A New Year A New Beginning...

Hello Blogland:

It's been a long time and I have no apologies. Seriously I don't. The past few years it has been fun to read blogs, post to my blog and respond and meet some wonderful people. But lately there hasn't been any inspiration.

Someone gave me a wonderful idea to just blog twice a month. On first thought it was a great idea. But I haven't done that either. Why you may ask. Well I just don't have the time and the desire.

So my New Year's resolution to myself was to end Cassandra's Conumdrum. Yes that's right I will end this blog. Why try to update something I have no inspiration to continue? Even though I won't continue to use this blog I won't delete it. I have several highly recommended recipes, connections to other wonderful bloggers here and maybe someone could use this site for reference.

Thank you for all your support. It was appreciated.

Please enjoy your New Year! May God Bless you!

Cas...

Sew Mama Sew Blog meme

I'm an avid blog reader as some of you know. Blogging for myself isn't so popular for me lately. But I'm trying.

I was reading one of my favorite blogs Sew Mama Sew. Very inspirational. Even though my sewing has been on the backburner for some time I'm always pleased to read about sewing.

Here's a meme from the sew mama sew blog they posted and I decided to try. I need some type of jump start to blogging again. LOL!


What brand and model do you have?

Singer Anniversary addition (don't ask what anniversary)

How long have you had it?

I believe I purchased it in 1989.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

Around $400 to $500.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

clothing.

How much do you sew?

Not as much as I would like to. I haven't sewn in months. I'm trying to find some sewing mojo.

How much wear and tear does the machine get?

Not much! LOL! I rarely sew.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

My sewing machine doesn't have a name. I'm not crazy about it. But it works.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

None offhand. It's just an O.K machine.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

The bunching of the thread under the presser foot.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree?
Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

Nope none at all. I guess if I used it more it would be different.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

No, I don't think it's a great machine. It's a bit mediocre in my opinion.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Comfort in using the machine and good features.

Do you have a dream machine?

I actually would prefer to try many different machines. I haven't done this so before I make a judgement I would like to try a Pfaff, Baby Lock, Elna, Bernina and many others.

Simple meme. As you can see I don't have many strong opinions on sewing machines. I'm very openminded. Now if I can only start sewing again I think I would be on the right track.

Wish me tons of luck.

Smooches...

Stash Busting - Lace Up Moccasins

These moccasins was found in a Crochet A Day Calendar for 2008. The pattern is by Georgiann Eikenbary. I saw these moccasins and instantly knew I had to make them. This is a picture from the blog of the designer.

Here is a frontal view of my moccasins. They have beads purchased from Michaels' and fringe around the top of the foot. The pattern from the calendar shows fringe and it mentions beads but I couldn't see them on the photo.

I think mine look really really good. Very good pattern. I love how they come up the calf.

Here's a side view. There was an option to make additional soles so I did for additional cushion. Also I added some padded insoles to make them comfortable and to give them some shape.

I'm modeling these while at my mother's home. She was very impressed with my work. Watching her look over my workmanship made me feel all puffed up and proud! LOL!

I haven't decided to keep them or give them away as a gift. I may just keep them for myself. Who knows?

It feels great to finish a project and the outcome is terrific. I'm very pleased with these moccasins.

Toodles!

Something new...

This is my latest and greatest craft I've added to my never ending craft resume. It's beading. I made a pendant I found in an issue of Bead and Button magazine a few months ago. It's called Hojas Inspiration. This was a pretty easy project. Not bad at all for my first attempt. I do hope to make more projects in the near future.

Please excuse the photo. I'm still learning how to take good photos. This was the best one out of the ones taken. I wish you could see more detail.

Well I'm back and I'm trying posting more often. Let's see how I do right! LOL!

Stash Busting - A Gift for Joyce

It's been a while I know! Trust me! I know!

But I've been busy with a few things. For National Crochet month I started a new crochet project. I didn't want to spend any money on yarn when I had so much in my stash. So I decided to go through my yarn. There was a whole one pound skein of blue yarn which was calling my name. While in Hobby Lobby I found a really quick and easy afghan pattern by Red Heart to make. Then I remembered my cousin Joyce. Joyce has been recuperating at home for the past year after a serious stroke. She doesn't get out of the bed often so I thought this might make the perfect gift. I call it "A Gift for Joyce".

