Recently Rowena asked people that she wanted to link if they had buttons...well I didn't, and so little Miss Giao made me exactly what I wanted! Thankyou! Just LOVE it!

 I'm not sure if I made this size O.K.??

                                                            

On the Christmas present front.....We had Cocktails with Jon's Dad last night and exchanged gifts. We got a Home Depot gift certificte, with an offer of physical help (now that he's retired) (Jon was psyched about that...they'll have fun) to work on the addition. I got some shopping $$$$$ (how well Dad knows me). BUT my favorite gift was a bird nest with an egg that didn't hatch, that he found in one of his Wood Duck nesting boxes. (it is NOT a duck nest) He knows I love to decorate with naturals. Last year he gave me a BIG beehive! I just LOVE it!

So here is what we made him....

It's there family name (Jon's Nana's)...and yes, there really is a Bunker Cove...he went and anchored there this summer. It's made from an old door panel, we hand waxed it for a nice old finish. A little something to hang your hat on!

Well...I have to run, am running late for work...as usual!

LOL!

posted by: sweetpeas at December 31, 2004 13:37 | link | comments (8) |
artsy fartsy, family & friends

Christmas in Glenburn, Maine

We had a great time at my Mom and Cub's place this weekend! It was the first time I've woken up at my Mom's Christmas morning in many years...and I'm glad we went up! We took Rudy & Dakota up with us, and I think they had as much fun as we did, though they were quite exhausted Monday, and slept all day.

Christmas day was relaxing. Mom & I knitted all day, and the guys hung out downstairs in Cub's den tying flies and watching T.V. That night we had a wonderful dinner....Cub had picked up a smoke house ham from one of the local farms, and it was great! We had visitors drop by throughout the day, and it was such a pleasure to visit with all of them!

Mom bought me a pretty pink quilted vest I had admired while shopping last year. It was quite a joke, because I usually dress in earth tones, black & brown. I had made some comment about this that morning, and poor Mom fretted a bit. But I LOVED it...I really do like a splash of color here and there...(I'm not THAT bad)...and I've all ready received compliments on it! Mom liked her gift...she had specified the size she needed for this space, and I took it from there. She collects "brown transferware lids"...old lids and covers that topped soup tourines, veggie dishes, etc. She has them hanging all over her house, and wants to start a collection in her kitchen above the sink and cupboards...so I made her this sign to match the brown, and to hang above the sink. She'll be able to fit 2 lids on either side of the sign.

It's made from a recycled piece of "something"...we're not quite sure, but it's a nice piece of old hardwood...and it had a nice shape. The quote is an Irish proverb. It's about 30" long...and looks better in real  life!

Sunday morning, Mom and I were at Filene's by 6:45 am (they opened at 6:00 am) and the shopping frenzy continued until about 2:30. Mom and I decided we were ready for comfy clothes and more knitting. Over the weekend I taught myself how to make hats. Too much fun!

I've been making hats like a crazy woman

Jen got her scarf in the mail, and she said she's worn it every day. She also seemed to be quite pleased with the dragonfly piece.

Jen's scarf

Have I mentioned that we have 2 more Sundays of Christmas? We are celebrating with Jon's family....kids and all, at his Mom's house this Sunday. The next Sunday, we'll have my Dad & Duke, my sister Marissa and her family over. And hopefully my grandparents!

So what I'm saying here is that you all may be sick of me and my Christmas cheer come the middle of January! My Christmas gifts may not sound so exciting as some of yours....but we asked for Home Depot gift certificates so we can get the addition finished for Spring! Jon and I did not buy anything for eachother, as we know we'll be spending some dough on the addition, and we want a new CD player, with extra speakers to go throughout the house. Maybe we're getting boring in our old age, but common sense won out.

I can't wait to see some of your goodies!

Check out Hope's awesome gifts that she got from Mike (via Sundance, I'm so jealous).....and Frecklegirl's knitted goodies that she gave to her family. (again with the jealousy!)

~HUGS~

posted by: sweetpeas at December 29, 2004 15:04 | link | comments (15) |
antiques, knitting away the time

There's a whole lotta bloggin' going on!

WOWZA! The Blogs have been full of Holiday cheer, silliness and tears! O.K...maybe I'm the only weepy one, but who wouldn't be with all of this sweetness coming my way!?

First I'm going to show you this picture of goodies Yvonne sent me! A while back she posted some pictures of her cute little Wee's, and I commented on how much I loved them and would like to order some for 2 babies that are on the way. Well The Little Sneak never said a word....and just look at what I got in the mail yesterday!

I LOVE the little bag...it reminds me of a vintage fabric! The Wee's will be going to happy homes! And isn't that repro vintage postcard fab? LOL! THANKYOU!

I am very excited about the Gifty Round 2! I have always admired the artwork of Shelagh and I've all ready purchased something for her! Go over and say hello and check out her folk art!

