Hello from the Windy Country. First snow now wind...I'll take the snow. The wind blew so hard it sounded like a train and at one time a fire siren. Did I mention I don't like wind!

Anyway, we have been without power for several days other than our generator. DH says I can connect my computer but I'm afraid it will fry something. And for the first time I missed our 5th wheeler....nothing to cook on except the BBQ, I will have to find an old fashioned hot plate.

Luvs....did you make it to the craft show? With or without your DGD? When I find something I would like to "pirate" I buy one and then make my own. A friend suggested using my cell phone to take a picture, somehow that doesn't seem to be the same. Object in hand VS. cell phone picture...nah!

Punk...how did I have your address? Back when I first joined here you were kind enough to sent me some books and I added you to my address book. For once I was on top of things. Glad they found a new home!

Anj...Oh! My Aching Back!!!!! How does you tilt board work for you? Does it help? I hope so, being in pain is not fun and it seems to compound all of the other stress's in our lives. Can't the DR's do something to fix it? But then sometimes surgery is worse than the problem. I have been watching the commercials on TV and thinking about getting a tilt board for DH who has a degenerating spine thingy going on, thought it might relieve some of his pain and soreness. What do ya' think?

Well....we are still in the running for the state championship, only two more game. The next one will be in the Tacoma Dome this Sat., and it is a loser out game. And it should be the hardest game yet as the team is 11-0 the same as DGS team stats. I nearly froze during the last two games, even with long john's on...it is so cold sitting in the stands with rain and wind going on around you....but I wouldn't miss it for anything! He is now a TV star...he was on for all of 5 seconds...hehehe...silly kid paused the TV so that I wouldn't miss him.

I just finished up a Halloween painting, but wasn't happy with the border so I will try to get it re-painted today and post it soon. It was really fun to do! Now it is on to Christmas, didn't even get anything for Thanksgiving done, maybe by Valentines Day.

Ya' All Take Care and Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Belle

Hey ya'll.. just a quick check in for me today and forgive any typos. Soooo much going on this week, but wanted to stop in and say hey.
Belle...My DH also has degenerative disks in his back and he really loves the inversion table. I've been to tons of drs in my life...last was The Spine Institute here where a group of 10 spine specialists looked at my back xrays and MRI and decided that since I have a tilted pelvis one of the 2 types of surgery they do for my problem...one wouldn't work at all and the other had limited chance to be successful and they couldn't assure me that I still wouldn't be in pain or it could possibly paralyze me so I passed on that. ha The inversion table as been the best investment I've ever made. It keeps me going and generally pain free most of the time. My problem is that I was born without the pars (little hooks) on my lower spine that keep it from slipping around....so it's an ongoing battle. The least thing can cause it to slip and pinch the nerves going down my legs. The inversion table realigns my spine every time it slips. I recommend it to just about anybody with spine problems, but do some research. Some people with heart problems I think aren't supposed to use it.
Oops, left this open for a long time....hopefully it will go. Started "refinishing" my kitchen cabinets and forgot about it. ha Ya'll have a good one. I'm off to the kids parent teacher conferences. ~Anj

Hello,
This is going to be a busy week. Jumped on here while dinner is cooking. I had a late night at the office and then went to the grocery store so I'm doing a late night here.

Luvs, you so right with the dinners, there is also alot of cleaning. I'm cooking we decided so I need to do some extra cleaning before Thurs. I was just telling DH with decorating for Christmas I think the only reason we do it is so the tops of our cabinets and these odd places get cleaned again. If I had it to do over I would not have open space above the cabinets.

Belle, so sorry to hear about the wind and NO POWER for several days??? I've never been w/o power for more than a few hours. What do you do? Run the generator all day and night so you can stay warm or do you have wood heat?

Well be hoopin and hollorin this Sat. for the game. That would be awesome if they could win. He sounds like a fun one, don't blink or you might miss me, no I'll pause it so you won't.LOL

Bad backs, stink and it seems like its so common. Way sad!

Anj, so how are you refinishing your cabinets? I've seen some really neat redo's and I painted mine in our modular home we had. I would love to try painting these but DH would have a fit and I don't want to hear about it.

Take care and keep in touch. Punk

How neat so many of you were able to stop by today! I love it!

Punk, I totally agree with you about not leaving space above the kitchen cabinets. When we redid this kitchen , I wanted to be able to put some silk plants and some of my "stuff" up there. The older I get, the more of a hassle it is to have to climb up there to clean it all. Last time, I put sheets of wax paper on the tops, so hopefully it will make it faster next time. Sure wish I would have just had the cabinets go all the way to the ceiling. Someday I may have the top part closed in with wall board or something so I don't have to think about it anymore. No one can see up there but I KNOW when it is needing to be cleaned! LOL

Belle, I'll be cheering your grandson's team on, sure hope they win. I don't like wind either and we get some strong ones here too when the winds come out of the east! One year I was out collecting my Fall decorations from all the neighbor's yards! And it just seems to chill you to the bone too--not used to that!