I really like this pattern. It called for a super saver skein of Red Heart yarn but since I had the Carons One Pound Skein of yarn I thought it would be a good substitution. But low and behold I didn't test gauge and I ran out of yarn.

I decided to stop after I ran out of yarn and used the variegated yarn for the edging. I love how it came out. Pretty huh? Would patting myself on the back be wrong? LOL!

I love how the FPDC creates the ribbing in the pattern. Too cool!

Here's a close up photo of the afghan. I love it! The pattern really looks good.

I may make this again. I really liked it a lot. My mom was impressed too. I haven't given it to my cousin yet but I plan on doing it after church on Easter. I think that would be a lovely gift for her Easter celebration.

What do you think?

Toodles...

Miss me?

It's been too long right? I bet you thought I forgotton about my blog. Well my blog wasn't forgotten. The beginning of the year has been very busy for me. But I'm back with a short pictureless post today.

Overall things have been good but busy for me. I'm still working at the same job thankfully. Things are going well so far. I'm thankful to work nonetheless.

Now that I'm back I plan on changing a few things about my blogging. You'll see the changes over the next few months. I plan on writing more about my hobbies, changing the appearance of my blog and well as some other fun things.

Stay tuned!

A little something

I was up reading blogs this morning when I saw this meme on Adrienne's and Patrice's blog. I thought it was a fun one. So here's my entries.


10 Things you wish you could say to ten different people

1. I love you but that doesn't mean I have to like you.

2. That was seriously stupid. What were you thinking?

3. God takes care of children and fools. So you're well covered!

4. I'm not taking care of you and yours because you made mistakes in your life. Get a grip, make some goals and get yourself together.

5. If you don't have anything to say SHUT UP!

6. You're not that great of a friend to me. I just don't see why you expect so much more than you give in return.

7. Get over yourself! Just because you wear nice clothes and have lots of discretionary income does not make you better than anyone.

8.Did I ask you for you opinion?

9. Your way isn't the only way to do things

10. I have better things to do with my time!

9 Things about yourself

1. I'm tall and I like it now. I hated being tall when I was younger.

2. I'm very sensitive, my feelings get hurt easily and I react unpleasantly.

3. I love adventure and I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie

4. I love crafts and I'm willing to dabble in most

5. I love traveling.

6. I like serial killer shows (creepy I know)

7. I love to read books (mysteries are my favorite)

8. Shopping is so much fun at all times. It doesn't matter what it is either!

9. I like to cook.

8 Ways to win my heart

1. Treat me with respect

2. Be romantic

3. Be a good friend

4. Take care of yourself and your business

5. Have goals

6. Be a good kisser

7. A good hugger too

8. Live with an open heart and mind

7 Things that cross my mind a lot

1. Are they going to lay me off from my job?

2. I don't want to spend too much money

3. How's my brother. Is he getting the care he needs

4. I hope mom isn't sitting at home bored. I hope she gets up and does something!

5. My aunt is going to kill herself eating all the time. It's a shame!

6. I hope I pass this class and get a part time job.

7. What do I need to do and when can I do it?

6 Thing I do before I fall asleep

1. Watch television

2. Turn down the heat.

3. Clean out the sink

4. Take vitamins and pills

5. wash up

6. find Edgar

5 People I couldn’t live without

1. Mom

2. Brother

I think that's it for me. I actually can and may have to live without them but my mom and brother mean the world to me. It would be a hard life.

4 Things I am wearing right now

1. Tweed Pants

2. long underwear. It's cold here in Chicagoland

3. Rust sweater

4. turtleneck

5. socks

3 Songs that fit my life perfectly

1. Happy - Mary J Blige

I can't think of anything else. I'm not that much into music. I may need to get back to you this one. LOL!

2 Thing I want to do before I die

1. Go to Africa

2. Win the lottery!

1 Confession

I don't have much to confess. My life isn't exciting. I wish I did have someone in my life but that's about it. I'm a magnet for men who want me to take care of them, boring and user type men. But don't worry! I run and get away from the as fast I can! LOL!

