Mother-Daughter Weekend, Oct 2007

It was that time again. Time for the Spoon River Drive and our fall Mother-Daughter weekend. If it were possible, I think we had even more fun than last year and discovered many great finds in the county-wide antique show, flea market, and yard sale festival. Mostly, we just looked. But, every once in a while, we actually purchased. And, we brought out the big money.... nickels, dimes and quarters.

I don't think I'll be able to remember everything, but the following is a list of what I purchased. All of it for under $16.00, mind you. (Remember, each year, I'm a bargain hunter!)
* 2 books about sewing and altering clothes
* 1 book about smocking
* 2 other craft books
* 3 skirt/dress patterns
* a painted black tray (for my living room)
* an antique turquoise and silver necklace
* a silver leaf pin
* a wrought iron pillar candle holder
* 4 dish towels
* assorted cloth napkins and tablecloths
* finished counted cross stitch squares (will use to make a pillow)
* small pastel china plate with flowers
* a Fireking pie plate
* 6 plates that match the mugs Tracy bought for me at the Salvation Army last year

Mom was kind enough to find a purchase a "church key" for me. I was on the lookout for one because my visiting cousins teased me when I had to use a can opener and took the whole lid off the can of pineapple juice last weekend. So, I am now happy to finally own one.

After seeing some oddities (this entire dress is smocked) and sampling a few of our favorites (homemade curly fries, butterfly porkchops, chicken and noodles, etc.), Mom and I were exhausted. We walked so much on Saturday, but, thankfully, after the long day, we were still able to smile. It was so nice to spend time with Mom. (And it was also a treat to hear Dad play piano at the Red Brick Schoolhouse in Smithfield.) These bags are heavier than they look!












Before leaving the area on Sunday, Mom and I headed out toward London Mills to see Uncle Dick and Aunt Norma at "The Shed." Uncle Dick builds beautiful furniture. Because he's getting older, however, he has decided that this will be his last year of selling on the Scenic Drive. By Sunday afternoon, his packed booth had diminished to these few items. We had a good visit with both of them, and Uncle Dick insisted I take something home with me. Thank you, Uncle Dick! And, thank you, Aunt Norma, for the grand tour of your beautiful camper.

I had never been to "The Shed" before, but it has become quite a large stop for the Drive. Many antique dealers were there, and they kept covering and uncovering their tables so their merchandise wouldn't be ruined by the sprinkles falling from the sky. Mom and I were able to leave before getting too wet, and right before departing, Mom made her big purchase of the weekend. Here at one of the craft booths, you may be able to see a snowman with a broom and a bluebird in the very back row. I believe we'll see this guy in the Stremmel yard in a few months.

On A Roll

I've continued with my baking, and everyone who is testing the food seems to enjoy it. But, I'm still not happy with all of the roll recipes I've tried. I made these last night so that my cousin would have some bread in the house while I'm visiting Mom and Dad over the weekend. While I had some trouble making them even, I think they look pretty good, and I know Kayla will like them. But, they just don't have that over-the-top taste. Have you ever had the rolls at O'Charley's or at Bob Evans'? Rolls with that good YEASTY taste? (There's no better way to describe it, so my apologies go out to my friends who laugh at me when I describe it that way.) Well, I'm looking for a good recipe for rolls like that. Those melt-in-your-mouth kind of rolls. If you have a recipe you'd be willing to share here in the comments or by email, please do. Until then, I'll be making these perfectly fine rolls but I'll be hoping for better.

Another Goodbye

After finding a need for a Microsoft Office computer tutor in the local newspaper a few months ago, I have been tutoring my new friend Don ever since. Each week, I go to his mother's home - where Don has been living while applying for jobs - and help him learn the basics of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and the like. It was an interesting experience getting to know Don at first, and I fear I was going much more quickly than I should have been going. Now, Don is making great progress, and I believe I hit my stride this month - in both teaching him and being able to better communicate with him.

Don with Miss Molly Brown

I felt a mixture of emotions when Don called me out of the blue this past week. He was calling to announce that he finally received a job offer, and he will be moving to Texas shortly. He was offered the position as head librarian at a community library, and he is very excited about this next chapter of his life. Prior to this, Don taught English overseas - in Taiwan for two years, South Korea for five and one half years, and Oman for one year. He has seen some fascinating places, and I've enjoyed learning about his travels and his experience in gaining an online Masters degree in Library Science. Most importantly, we've shared experiences about how our Heavenly Father has watched over each of us. I was looking forward to his visit to church soon, but unfortunately, that will have to wait until a time when he returns to see his mother.

I pray for great professional success and a wonderful church home for Don in Texas. I will miss our visiting and tutoring sessions very much.

We'll Miss You, Shirley!

Tomorrow will be a bittersweet day. Our friend and co-worker, Shirley, will be retiring. While her job has been placed in the capable hands of our new staff member, Karen, we will miss Shirley's infectious laugh and enthusiasm. It is difficult to picture the office without her here. This afternoon, we celebrated her retirement with a little party, some yummy treats, delicious cake, and some funny memories. (To the left) The office staff really surprised her, so she wasn't sure what she'd find when she headed around the corner.

Shirley was presented with a beautiful ruby and diamond pendant necklace. Her supervisor, Marti, is happy today but is sad to see Shirley go.
Knowing that Shirley loves to start the dishwasher each day, Phillip presents her with a huge box of Cascade, & Kurt tries to not chuckle.
Shirley enjoys some of the appetizers and cake while visiting with the new Billing Associate, Karen D.

WE'LL MISS YOU,

SHIRLEY!

Skirting The Issue

A few months ago, we began a Ladies' Sewing Night on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Tracy and Lydia are the ever-so-patient teachers, and I clearly am the pupil. We meet to sew clothes and enjoy fellowship. I have learned so much in those very few hours each month, but I was still struggling. My co-workers knew that I started making MANY skirts two months ago, and the topic has come up several times since. But, I've wanted to avoid the topic because I couldn't create certain portions in quite the right way and the materials scraps were waiting for my attention. My sewing goals were going nowhere fast.

Well, I am very happy and proud that I finished two skirts and made another from start to finish last night. Of course, I would have been lost at some key points without Tracy. But, I think I'm finally getting the hang of these more complicated techniques. FINALLY!

This picture won't do them justice, but here they are: a periwinkle plaid knee length skirt, a long blue and lavender print skirt, and a heavy shimmery green long and full skirt. Now, it is time to press out these major wrinkles and start on the tops and jackets. So, I will continue to need an abundance of instruction.

If any local ladies from church would like to join us, please do! Don't hesitate to tell us. You don't even have to sew. Just bring a crafty project or come to chat. We were blessed that Sister Sandy joined us last night. We'd love the company and would love to spend some time with you!