Anj, hope the cabinet project goes well. How did you do on getting all the boxes back into the attic? Hope you have lots of fun and food on turkey day.

Luvs

Hey ya'll. 1am here. Took a nap and now I'm up for a little while. Punk~ Didn't actually refinish the cabinets, but they look awesome. It's this stuff called Howards Restore a Finish. I have oak cabinets (no top shelf) ha and they were looking so dry and ugly. Especially the ones under the sink that get water occasionally. That plus the wax you put on afterward makes them look like I have all new cabinets. Love it!! Did my dining room table as well. It covers scratches and with pine...well, you can imagine. It's looking really good. Tomorrow, my front door is getting the treatment. I got it on a recommendation from my SIL and hopefully it will last for a while. Got it for $7 a can at Home Depot...figured I couldn't go wrong.

Luvs~ Hey woman! ha I only got the Christmas tree box in and the tree up. Have not had a minute to get the other ones in yet. Just got so much going on. Finally got DH's car out of the shop so at least I won't be running him back and forth to work. That's a 45 min drive one way and was taking a big chunk out of my days.
The kids will be getting out of school tomorrow for the rest of the week. I promised them a day to go look for Santa at Toys R Us and a few other stores. Hopefully it won't be snowing. I have to go visit my church ladies before Thanksgiving to make sure they are doing ok. Tomorrow I've got to do my grocery shopping and I am also cleaning all the nooks and crannies. ha DH is maybe taking off Friday so don't know if I'll get any painting done. Depends on if he is doing yard work or if he's inside. Really need to get stared on my Christmas projects.

We are definitely going to have lots of food Thurs and hopefully enough left over so I don't have to cook for a few days. ha That's the way I like it.
Did you see New Moon yet? I went with DH and friends on Saturday! I loved it!

Belle! Cheering for DGS on his game and also for you that you get your electricity back soon. Not good!

Ok...think my sleeping pill is starting to kick in. Ya'll have a good one. ~Anj

Morning Anj, Glad to hear DH got his car back. If he is off Friday, maybe he will help move those boxes--hint, hint! Haven't seen New Moon yet, but it is on the list for senior Tuesdays. We want to wait until the crowds thin out. Today we are going to see Blind Side with Sandra Bullock. I tried to do some organizing yesterday. Someone on the other forum had suggested rolling placemats and tying them in a bundle. I had mine all stacked in the linen closet and always messed up the pile when pulling some out, so thought I'd try it. It actually takes up more space, not less like I thought it would, but should be easy to grab just what I need without messing up the rest. I have 25 sets of them! Think I need to pare down to just my favs. So hard for me to give anything up because "I might need it later" or "I paid good money for those". LOL I've got to go grocery shopping today too, want to cook a small turkey for here at home--no leftovers from DIL since she has her folks staying there and will need them all. I love having the sandwiches, soup, casseroles made from the leftovers! And like you said, easy cooking for a few days. I've got to get moving, so I'll check back in tonight. Have a good one. Luvs

Hi...Luvs, DH's got to work Friday after all so maybe I will be able to get started on my holiday painting. Back still out so not working on the boxes.
Sounds like a good idea on the placemats even if they do take up more space. The only thing I'd worry about is maybe them trying to curl up when they are on the table?
I don't understand why my SIL's don't do that to have their own leftovers. They go to their family's for lunch and then come and eat our leftovers for their supper and always end up taking some home. Doesn't seem right to me. They kinda get a free ride. They don't have to cook or foot the bill for anything and still get to have the goodies. My grocery bill was $260 for pretty much one day of food. I wouldn't mind it so much if my family got to eat on it for a few days, but after they are all done carting it home we'll maybe have enough for lunch the next day. Frustrating. Sometimes I really don't like having my parents living with us.
Ok enough of my griping. How was the Blind Side? Heard it was excellent.

Hi Anj, I really liked the movie. I cried, so you know it was touching. LOL You should have seen all the young teenage girls waiting for New Moon! DH and I were amazed then realized that school must be out this week. Hey, do you know what's with the little bit of hair twisted on one side of the head and pulled back and secured with a bobby pin? There must have been six or eight girls all with long hair with that little piece pulled back. I told DH it must be some current trend.

You sound just like my friend/neighbor, she ends up doing the holidays at her house every year for both sides of their family. (She did manage to combine them several years back) They are there for dinner and then for leftovers in the evening as well. This year they have been remodeling the kitchen and living room so she told the family someone else would have to do it. She said she hopes it works out okay. Seems like they could take turns, huh?