This was fun! I hope you enjoy it.

End of Holiday Weekend Post

Howdy folks!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I did! I cooked. I don't think I want to do it again unless its at my house (I did it at Mom's). I made a cajun Thanksgiving dinner. I pulled my Paul Prudhommes Cajun Kitchen cookbook out and set to creating a menu. I made Roast pork, Cajun meatloaf, Cajun dressing, homemade dinner rolls, salad and a banana cake. Everything was good except for the banana cake which fell apart when my mom took it out the pan. LOL! The bottom stuck. It was a mess and she tried to frost it anyway. Poor mom! But everything tasted good. I mean really good! I'm very proud of myself.

I didn't go out to do any after Thanksgiving shopping on Friday but I did on Saturday! You know that JoAnn's sale that started at 7am? I went! I was the first one standing in the doorway (but not the first car in the parking lot) to get in to buy a dress form. That's right! I finally got my dress form! It cost $99! I couldn't pass it up! I also purchased the super size knitting needles, a wreath for my door, two 10 yard bolts of interfacing for $2.99, the latest Sew Simple magazine, a pattern to make my mom an outfit for Christmas and material. I was on a mission.

I must say the ladies who were waiting with me were quite socialable and pleasant to talk to while waiting. We all wanted to know what each other was there to purchase. People were there for all types of things. This lady from Peoria, IL wanted a dress form too and we looked out for each other. LOL! Other ladies wanted interfacing and Christmas decorations and misc other sewing supplies. It was great. Not crowded or rowdy or anything. I would definitely do it again.

I was at my mother's home early on Thanksgiving and I didn't leave until Saturday. I got home and took a nap then proceeded to put my dress form together, cut out the pattern for my mom's outfit then do a little cleaning. I'm pretty pleased with my weekend.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm off to have a roast pork sandwich for lunch!

Bon Appetit!

Happy Thanksgiving...

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I always count my blessings despite the whinning I do on a daily basis. But sometimes I don't say it enough so people realize I do realize I'm blessed.

So here's to the world!

I want to be thankful for

family
friends
having a job
having a home
having common sense (most of the time)
having money (even though it might not be as much as I want)
my cat
food on my table
and my health

If I missed anything it isn't because I'm not thankful. I'm thankful for all the blessings in my life today and what's coming.

I hope we all do the same.

Blessings to all

I'm getting it!

Thanks to all of you who posted comments regarding Ravelry on my blog. Any help is much appreciated. I finally got my blog feed directed there! Thanks Stacey.



I finally figured out the difference between the queue and favorites! LOL! They seemed to mean the same to me but now I get it. I just need to figure out how to get other patterns I want to do listed. Then I will be straight!



Here is my latest and greatest! I just started this on Thursday!
It's called a cushy scatter rug and its for my master bathroom. It's supposed to be 24 X 60 inches. I have a ways to go but I'm off to a great start. I am using three strands of yarn and its very thick. The yarn colors are shown in the previous post. The Caron yarns. I'm using one of each color. I hope I purchased enough yarn!

I got the pattern from Wal Mart. It's the "Beginner's Guide Crochet Stitches & Easy Projects" by Leisure Arts Little books. I'm doing a cross stitch all through it. I've done in this book. This book is a must for a newbie!

I made scatter rug before using a goldish yarn with metallic threads all through it. I loved that rug but a previous feline roommate ruined it by urinating on it. I would wash it and she would do it over and over again. Needless to say she is no longer a roommate and I threw the rug away. It was a hard thing to do! Trust me!

Well I'm off to pack for my trip. I don't plan on taking this project since the skeins of yarn are so large. I would definitely have to check my luggage for a trip with it. I don't want to do that this week. Traveling light is a preference for me.

Chat with ya later!

Ravelry Musings...

O.K. I forgot to write about my Ravelry musings yesterday. I was on a roll with my finished project and it got in the way. LOL!

I've been browsing Ravelry for a while and trying to update things. I have a few questions for you ladies out there.

One, I have tons of yarn without labels.

