Scene

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Work on the Nevada quilt. Plan a few days off to paint.

Here is a picture thought I’d share with you…

Poor daffies in the snow

Center piece of quilt I'm designing for a local lady.