I meant to mention to you that the refinisher you are using is what we used to sell at the little antique store where I worked for awhile. The owner swore by it and used it on lots of the furniture pieces. I should probably do that with mine just to keep them from drying out so much.

I've got to get out on the front patio and sweep up leaves and the dirt and grit that the rain washed off our roof. We've had some winds, but not the really strong Santa Ana's we usually get around Halloween. Wouldn't mind if they didn't occur this year, we'll see.

I'm almost finished with two santas I've been working on. They are just like one I did last year and gave away. One of these is for a gift and one for me. Hope to get another project started tomorrow. I think I'm just gonna paint some projects even if I'm not sure who or what they are for--I like having extras on hand for when I need a gift item anyway. And it takes me so long to get started, I might as well keep going while I'm in the mood. LOL

Hope your painting plans work out for tomorrow. Don't feel bad if not, there will probably be more time after Thanksgiving is over.

Luvs

Anj,
You need to ask SIL's to bring something for dinner and then let them take their own left overs home. Don't buy everything and do all the cooking for them. You need to take care of your family and unless you say something, it will never change.

I'm sure they have the mind set, you enjoy this. I'm surprised your parents haven't said something or offered to pay for the food, knowing you are doing all the cooking. Stand up for yourself now and maybe next year they will invite you over.

I can say that I will be buying and fixing all the Thanksgiving dinner this year but only by choice. If I discover I need something I will call one of the kids and they will pick it up on the way down.

This is one of the only bonuses of having a small family. Both of our children are always willing to buy dinner or whatever we have when we're out shopping. They know I will always make sure I pay them back some way.

This weekend I'm giving DS a set of furniture with a leather couch and two recliners. I don't want to wait until I'm gone for the kids to have things they want and this way if I want a new set while shopping I can. I gave DD one of my bedroom sets so I could buy a new one and would give DS one but he wants all kings and mine is a queen.

I plan on working Friday too. I have several college students coming home that want to come in and get new phones so after so many calls, I've decided I will work. I love hearing their stories and it's always good to keep encouraging them in their schooling.

I can hardly wait to come here and see some projects. I made Peanut Brittle and Chex Party Mix tonight. I will do pies, stuffing, veggie tray and salads tomorrow night. We are deep frying our turkey so I don't have to make pot. & gravy which makes TG day cooking easy.

I love hearing you two talk about the movies. I haven't seen a movie at the theatre for I'll bet 15 years. We have HBO and Starz with the 250 channels on dish so eventually we see most movies. With advertising for the businesses we always get movie tickets and I give them to the kids to go to the movies. That would cut into my painting and yard work time.haha

I need to close and see what else needs done before bed. Punk

Hi All, Know you will probably all be busy today. Punk, I am sort of missing doing the usual baking and cooking. I decided to go ahead and cook my turkey and roll out my noodles while I have plenty of time. I won't cook the noodles until just before we go over to DS's house tomorrow. I always make peanut brittle for Christmas and I love Chex mix, why didn't I think to make some of that. I've been thinking of what I could take for an appetizer/snack--everybody loves that! Bless your heart, you are so good to your customers, no wonder you are so successful. ;o) So let me understand this, if your kids like your furniture, you just give it to them and go buy yourself new stuff???? Don't think I've ever heard anyone say that before--other than maybe just a piece of furniture that was no longer needed! ;o)

DH has to go in for a medical test/procedure at 5 this evening so I will be going with him. Until then, I will just cook and do a little painting I think. Need to try on some of my nicer slacks and tops to figure out what I want to wear tomorrow too. Weight Watchers may be getting a new member soon!

Luvs

Just stopping in for a second to tell you how thankful I am for my painting buddies! Ya'll are a big part of my life and thanks for being so sweet. I enjoy chatting and painting with ya'll. Hope you all have a very blessed day tomorrow with family, friends and good food. Happy Thanksgiving!! ~Anj

Happy Thanksgiving Day to you All!!!!!

Anj.....He is so cute! You rock girl!

This forum has been a big "light" in my world as well. I enjoy all of the fun stuff and cry with the serious. And as I am pretty much "home bound," you get stuck with all of my wonderings.

You put a fire under my.....ah.....you give me a much needed spark to get in there and do what I really love doing in the first place and because of you I am challenging myself to do the type of painting I don't believe I'm capable of doing, but even if I find out "I really can't do that" atleast I have tried.

You are all special and I thank God for each of you!

Belle

BTU and Everyone Else, Punk

Just got back home, I'm full and about ready to colapse on the couch with a soda and my book for a bit before bedtime. I hope each one of you enjoyed your day and had more than enough to eat. When I count my blessings, this forum is sure included in the list! You gals just make my day with your projects, stories, laughter, and everything. I love starting my morning off with my cup of coffee and checking in here. Blessings to each of you.

Luvs

Good morning! We're getting a nice soft rain, started late last night and has continued through the night. So glad to get it since we need it so much here.