I finally got an opportunity to sort it and put it into baggies. If you have noticed most of it has been made into balls. I do this while watching television in the evening. It helps keep my skeins from getting too tangled.

My question is how do you label your yarns in your yarn stash if you aren't sure of the amount? Most of this yarn is leftovers or extra yarn purchased. Some of it is a partial skein and others aren't. How do you handle this?

My second question would be your blog feed. I have my blog listed but it doesn't show in Ralvery. How do you get it to show in Ravelry. Is it the RSS feed? How do I learn my RSS feed?

My third question is how well do you know Ravelry? I'm learning a lot but there is so much it can be overwhelming! My group is hoping to create a group on Ravelry soon but there is so much we need to learn. Do you have any tips for me?

So far I have four projects listed and completed. I'm working on a new project now and I hope to have it listed by the weekend. Come check me out when you have the chance!

Here are some photos from my group called "Ewe Can Knit Too". We are meeting once a week now and I love it. I'm the only one who crochets regularly. They are all knitters but are considering dabbling into crochet since I finish my projects so much faster than they do! One member Kritina always teases me about my projects. I will start a new project and the following week she will ask me if I finished! LOL! I'm O.K. but not that good! LOL!

Here is Barb teaching a newbie how to cast on. This was kind of funny to watch because their were several people helping her and many different ways to do the cast on of course. I was getting confused watching them!This is a picture from my end of the table. We meet at Panera Bread Company in Plainfield, IL on Mondays and we just push three tables together and work it out. I love Panera Bread Company. Good food! Last week they brought around treats for us to try and the clerks are very nice to us.

Larisa is the one on the left with the dark hair and glasses. She is our organizer and she is great! We are working on creating our Ravelry group. I can't wait! One person who was close to me wasn't included in this picture but I will get her next time! LOL!

I'm on a yarn budget. I wasn't supposed to buy any yarn until next year since I have such a nice quantity as you can see above. However, when I received my JoAnn's flyer I noticed yarn was on sale. I needed yarn to make a rug for my master bathroom. I was going to wait until next year but when I saw the Caron one pound yarn for 2 for $9 I couldn't let that pass. I justified it by listed it as a household expense instead of a hobby expense! LOL! It's the accountant in me that did it! I bought six skeins because the rug is supposed to be 60 inches long using three strands of yarn. I'm mixing one of each color to get a varigated look. I wasn't sure how much was needed since I'm noting most patterns are in yards instead of weight. So I bought extra. I think I will have enough in one skein. If not I will return three!

I don't know if you saw the recent Interweave Crochet magazine for fall. It's the bomb! I love Interweave Crochet fall issue! It's definitely worth the price. I've already flagged five items I must make. One is of this beautiful Austen Lace Muffler. I think this is so cute! I wanted to do one so I bought Patons Bamboo silk yarn at JoAnn's. I thought I was getting the right weight but I didn't check until I got home. This yarns weight is a "3" and the pattern requires a "2" weight. I was a bit disappointed besides I wasn't sure if it was enough. It wasn't! So I returned this yarn and will wait until later to do this project if I can't find any in my stash. By the way this yarn is on sale at JoAnn's for $4 a skein. That's a good price. I really like how it feels too! Very soft!

Well I think that's enough for today!

Later chicas!

Crochet and Ravelry Musings

I've been very busy with my crochet group. Now that fall has begun we have decided to meet weekly. This was my suggestion. I find that I miss a lot of meetings with my work schedule. We are going to create a group on Ralvery too! I'm quite excited. Many members already added me to their friends list (It's mskasey for those of you who would like to add me too!).

As a group we decided to do a knit/crochet a-long. Remember I'm a crocheter not a knitter (which I will try after a few more crochet projects). Well I was the first one who started and first one finished. I decided to do this pattern by Moda Dea yarns.


This is a crocheted kimono. Kritina from our group brought a knitted kimono book to our meetings and suggested a knit/crochet a-long. They chose kimonos from the book and I searched the internet for this one. Here is my review.