I have been a very bad girl lately! You see, I cook fresh, and from scratch every night for Jon and I. Well I've been so busy lately that I've been picking up prepared foods. But when you pick up something like sundried rissoto cakes from the A-1 To Go, I don't think I'm being all that bad...actually pretty smart! These little cakes were delicious, along side a chickpea & spinach salad...I just wish I had picked up a couple more for us! This is also my favorite stop for wine. Neil has always helped me pick out just the right wine or champagne that I need for every occassion! But once I'm there, I usually can't stop at the wine! Cheeses, baked goods, gourmet food & gifts galore! What's a girl to do but spend all of her hard earned tips? It's also where I picked up Shelagh's gifty, and after reading her bio., I've got to run back over and pick her up one more little thing that I just know Neil has plenty of! (And I have to mention that he has an online shop!) Thanks Neil for opening such a great little joint!

Moving on to new friends....WELCOME Rachel & Staley! Glad you decided to blog with a group of women as crazy as we are! I'm sorry...but you really don't know what you're getting yourselves in to! You've been warned!

I just wanted to let most of you know that I changed the mouse-over descriptions of your links. Now that I know some of you better, it was easier to better describe you. Check out your new mouse-over.

Kathleen's "The Unofficial Hugh Grant Fan Club" thread has become out of control! I went over to try and post another comment, and her comment box is filled to the max I think. Could it be that this Holiday week is making some of us a little nutso? Ask her about her dream...I'm not sure if she's telling us the whole story. *heehee*

And if I don't drive her crazy, and have her running for the hills screaming, Giao is going to make me a link button! How excited am I? I've not made it a secret how much I love her illos....like this girl doesn't have enough to do all ready? Giao, I've asked you before, and I'll ask you again....WHERE DO YOU GET ALL OF THAT ENERGY FROM GIRL? Phew....I'm getting worn out over here!

Well all, I may or may not be able to post again until the beginning of next week. I will be sure to check up on you over the weekend and comment. BUT, just in case I don't talk to any of you,

HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS!

ENJOY YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES...AND MOST OF ALL....ENJOY YOURSELVES!

hugs

posted by: sweetpeas at December 23, 2004 13:50 | link | comments (16) |
nothing much, bloggy presents

bad, bad girl!

I am SO bad!

I emailed my sister in Georgia and told her to open this present. HEY...she's pregnant, and could use a little love! (it has nothing to do with the fact that I have a dire need to show you all something)...(nothing what so ever)...(truly)...(really)

I'm a big fat liar.

She collects dragonflies and hinted to me (she actually said "hint, hint") that she is doing dragonflies in her bathroom at her new house. It's made from an old door panel. Jon did all of the sanding & basecoating.

My Mother always said I was bad at surprises.

posted by: sweetpeas at December 22, 2004 12:49 | link | comments (16) |
family & friends, artsy fartsy

"Christmas is coming, the Goose is getting fat...."

"Please to put a penny in the old man's hat, please to put a penny in the old mans hat. If you have no penny, a hey penny will do, if you have no hey penny then God Bless you,. If you have no hey penny then God Bless you!"

Ummmm.....can't remember how to spell "hey"...but you get the picture. This is a song that is in my mind constantly throughout the Christmas season...one of the many that we sang at Saint Louis elemantry in New Auburn. My sister in law and I were dancing around singing it the other day, as her kids looked at us like we were crazy folk. (well we are crazy folk, so what can I say?) What Holiday song has been ringing in your head this week?

We had a great morning in Freeport on Sunday. I was going to take a picture of the town, but as I looked through the view finder, it didn't look very interesting. Instead I took a picture of what I know Santa will NOT be bringing me for Christmas....but a girl can dream can't she?

Oh how I want a kayak!

On the way home we drove to the top of Blinn Hill, it's about 2 miles from our house. The entire hill had this strange frosty thing going on. It wasn't ice, it was more like frozen dew. Once we got to the bottom of the hill, it was gone.

I've become so accustomed to showing you all the things that I've made, it's driving me crazy to not be able to show you anything. I figured this was safe. I made little tags on the computer to attatch to all of the homemade gifts. Hope you can see it!

They say, "Made with love at The Plenty To Do Farm....Love Jon & Jes"

Lots of Christmas cheer via snail mail this week!

Kathleen sent Christmas cards with a picture of her 2 "babies" all dressed up for the Holidays. I still can't believe she got them to sit so pretty!

Yvonne sent a Sparkly New Year DIY kit....too much fun!

Hope sent a card with a cute Christmas Bear ornament. (I have to keep it high up, as I think Rudy would like to eat it!)

Melissa sent me a book called "Idyll Banter" by Chris Bohjalian. (Midwives, Trans-Sister Radio) I can't wait to start it!

Giao sent a funny Troll card with a few little extra goodies in my order! (how lucky am I?)

                                                              

I've been digging into the Blogs again...and have 2 new ones that I'm adding to the list.

Wol & Zo via Yvonne's links....ohmygod...I love her handmade stuff!

Frecklegirl.....a New England knitting wonder! (and she likes cool tunes as well)

If you haven't all ready....check them out!