Guess what? I had left my two santas outside! I had sprayed them and left them to dry. Thank goodness the sealer was on them because they got wet for sure. I ventured out in the rain as soon as I got up to rescue them. They are propped up on my washer to dry out now.

Did any of you go shopping on "black Friday"? DH got the bright idea that we should go to check out a couple of our malls. Man! those parking lots were packed! We wandered around a bit, stopped at the food court for spaghetti/meatballs and to "people watch" then walked the whole loop of the mall to work the calories off! LOL He did let me run into Marshal's to see their Christmas decorations, but other than that we kept walking--mostly because I haven't a clue what to get everyone for gifts again! Then we drove up to another shopping center that is built like a little "town". They had the main streets blocked off and there were lots of people walking around everywhere. We didn't stay long there since it was so crowded, but it did sort of get us in the spirit of the holiday retail madness. ;o)

I took down all my fall decorations, have them setting on and around my back patio table. Luckily it is a covered patio, so they didn't get wet. Had planned to pull the boxes out of the storage area and get them all packed up today. We'll see if it warms up a bit so I can get it done. Then I guess I need to pull the Christmas boxes out and start decorating this place. I really love it once it is done, just dread the work part of the "doing". I do love seeing all the colorful things and the items I've painted too.

Don't forget that you can browse the archives here and on Holidays to see posts/pictures from prior years.

Have you had your fill of turkey yet? Not me, I love it. I plan to make a mini Thanksgiving meal for DH and me this evening--I'm wanting some cranberry sauce!

Okay, gotta run! Have a good one!

Luvs

Hi everyone. Thanksgiving still happening at my house. ha I eat something everytime my belly gets unfull. ha Horrible. We had a nice Thanksgiving day with family. Yesterday had family again so didn't get any painting done. I stayed in my jammies all day!! Watched this seasons episodes of Monk that I have been wanting to catch up on. Nice relaxing day. Plan on more of the same today. Will be taking down Fall things (never put up much so shouldn't be too bad) but the big chore will be decorating for Christmas. Really wanted to get my walls painted in the living room before the holiday, but I'm thinking they will have to wait now. I can still get the kitchen painted again maybe. Needs a touchup. Kids are really rough on my walls. I'll either do it or my small bathroom Monday if I can get the paint. Hoping to start a painting project today, but that will depend on if DH goes to work or not. You know how that goes. Y'all have a good one. I'm going to heat up some green bean casserole for my breakfast. =D Cya!

Good Morning! As I sit here holding my baby, my almost a year old kitty, I think about all that I have to do today! Yikes!

Thursday went better than I could have guessed. Our kids spouses don't and I mean really don't like each other and let everyone know they don't like each other. So I really though that our DD and family wouldn't show up because our DS family was hosting this year....Surprise! Surprise! They showed and and our DSIL actually acted like he was enjoying himself but our DDIL wasn't all that friendly. Go Figure! Did I mention that they...the spouses....are two pea's in a pod!

I had plans of decorating yesterday, but started a new 3 piece project for a friend's silent auction. Got all of the prep and base coating done and tomorrow will try to finish the actual painting. Finally using what I see you all doing, taking the main theme and using it on something I like. Hope it works! DH & I have done this charity oyster (YUCK !) feed for about 16 years to benefit a camp for diabetic children, probably told you about this before, anyway, will have to finish these before the decorations go up and Anj.....thanks for reminding me I wanted to paint the living room, think I will do that before the decorations.

DD actually ventured out on Black Friday to shop for a "pink" shirt. He said that there wasn't any crowds at our local discount mall. Our DGS doesn't think men should wear pink, grandpa has a light pink shirt and DGS really gives him a bad time if he sees him wearing it....anyway.....this shirt is "HOT" pink....or maybe as they say now "Smoking!" pink. DH is wearing it to the FB game today in the Tacoma Dome and I guarantee you, he will be seen! I plan to have my camera ready to capture the reaction when he see's his GP! (DH has another shirt to wear after the shocking reveal)

Well, as we have to be at my DD house by noon, I'd better get going.

Have a Good One!

Belle

Wow, I'm so excited to come here and see that so many of you has posted.

Anj, I loved your Thanksgiving turkey you shared with us. I used that saying alot when I was visiting with customers on Friday. It's great to hear you stayed in your pj's.

Luvs, I sure hope your Santa's are ok. That would be a heartbreaker if not. That's why I varnish inside. Our weather is not nice enough here and if I ever started I would forget them outside all the time I'm sure.

Belle, I've always thought pink was nice on guys. Years ago I like burgandy pants and a pink shirt for dress on the guys. Now I don't think I would want to see that combo on a guy but I still like the two colors together. I bet DH will be seen and maybe he'll make it on TV with his bold shirt.