This is the finished kimono

Close up details

Pattern - Moda Dea crochet kimono - leaflet


Yarn - Bernat Berella "4" the afghan yarn

Color - Burgundy


How much yarn used - about 6 1/8 skeins. The pattern suggests a Moda dea yarn but it was more per skein than I wanted to pay.


Cost of yarn - $1 a skein! I bought 9 just in case. I found it in the clearance aisle at Michaels'. I love a good bargin.


Level - easy


Started - September 29th


Ended - October 14th


Size - 36


Did it look like the picture - yes it did!


Were the instructions easy to follow - yes


What did I like about the pattern - very easy and quick to crochet


What did I dislike about the pattern - nothing was wrong with the pattern at all.

Would I crochet it again - definitely. I want to do it again for myself!


Changes made - I decided to crochet a belt instead of using ribbon like the pattern said to do. It's just a simple single crochet belt.


Would I recommend this pattern - Definitely! Very easy! Good for a beginner crocheter


I still need to wash and block it but I think you get the overall effect. I think it came out great and I can't wait to give it to my mom. I think she will love it! I'm excited!

More projects to come!

Toodle Loo!

Crocheted Finished Projects for 2008

This will be a picture heavy post. I am so happy to show off my newest finished objects! I am so excited to finally post these crocheted items. They are past due my intended completion date but I am happy with the results!

The first item is a crocheted shell I made using Sugar n Cream cotton yarn I purchased at Michaels' when they had their ten skeins for $10 sale. This shell took about 8 1/2 skeins. It's very simple to make and I will make another one. I got the pattern from the Sugar n Cream website after I purchased the yarn. I am very excited and thrilled with it.


I want to show off my detail around the arms. I had to single crochet around the arms twice to finish.

This is the neckline. I like square necklines and the shell pattern looks really pretty!

Last but not least the bottom of the tank I crocheted the shell pattern all around. A very fun and easy project. This could easily be done in a week.

Unfortunately the shell is too big by one size on me. I think I will give it away to one of my friends.

This project I started back in June and had planned to complete by the end of July. This is the cardigan I worked on and ran out of yarn. I couldn't locate any skeins in the right dye lot so I had to improvise. I decided to make the back a solid color. It worked perfectly! I was thrilled. This jacket came out perfect. I actually have plenty of the multi-colored yarn left over.

The one thing about this pattern was the amount of yarn needed. I used two whole extra skeins on this project. I bought an extra skein but it was not enough. I guess you live and learn to improvise.

I must confess it is not entirely completed. I need to sew those buttons onto the sweater! TEE HEE! This is the one reason I am not modeling it for you.

As for the fit. It's PERFECT! I had to let you know this because a certain blogger and hubby (Patrice and Ian) said it looked huge. But I will say this they weren't the only ones. But it isn't huge at all. It's very thick though. My mom said it was like a coat! LOL!

Now I must show off some of my details like the ribbing around the sleeve. This was the first time I did ribbing and it really was easy. I love how the sleeves are nice and long. Sorry to the bloggers who suggested I make the sleeves 3/4 length to save on yarn. I have issues! LOL!

This is the collar. I had to do a shell pattern all around and change colors too for the back. Not bad! I really like this sweater and I can't wait to wear it when it gets cold.

Last but not least I made my first pair of socks! Yes these are crocheted socks. I love them! I made them in about a week. Not bad huh? I could have made them quicker but I took my time. I really like the way they turned out. I can't wait to make another pair. These were made with white worsted weight yarn I purchased at AC Moore in a bulk package with no name. It was incredibly cheap so I thought why not? Sure came in handy too. I didn't use much of it either. I like the way these feel on my feet. Very comfy!

These socks are worked from the cuff to the toe. The ribbing on the cuff is so easy! I mean very easy! I think I will make some of these for gifts this Christmas for family. I really like them a lot.

I really like the cuff. It's a simple single crochet only in the back loops. I made them while watching my television shows.

The heel, gusset and toe was a little more challenging in the respect of reading the pattern. I did frog once to start again but I figured it out after the one frogging. The toe was a no brainer and sews close with no ridge. KEWL!

Well there you have it! My crocheting projects for the month of September. I think I did a fabulous job! I am very excited.