Well, I guess that's about it! I'm staying home all day today to try and finish up the Christmas gifts! Hope you are all getting through the week O.K! OH...and in case you can't tell...my "bitchiness" has seemed to dissappear! Could it be I'm finally getting in the spirit?

posted by: sweetpeas at December 21, 2004 12:53 | link | comments (12) |
nothing much

YADA YADA YADA.....

I know I've been posting so little lately...busy, busy with making Christmas gifts! I wish I could show you all the goods, but you never know who's watching!

There's lots of Christmas goodness going around! I wish I was feeling it...as I told Yvonne, I've been so bitchy lately I can't even stand myself! But then I start cruizin' your sites, and I start to get in to the spirit! I also got my Christmas cards sent out finally, and that was a load off!

To get yourself in to the Christmas spirit, head over to Melissa's for a whirlwind Manhatten weekend! (She is SO taking me with her next time!) Baking is something that I've never been good at....but I might just try to bake some cookies once Dawn posts the recipes! (she's going to have to give me cookie tips...I always burn the bottoms). And getting in to the Christmas spirit is always easy when you visit our little Gnome. (I got my order and LOVED everything I ordered...way over the top product, and the lip balm...TOO DIE FOR!!!!!!)

Dawn and Hope nominated me for "best craft blog" at the Best Blog Awards which I didn't know existed, so I went to check it out, and what fun! It's also a great way to check out new blogs with the same interests. First of all gals, you are both very sweet...there are so many incredible craft blogs out there, lots of Martha Stewart Craftiness...with like 55 comments to each post...Queenie's being worshiped....girls hanging on every word they write....YADA YADA YADA...but it's still nice to be thought of, so THANKS! I did go in and nominate Dawn for cooking...as did many people! I just noticed tonight they have a photo category, and I'm going in and nominating Hope, because we all love her photography!

Well, that's about it, can't seem to think of anything else! This weekend we'll be home doing homemade Christmas, trying to wrap it all up! Might convince the Hubby to take a ride to L.L. Bean's...(we're like 40 min. away from there). If we do head to Freeport, I'll bring the camera...you never know what kind of crazy Christmas Holiday shot I could get!

CIAO!

posted by: sweetpeas at December 18, 2004 08:54 | link | comments (12) |
nothing much

pretty knits

Just wanted to show off these adorable hats my girlfriend Judy has been making! I made the scarf, and it is the exact same green that's in the colorful brim. I'm going to attempt to make one after Christmas. Homemade Christmas has got me on the run, but we're getting through it!

I'm loving the Christmas decor that is starting to pop up on the blogs! This will be the VERY FIRST year that I'm not going to decorate, and I've gone from being a little bummed out about it, to "oh well...you can't do it all." We wont be home this year for the Holidays, so that makes me feel a little better about it. We also decorate with all natural materials, so coming home to a bunch of dead pine needles is nothing to look forward to anyway. I'd rather come home to a clean house so I'll have plenty of room to put away all of our stuff! Hee-Hee. BUT...it has been cheery to see all of the creative decorating that some of you have been doing! Check out Kathleen's site for a Very Cali. Christmas!

hugs!

posted by: sweetpeas at December 13, 2004 15:47 | link | comments (14) |
artsy fartsy, inspiration for you

Insomnia Rants

Jon and I were both exhausted and made the mistake of going to bed at 7:00. I woke up at 11:30, and here I am wide awake still at 1:30 am! Went to make myself a cup of "Sleepy Time tea"...and I'm out, so I've settled for a decaf mint.

Well all is not lost! I went to visit Giao's site and was THRILLED to see her new scarfs that her Mom made for sale at The Walrus and The Carpenter. Every year I buy myself a little something for Christmas...and this was perfect! Throw in a soy lip balm and a Typewriter key choker...and Merry Christmas to me! The other good news, is that I had to go in to my Pay Pal and check out how I would go about using it for an online store (I use it for Ebay)...and discovered that I had a little money in there from last year that I had totally forgotten about! So this little gift to myself was doubly nice!

I'm adding these two blogs to my links page.

Pussicat (I think this is the name of her blog) and Dawn over at My Life with Garlic. Both of these gals will have your mouths watering...and both are adorable!

Well I think I'll go sew buttons onto Snowmen for an order that I received, until I get sleepy! Don't worry Melissa....I wont fall asleep while working on your crazy snowmen! Oh, and I found another stash of vintage photos that I will be using with them!

Nighty-night!

posted by: sweetpeas at December 09, 2004 07:06 | link | comments (11) |
nothing much

Winter Wonderland

The weather forecast predicted we would get about an inch of snow.

This is what I woke up to this morning...

Looking out my front door & across the road

 

posted by: sweetpeas at December 04, 2004 13:59 | link | comments (10) |

Thanksgiving Day

I never did mention our lovely Thanksgiving Day in Auburn at my Dad's.

Well...it was just LOVELY! What can I say?

My Bother in Law Eduardo & Little Gabe

My sister Marissa & Ed

Thanks Dad & Duke for making it a special day!

posted by: sweetpeas at December 04, 2004 13:53 | link | comments (1) |
family & friends