DS went shopping but he was the only one from our family. DD was sick and I worked all day. I still haven't started shopping so I best get going soon. I was hoping to include the Vegas trip for part but DD said I told her it was on the company. All I can say is the family better start letting me know their wants.

I can't believe you are talking about painting inside. We only do that from spring-fall. I already have brain damage so can't take a chance painting with no ventilation.haha

We got the sewer unplugged today and it was a mess. I don't know why anyone would want to be a plumber. I hope it's a long time before that happens. I think we will put in a new septic system next spring so we don't have to deal with it again. I remember we had a problem right after we built our new home and he told me to quit using powdered soap. To this day I've used liquid since and wouldn't consider trying powder again.

Well I hope to get alot of decorating done tomorrow and tweak my tablescape. hint, hint Luvs. I sure enjooyed seeing your fall table.

Punk

Had to drop in and ........WE WON! 25 to 15, a very hard fought game! We are on to the playoff for 1st place.

Luvs......did Santa hold up to the rain? Sure hope so! Glad you like the rain, you can have some of ours! We have had to drain the pond twice so far.

Punk....sorry for the septic problem. We have never - knock on wood - had a problem, but I also use "Rid-X" all the time. It keeps the bacteria level up in the tank.

Anj....how about sharing your recipe for green bean casserole? I love it but the rest of the family doesn't, but I make it anyway, just for me!

Gonna go take a pain pill, shoulders is giving me fits, bursitis or to much clapping!

Night All! Go Adna!

Belle

Belle,

I'm sooooo happy that your heading to playoffs. That is so awesome. What fun. When I was in high school we never lost any football games so I know what it's like to be for the winning team.

I got my Christmas table decorated with the help from a few gals on the Holiday forum. So tomorrow I will try to get my tree up and decorated. I don't have time to paint and do tables so now that's over maybe I can get something painted.

I can hardly wait to see Luvs, Santas and anything else paitnted. I'm off to bed so I'll be back tomorrow.

Punk

Congratualtions Belle, I'm sure your GS and his team are just on cloud 9 over their big win. You'll have to tell him that Gpa's pink shirt brought them luck! LOL

My santas seem to be just fine--I was just glad I'd already sprayed them--otherwise the rain might have penetrated the paint and I'd have to start over. I hadn't planned to shows pics since they are the same pattern I did before.

Anj, DH and I have been staying in our robes until 10 or 10:30 the last couple of days! It's rainy and cooler outside and we didn't have to go anywhere. I'm sure glad to hear you are getting a chance to relax a bit finally. Just listen to you making more work for yourself--just touch up the worst spots on the walls and wait until after the holidays to do more. Besides, no one will even notice the walls--they'll be too busy looking at all your pretty Christmas decorations!

Punk, I'm heading over to the holiday forum to take a look at your table post. It's really quite fun to do isn't it? I spent hours today putting all the Fall stuff away. I've got to quit adding more stuff--had to rearrange the storage area and move more stuff to the storage shed in order to get it all put away! ;o( My legs and feet are tired and sore now--not sure when I'll drag the Christmas stuff off the shelves--you are waaay ahead of me girl! ;o)

Luvs

Good Morning, I hope Belle, got a good nights sleep and her hands quit hurting from all the clapping. That is so wonderful.

Luvs, so happy your santas are fine and can hardly wait to see them. I love it that you and DH go so many places together and seem to be enjoying retirement. That's the way it should be. My DH doesn't want to go most of the time and I always tease him he doesn't want to be seen with me. Maybe it's true.Sigh!

Anj, are you still in your robe or up for church this morning?

I need to go get my tree out so will check back later. Don't have enough time to play any more here. Punk

Hi All,

Glad to see that everyone had a happy holiday! I have not been around as I been busy preparing for the big event.

We had 17 for dinner and then drop-ins for dessert and Granny races. Some of them stayed until late Saturday. What noisy, busy great fun. GS 10 and GD 8 helped me make ginger ornies out of paper sacks, glitter and markers. Oh boy! I never seen such sparkling gingers in my life! Thought they might think the project a bit silly and was happily surprised by how much fun they had, so I promised next time they come, we would have a wood project so they could use the scroll saw and paint.

Today DH and I went to the mall to buy 2x4's so we can start to finish our basement, one room at a time. We have a big project, not a lot of money and even less stamina, but will eventually get it done. Having such a big crowd over, DH realized that we do need at least one more guest bedroom and another bath. We also need to have the crafts area and the power tool area locked up when the younger children are here.

Somehow, I am looking for an excuse not to decorate for Christmas. This used to be my very favorite holiday, loving the lights and trim and each year trying to find a new way to do everytyhing, but this year I am tired and not very motivated. Do have almost all of the shopping and gift making completed though and am glad of that!