Right now I think I will take a small hiatus on crocheting. I have other crafts I need to concentrate on (sewing and scrapbooking) for a while. I will get back to crocheting a little later in the year.

TOODLE LOO!

Comedy of Sewing Errors

Well! Where do I start? Let’s start at my attempt to move on with my sewing projects to a jacket. It’s a simple jacket (so they say) that I started at the “Escape to Sew” day at my local sewing/quilting store. The jacket is McCall’s pattern #5241. It’s a one-hour sewing pattern. I chose this pattern because I thought it would be perfect for me to slowly get back into sewing. At least that is what I thought. Well at my first day I cut out the material and by the end of the day I had sewn the back seam and the sleeve seams. I was there all of six hours with a lunch break for about an hour. But of course, I spent most of time talking with the ladies (which is important later).

The next time I decided to work on the jacket was at the same sewing/quilting store. They have what they call “Midnight Madness” which is on Friday nights once a month. It’s from 6pm to Midnight and you are allowed to come and work on your projects. Since this was my first time, I spent time eating and chatting with the ladies. This is not good for me. I now know I cannot sew and chit chat too. It just doesn’t work for me. My mind needs to be on my work. I spent around 2 hours trying to get my sleeve to work. I will say some of it has to do with the pattern. Later my mom and friend told me to ease the sleeve even though the pattern doesn’t specify it. They feel I would have an easier time with it. Anyway I got frustrated and eventually left around 9pm. I think the ladies thought I was frustrated with them but that wasn’t it. I also had an 8am hair appointment which takes me an hour to get to from my home (I have a hard time finding good hair stylists who can do my hair right). A wedding at 3pm with nothing to wear (that’s another blog post). I just decided to go. Also when I tried on my jacket it seemed to hang weird. Hmmm?

Well, on Sunday I took the materials and patterns to my mom to check for issues. First of all my mom does not believe in sewing on Sunday. She says it’s in the bible that you don’t work on Sunday. We are allowed to cook, clean and everything else but sew and crochet. I have always wondered where she gets this but its mom and I will just have to live with it. Anyway, I lay out the material and show her what I am doing and low and behold I see the biggest issue and it isn’t the sleeve insertion. I had actually sewn the incorrect seam! I sewed the bottoms together! Duhhhh! No wonder it hung weird! LOL! The next issue was I didn’t mark my material for the circles and my darts were odd. So I came to a major conclusion. I cannot talk and work on my sewing. So maybe I will discontinue the sewing away from home. I haven’t fully decided yet though. I do like the socializing but it hinders my progress tremendously. I met so many nice ladies.

So, now you know why you haven’t seen any of my sewing creations. I can’t shut my big fat trap so the comedy of sewing errors flourishes! Pray for me and hope I get it together!

Renaissance Faire Weekend

Well hello folks!

I had a pretty decent weekend. I didn't do much as planned but I got to do some fun things. The things I wanted to do wasn't all that important but I still need to do them! LOL!

Saturday evening I went to a crop with some friends and brought limited scrapbook supplies. I did work on a few layouts. My outcome was good and I had a good time as always.

Sunday was the fun day for me. I went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin on Sunday. I like going to the faire and people watching. I usually sit around amazed at the costumes people wear to the faire and wonder how they don't faint from heat exhaustion. Some of the costumes are very heavy materials. I mean very heavy for 80 degree weather! Geez! But they wear them proudly. I saw several shows I enjoyed. The first one was Washing Well Wenches. They were a duo of funny ladies who invite audience participation (or demand it) and sing songs and joke around. They were fun. Here are some photos of them!

You have to be a good sport and enjoy the silliness of the whole act.

I also think I ate a lot too. I love to have the garlic mushrooms they serve from a big cauldron fire. They are so good. The mushrooms are cooked with garlic and onions and are delicious! I always get a big bowl of them!

I also had something called Spanish Fries which were steak fries with nacho cheese, onions and jalapeno peppers. I liked them too!

Another fun show to watch is "The Swordsmen". My friend Becky has a major crush on Dirk Perfect. He is the one without the glasses.

Each time we go Becky sits and enjoys watching Dirk in his tight pants.

We watched many shows including the insulting man you get to throw tomatoes at for a fee. Another show called Moonie which is very funny I wouldn't know where to begin to describe his show. The Mud Eaters and yes they do eat mud as well as dive into it. There is a joust and many parades too. A good time for all ages!

While we were there we got rained on too. During the Moonie show which was a drag. I ran under one of the vendors awnings and tried to watch from there. But one thing was good. I found a dear friend I haven't seen in a while. Her name is Kathy! My little buddy. Even sitting I was taller than her! LOL!

Well its time to cut this post off before I really get on a roll. Someone already told me my posts were too long (PATRICE). LOL!

Smooches!

Home from Texas

Hey!

It's been one of those weeks for me. It's good to be home. I worked in San Antonio then I had to drive from San Antonio to Bellville, to Victoria to Port Lavaca then finally Houston. It was very hot in Texas (of course it's August) and I have many mosquito bites on my legs (where they came from I don't know!). It's great to be home with my kitty though. He always greets me with a round of loud "meows" when I walk in the house. He really hates it when I leave poor baby!

Anyway while I was away I didn't get as much accomplished personally but I did find some cool stuff. In Humble Texas there is a quilt shop I got to browse in called It's a Stitch. A very nice store with lots of cool quilts. For some reason I am getting into quilts. I have no real plans for doing one anytime soon but I like to look at them. This store is also a Bernina dealer so I was excited to browse around. I am always impressed to see embroidery machines and the quilting machines these stores offer. Boy you could blow several thousands of dollars on these babies for sure! I better stay away from these stores if I want to stay within budget! LOL!

I also popped into JoAnn's and bought the latest Sew Stylish magazine. It has instructions on how to make a sloper with a friend over the weekend. I actually e-mailed a sewing friend and asked if she would help me make this for myself along with a duct tape dress form for myself. I have too many rolls of duct tape not to make this for myself instead of purchasing one! LOL! She replied she would help me now we just need some time to do it. I am hoping for sometime in September. Wish me luck! I will definitely show the progress!

Also on the crafty front I haven't touched my cardigan sweater since I left for San Antonio. I packed it but I never got a chance to do any of it. I just need to finish one sleeve and then sew it together and do the edging. I am really getting excited but I have so much to do I don't know if I will have the time this weekend. I may do it Monday night while watching "The Closer". I love that show! LOL!

While away on this trip, I did a lot of reading. I like to read mysteries. I like a good "whodunnit" to get my mind working. They are tons of fun to read and to listen to in the car. I had two books on CD to listen to while in the car. One was Lillian Jackson Braun's "The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers" and I am still listening to John Sandford's Phantom Prey. Both are series. I love series. It's fun to read about a character you are familiar from past readings. The book I began reading this week was by Maggie Sefton "Knit One Kill Two". It's a knitting mystery! Isn't that too funny! I like this one so far. I also found a crochet mystery called Hooked on Murder. The knitting and crochet mysteries are series with these books as the first. I think Hooked on Murder is new and more will be coming out soon. The Maggie Sefton novel has some books out already. I can't wait to read more. I also read Monica Ferris' "Crewel World" series too. Her books involve all needlework aspects. All of these books from knitting, crocheting and needlework have patterns in the back for you to try. I have yet to try one but the possibility is there. Overall I think there is a mystery out there for every crafter from scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, cooking, sewer and more. I think its so kewl! LOL!

Well I am off to the library to renew my books and return some others. I don't want to get fined for having these out past my due date. I frequent the library for most of my reading. I did buy the crochet mystery from a mystery bookstore in San Antonio called "Remember the Alibi". I love cute names of stores. Just dandy! LOL!

Here is a recipe for a Thai dish I promised Sheila. I hope you all enjoy!

Spicy Thai-style ground chicken with basil

1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

12 ounces ground chicken or turkey

3 green onions, chopped

juice of 1/2 lime

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 hot peppers, seeded if desired, minced

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon chili paste with garlic or to taste

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

cooked white or brown rice for serving

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. When it is hot, add chiken. Stir fry 45 seconds. Add garlic and hot pepper; continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink, 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add green onions, lime juice, fish sauce, chili paste and sugar. Stir-fry about 30 seconds longer, adding basil just before it is removed from heat. Serve over rice.