Oh the good news! I was telling DS's girlfriend about the small dresser I wanted to paint. Told her (the art major) about how I pictured a fairy with gossimer wings, looking down on somthing, maybe a flower, or a mushroom..maybe this or that...not sure...wasn't very specific... I thought. Well! An hour or so later she showed me a drawing of almost exactly what was in my head. It is stunningly beautiful! What a great talent this gal is! I will use this drawing for a pattern and paint my heart out. Finally, I am now very excited to finish the dresser.

Punk, probably your Dh just doesn't like to do the girly shopping. I wish mine would stay home some of the time, I always think he is watching how much I spend. LOL.

Luvs, I too am anxious to see your santa's.

Anj, Your so funny. Green bean caserole for breakfast. Sounds good though. I only had pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce this morning.

Belle, It sure is tough when any of the family doesn't get along, we have had that in the past and wonder if they realize how difficult they make it for the people that they are not angry with. Glad it turned out okay and not horrible for you.

Joan

Joan

Good Evening Everyone, Joan, sounds like you had a fun but long Thanksgiving. It sounds like your tired right now so Christmas decorating doesn't sound like fun at the moment. You are way ahead of me with your shopping. I haven't started. One can have Christmas without the decorations but it wouldn't be Christmas without some presents.LOL

You have alot on your plate with finishing the basement and one can only do so much. What a fun story about your vision and your DS's girlfriends drawing. I'm excited to see your dresser when it's complete.

Anj had green bean casserole and Joan had pumpkin pie and cranberries. I had pizza with my coffee. What did everyone else have. My DM use to tell me she worried about how we ate at times. She always fixed three good meals a day and they nevr snacked much. We lost her to cancer at 66 so don't know if eating healthy is worth it.

Luvs, still waiting for your santas. I didn't have time to lift a brush today and don't know that I will all week.

Belle, it is tough when family doesn't get along. I try to overlook most things but sometimes it's impossible to not call it like I see it, so I do.

Please post pictures of all your paintings. What do you mean you don't know if your capable??? Girlfriend you are talking to the wrong people when you talk like that. Hope your past the "I think I can" and into the "I know I can" by now.

I'll close for now, Punk

Joan, good to hear from you again. You've had a busy time! Maybe you can take a day or two to just rest up, but I know that's hard to do this time of year with so much going on. It would be wonderful to have a basement area. Most California homes don't even have basements so we miss out on lots of good storage/living space. And the dresser is going to be so nice, can't wait to see it all painted. ;o)

Punk, I gave you a bad time over on the holiday forum about how you are just speeding along. Have you had a chance to look in the archives at some of their posts from last year? Some of those gals really go all out for Christmas and make such gorgeous arrangements.

Belle, can't wait to see what you're working on too. You do beautiful painting, so I know we will love it.

While I was packing up all the Fall decorations, I also cleaned/straightened up a bit in my storage area. I ran across a big bin full of things I have cut out and never gotten painted as well as a bunch of those little wood plaques that someone had given me a long time ago. I'm vowing to do something with all of it this year! Now that I've learned that I can prop the plaques up on an easel to display them, I should paint some for each holiday! Think I had quit using them because I have very little wall space and hadn't figured out any other use for them. Some of the cutouts may just end up being used in my firepit if they are things I no longer care to make! LOL Lesson learned: Don't get too carried away and cut out more than you can paint right away!

Anj, have you planned any painted projects for part of your 12 days gifts? I always love to see what you come up with--you give me ideas for neighbor/friend gifts. I had so much fun the year we did those Jiffy Pop lids, I should make some for my "lunch bunch" of friends I used to work with.

I got the santa pics posted this morning, so now I need to get busy on the next project--in between house cleaning and starting the Christmas decorating that is!

Luvs

Good Monday Morning!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and recouped from T'day! And I had dressing for breakfast the day after and heartburn for hours.

Joan...sound like the kids had a great time with the brown paper bags and what are Granny Races?

Isn't remodeling a pain in the rear! But when you are done you have the feeling of satisfaction of seeing a beautiful new room. We have been remodeling for years and I really thought we were done until DH said he would like to take some of the windows out of the mud room and more storage. The storage part is the only part of the project I like.

I'm with you in regards to the Christmas decorations, haven't even started, still have all of the fall stuff up....I just gotta get moving! I took yesterday off from doing anything! Actually my bursitis put me in my easy chair with the heating pad and pills (I hate pills!)to make it go away, but they put me to sleep, so I slept all day and DH cooked and waited on me....that was nice. So it is a little painting today, and then gather up all my turkeys and pull out the (sigh!) Santa stuff. Maybe that will motivate me...sure hope so!

It is so super that your DS friend whipped out the sketch and there it is..your idea...right on paper! So go paint already!

Luvs...now you are beginning to sound like me, I have even had things cut out and not able to figure out what books they were from, so I started writing the books name on paper and taping it to the cutout. Finally sat down and pick out what I really wanted to do and put the rest, with the instructions and picture, in our garage sale. PS.your santa's are great

Punk....I'm with you on the food thing...I eat what I want pretty much when I want. As DH and I have different "get up" times and that means different breakfast and lunch times, if we eat them at all. We only eat dinner together and I want to get back to the main meal at about 2:00 and lunch in the evening.

Took a peek at your table settings and they are so nice. Looking at all of the pretty dishes and crystal makes me want my dining room back....but then I like my painting space better. Anyway, you did good and so many nice comments and suggestions. Go Girl!

Anj...hope you are taking some time out for a breather!

Gotta run and try to catch up from my day off, you all take care!

Belle

Hello,

Luvs, it's ok to give me a hard time...You didn't go back and see my bird I sat at the table did you?

Thanks for mentioning we can go look in the archives for the holiday decorations. Now, how do I look in the archives to see all the decorations? I was hoping you would just tell us.haha

Belle, glad you asked what granny races are. The only ones I've seen is where you choose teams and put a roll of bath tissue between your legs and have to walk or run to the other side and pass it off. It's pretty funny to watch the excitement that goes with the game.

I'm glad you took a day off and if you don't have to do anything you should try it again tomorrow.LOL What ever makes us happy. You have to be rested for the game this weekend.

Glad you looked at my table. Did I miss a post from you or did you not post one? You kind of remind me of Betty from the Holiday forum and that's a good thing.haha

Went out and found out a water softener had been installed in my parents home without permission and they hooked up the dishwasher to the garbage disposal so it isn't working. They also done away with the sprayer on the sink. I will call tomorrow and see what needs to be done. They tapped a hole in the disposale so it's not just a quick fix for a plumber to reapir.

The sattelite people drilled several holes in the steel siding and I had given a disclosure stating no new holes. I'm going to tell them I want new siding installed and see how they like that. Remember it's a large three story home. I bet they have something to say don't you? Someone needs a wake up call.

I feel like I'm being hard on these two companies but they are wasting alot of my time and money fixing their mistakes and I'm tired of taking care of them. What would you do?

I need to get to bed. I've had some long days and things aren't positive like they should be. More rest may help in this situation.LOL

Punk

Punk, was it the new renters who hooked up the water softener and the dishwasher? Have you discussed these things with them? I think whoever did the damage should be responsible for repairing/replacing it. Stick to your guns, Gal. Being a landlord is not easy--been there, done that!

Yes, a good night's rest does help our attitude and our perspective doesn't it? And if that isn't enough, sometimes and afternoon nap really helps!

When I "give you a hard time", I'm just teasing you--and I know you know that. However, when Jane and I say we want some of whatever "high octane" you are on--we're not joking! You are such a go getter! Are the rest of your family members able to keep up with you? Just wondering! ;o)

Hey, I know you said you were a cosmotologist and you do nails. Can you tell me if the acrylic nails can be put on without using the little sander tool and taking the top layer off? Last time I took my acrylics off, it took me three months to get them grown out where they were not "flimsy". My nails get to a length where they look nice, then they start splitting at the sides. For that reason, I'd like to do the acrylics but don't like that grinder! Any hints or suggestions for me? I probably should have emailed you--but maybe these other gals would like to hear your suggestions too.

Belle, that's a good idea to attach the book name to the cutout. You are just so organized Lady! Most of the time, I remember them, but the memory thing is starting to falter some these days! Remember my saying I had several plaques that were given to me? I just saw a cute idea for covering them with scrapbooking paper and gluing/painting letters on them to spell words. Might try that with a few of them too. At least I now have them rearranged in a shallow box instead of dumped in that big bin, so I'll be able to see what I have easier.

Well, today is senior movie day, so I'd better go get my shower and get ready. We're going to see "New Moon" finally. I'm looking forward to it.

Luvs

Hi All,
Started the new month out at work with a bang (lots of activations) so that's nice. I won't have to play catch up for awhile.yea I did however forget to do payroll so will try to do that first thing in the morning.

I stayed late and put my tree up and got most of the decorations on. I will put the last balls on in the morning. I don't know where I put all the hangers for the ornaments so I will take some from home or use paper clips. Have any of you ever used paper clips?

Luvs, the renters didn't do it but they allowed it to happen. However the companies are liable if we want to push it. Being a company owner, I know what I can legally do and what I would never attempt. These companies have crossed the line and it's not right. If I have time tomorrow I will make some calls. Yes, I will be nice unless they aren't.haha

As far as your nails go, they do have to be filed so the acrylic will stick. Most of the time techs use an electric drill beacause it is so much quicker and more is $$$. The nail beds do not need the enamel filed off they just need roughed up so the product will adhere.