Bon Appetit' Sheila!

See you in the funny papers!

Sitemeter issues

I don't know how many of you know this. But yesterday I had a hard time reading my own blog entry due to an error which would not allow me to open my blog. I looked for help and found that Sitemeter was having some issues and you need to remove it from your website in order for people to view it. This includes web accounts from typepad and other blog servers. It's the Sitemeter feed that is the issue. Check to see if you can view your own blog.

Here is a link http://groups.google.com/group/blogger-help-troubleshoot/topics.

I hope this helps!

Keeping it real!

Friday evening

Well! I got home from Houston around 6:30pm and I thought I would read my e-mail and watch some television. No problem. I like to read e-mail jokes and stuff and I get plenty of them. Reading the jokes can be quite relaxing. I need to laugh after a long day at the airport.

Well I was sitting here in my chair in front of my computer and I started reading my e-mail. I had a funny new one of the "Maxines" and some jokes ones. But mainly I had ones I checked while I was away in Houston. One I didn't read in Houston because it was a video and I wasn't sure if I should watch it while I was in one of the broker's offices. The title was "and all they found was the camera". So I watched this video below. Check it out.

Please tell me your reaction in the comment section. I have a major headache now and I need to find some tylenol or some wine to calm my nerves. DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace and Strength be with you!

Things I do when I work out of town

I eat pretty good food! I love Houston. Anytime you are this close to the gulf you can get some seriously delicious seafood. I went to a restaurant in Sugar Land called Razzoo's and had this wonderful jalapeno fried catfish, with rice and green beans. Delicious! The green beans have been cooked with spicy sausage and are delicious! If you are ever in the Houston area try this place out! It is good!

I found these at JoAnn's they are only $1 a set. I love them. I can't help but buy crafting stuff when I am out of town. These were a steal and I can't wait to use them making cards and scrapbook pages! Besides they are very easy to pack too!

I also purchased the latest "Sew Simple" magazine. I love these magazines. I have yet to try making anything but I love the articles. Great tutorials for sewing. If you never tried sewing I suggest these magazines. I believe they come out quarterly and cost around $5.99. I wait for a coupon from JoAnn's to purchase mine. I haven't been able to find them in the library around me.
I found this quilting book at Borders for $5.99. I like it a lot. I am considering making a quilt for myself. I haven't decided if I will but it's a thought. I thought an instruction book might be great. This one has some cool easy patterns too. I can't wait to read through it.

What a great day! I am packing to go home tomorrow. It rained today in Chicago and I hope it holds off to late tomorrow night for more. I don't need my flight delayed. Nothing is worst than sitting in the airport when you are ready to be home.

This weekend it looks like I will be spending at my mother's home. My brother will be home the weekend so I will be there to help with him. I plan on taking my crocheting to work on. Hopefully my projects will be completed by next weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I have already uploaded some photos today so I am getting back into the groove. I just hit one of those little bumps in the road along the way. LOL!

I'm back!

ROCK ON!

Crochet and photo news

Hello there!

I knew I forgot to post something earlier this month and now I remember. I finally joined Ravelry! My user name is mskasey. I like it so far. I have visited the Ebony Elite group, updated my profile, added two new projects and my crochet hook collection. I have yet to venture many other places but I hope to do so soon. I have so much on my plate so it will take some time. But I am glad to be a member now.

On another note I have made a decision regarding my crochet cardigan project. I am going to continue to do the back in solid yarn. The old back will be frogged and I wil finish the sleeve as well as the trimming around the edges with this yarn. I think this scenario works best for me. I know sometimes I have self doubts. I just needed to vent I think. Thank you for all your wonderful suggestions.

As for the picture issue, I think I have come to a conclusion. Stacey offered a great idea of switching to html to upload photos and suggested I try that so I will. I may also limit the amount of photos I upload per post. It's just a very time consuming activity for me. I will find a way to add them again. So don't worry. I will not continue with the long no picture posts. LOL!

Have a great day!

Catch you on the flip side!