If you could find a cosmetology school they might not use a drill. They usually do nails cheaper because they are just learning. Some school will not allow drills because of liablity issues.

If you have acrylics and take them off you should keep several coats of clear polish on to help them grow out.

I have had acrylics on since 2003 and once in awhile when I soak them off my nails are a little tender but I cover them again with acrylic and no problem.

Some nails tend to split or get ridges as one ages. Not a fun thing but it's part of our aging.LOL So far I haven't had either but I have friends who wear acrylics because they don't want others to see.

So how was "New Moon"? I can't tell you the last time I went to a movie.

My immediate family is all very motivated. Both DH's mother and my DM were like that so I suppose that explains why I'm always busy. DHM is in her 80's and still does all her own yard work.

Sometimes I will go to bed at 8 and sleep till 8 the next morning. When this happens I try to slow down some. I'll go check out the Holiday forum and then go get dishes done. Punk

Back again! Punk, I forgot to tell you how to find the archives. On our main discussion page,or the gallery page, just go all the way to the bottom and you will see a bunch of numbers. Those are all the archived previous posts. You can go back quite a way and even see what was happening on here before you joined. It's allot of fun, especially to find what posters made for previous holidays. Let me know if you have any questions--I hope I've explained it okay. Oh, and you probably already know you can go to the "Search" box and type in a topic or a poster's name and it will pull up those posts for you to look at too. Have fun, but I'll warn you that it is addictive and can be time consuming because it is so much fun. ;o) Luvs

Hello Again.....

Did I complain about the rain? I would gladly have it back right now, we are in the middle of a cold spell. It was down to 24 degrees this morning and has been in that area for 4 days now and snow is in the forecast for tonight. No Snow!!!! DH has his winners poker tourney tonight and asked that I go with him and tomorrow is the big FB day. So No Snow Please!!! DGS made the front page of our local paper this week, I was so excited. Sorry! By now I have really talked this topic to death.

Luvs...So why aren't you painting? I have always had problems growing my nails until about 6 months ago.(Boy! that was a fast subject change) For whatever reason they are growing like crazy and are very hard and don't split and peel as they used to. The only thing I have changed is I now take a calcium pill as well as daily vitamins (gosh that spelling doesn't look right) with calcium. I'm almost to where I want to try nail polish, it used to make the problem worse.

So...have you done a holiday table scape? I don't change forums often, but am always awed by the beautiful things there and how people have such wonderful ideas. I'll be looking for yours!

Punk....I have played the granny game only not by that name and we used a grapefruit. Another fun game is to take an old pillow case, cut a hole in the toes and have all of the guys in the room sit behind a curtain and one by one place their leg into the case with their big toes showing. Every lady as to guess which toe belong to their spouse or friend. It is hilarious. We have done the same thing with a curtain (TS colored sheet) with a hole large to put a guy's nose though and have the gals guess who's nose they are looking at.

I didn't leave a note on your table setting, I don't often post there as I'm not very good at decorating. Don't want to show off my ignorance. Yours is so beautiful and the only thing I might try would be a white linen table cloth. It might really add a softer back ground. To me, most of the time a wood finish doesn't enhance beautiful things. And saying this on the forum might get unwanted feedback for me and not very helpful to you.

I hate managing rentals! We did that for 5 years in Calif. and I said never again! We rent to our DS and family but that has worked out very well. Can't believe your renter would do anything like that without contacting you. They should get the bill for the disposal replacement and labor and any damage to your septic system which might occurs from the water softener. And lets hope your renters didn't tell the satellite people to drill holes in the siding.

I sincerely hope Paintingfools DGS is doing better and that we hear from her soon.

Ang...where in the world are you?

Ah! Better get moving! I have gobs of housework to catch up on, and then out with the decorations! Maybe if they are in the middle of the living room I will get my own hint and do something with them!

Take Care! ...

Hi Punk and Belle,

Punk, thanks for the info on the nails. We do have a couple of beauty colleges, I might try that. The girls at the shop I go to are good--and fast. I may not get them on again yet--they are growing out pretty good again. Just seems so strange that they grow well and seem so strong then will start splitting on the side. I'll have to try keeping a couple coats of clear coat on them and see if that helps.

Belle, I do take multi vitamins and an extra calcium as well. I've never had really strong nails, I wore the acrylics when I worked at the bank because I wanted them to look good all the time. Was hoping to not have to do that anymore, but I hate it when I lose one!

Good luck to your GS on his game this week. Tell DH,he'd better wear that lucky pink shirt again!

Loved the projects you posted. Be sure to tell us how the raffle goes.

I did a couple of fall tables, and became quite obsessed with acorns this year. You'll have to go take a look when you have time. The regulars on that forum are really nice--we have lots of new posters and some who only post during the Christmas season--on there right now. Usually lots of pretty pictures to look at though.

Luvs