Prim – Page 3 – Asbery's Echoes

Quiet Days

After such a busy weekend it’s nice to have a quiet week. We haven’t done much of anything this week. Joe has been busy with work. The boys are gone to school every day and I’ve been getting the house back in order. It never fails, when we have busy days the house becomes a mess. Laundry and picking up – that’s my week so far and that’s fine with me. Drew starts soccer tomorrow night, prom and birthdays next month and graduation in May. Busy days ahead. I need to enjoy these quiet peaceful days as they will be few and far between in the coming months.

Connecting

Sweet prim bunny mounted on an antique oil can and little Easter cupboard tuck – both made by me years ago.

The kids didn’t have school today due to parent teacher conferences. A good day to run to Walmart. We don’t go very often but once in awhile there’s just something I need and Walmart is the place to go. I like going on a week day too – there’s a lot less shoppers around! Another reason I like to go to Walmart – I get the boys in the van with me and it’s a great place to connect! I’ve driven to Oskaloosa or Ottumwa many times throughout the years for a “necessary” trip to Walmart or Fareway to get one or the other of the kids to open up and talk. There’s just something about being alone in a vehicle with a nice long drive ahead of us to get them to connect. I’m not sure what it is. Maybe because I’m driving and so can’t really look at them. Or there’s nothing else to do and no distractions to speak of. Whatever it is, it works. I let Eric sleep in a little then got him up and away we went. A quick trip for chia seeds – definitely something that can’t be bought in town. Drew put his headphones on and watched The Land Before Time and Eric and I had a nice conversation. It was nice to connect with him. He’s 18 and it seems like he’s never home anymore. I miss talking to him. I learned a lot – what his plans are for prom. What’s going on with some of his friends. How he feels about President Trump and the state of our country. He’s a smart kid with very definite opinions of his own. I miss spending time with him! And we got home and he was off – heading to Iowa City with friends. I cherish the times I’ve had in the van with my kids and connecting with them!

When we got home I discovered the neighbor had dropped off some eggs. They have chickens and I love to see them out in their pasture. Once in awhile they cross the road and wander around our yard. They are so pretty and they are fun to watch. I love fresh eggs. There’s nothing better and there’s no comparison to store bought eggs. One thing I miss about working for the city – there was a local Amish man that made his rounds on Fridays selling eggs. I so appreciate Colleen dropping off these eggs today. I’ll have to do something for her – maybe drop off a couple crochet dishcloths to show my appreciation!

These strawberries are the reason for needing to get chia seeds. The high school Student Council sold these and Eric brought some home. We had some for supper last night – they were so good – and I’m going to try making Crock Pot Sugar-Free Strawberry Chia Jam. It sounds good and easy. I sure hope it works! Then a strawberry pie to use up the remaining strawberries. I’m hoping to plant some strawberries this year. There’s nothing better than fresh strawberries straight from the garden – unless it’s tomatoes of course!

Sunday Surprise

My springy kitchen window display. I finished this cute little pin keep by Tammy Black of Scattered Seed Samplers and wanted to be able to enjoy it so what better place – I see it everyday while doing dishes! It goes well with my quail eggs and sweet little nest from Gable House Goods

We had a nice surprise Sunday morning. Jeremy and Abby were out for a drive and brought Braxton over to visit! I love unplanned visits from my kids! The boys played outside for a little bit but it was just too chilly and windy so they ended up inside. Drew was so excited to get to see Braxton – he’s been so bored being at home now that he’s feeling so much better. We sat and chatted for awhile then went to town for lunch before they had to get back home. I didn’t get any pictures. I guess I was too focused on their visit!

Another finish – Ann’s Sampler Sewing Tray by Stacy Nash. I love how it turned out.

It’s nice to have Joe back too. Saturday we ran to Washington to pick up his deer meat. We tried to get Aaron to go out to lunch with us while we were there but he was at work and couldn’t get away. Later in the afternoon we ran over to my dad and mom’s to give them some deer meat. Since Joe hunted their timber and that’s where he got the deer he thought he should offer them some of the meat! He had it made into sticks, bologna and summer sausage. Perfect for snacking on. We ended up staying for supper before we headed back home. We didn’t get much accomplished over the weekend but we did get to see family and that’s what’s important!

A very quick stitch. I changed the colors of the birds to blue – my favorite color! Keep Song in They Hearty by Country Rustic Primitives – Jenny Hoffman.

Last night Joe grilled for supper. Our small town grocery store has changed hands and they have put in a full service meat counter and we have definitely been taking advantage of it. So far we love their bacon wrapped three cheese chicken breasts, their butterfly pork chops and their bacon wrapped asparagus spears. Yummy stuff! With Joe being gone last week and Eric being busy most nights, I hadn’t really cooked a big meal. Eric was home last night and he sure enjoyed his supper. I couldn’t believe how fast he ate a pork chop! We also had homemade macaroni salad and ranch potatoes and carrots. With plenty of leftovers for tonight – which always makes me happy.

We had a nice relaxing weekend. Nowhere we had to go, nothing we had to do. Just time with family and at home. Those weekends are always the best! And I had just enough time to get some finishes done to enjoy too!

One week –

One week after Drew’s surgery. It’s been a long week! He’s bored. So bored. For the most part he’s feeling pretty good but he gets tired and listless at times and just wants to sit and watch his Kindle. He’s been outside a time or two which helps but the past couple of days have been cold and windy so no going outside to play. He spent yesterday morning with Grandpa and Grandma which he thoroughly enjoyed. Lots of one on one attention there! He’s got his fort all decked out with a light, music and books. That has been a big help in keeping him entertained. I can’t wait to take it down though – I’m tired of seeing it in the living room!

Drew wants to do a lot of cuddling with me so while he’s cuddled up beside me I’ve been stitching away. I’ve finished a couple projects, printed off some new patterns, and started on Ann’s Sewing Sampler Tray by Stacy Nash. I need to sew I Carry The Key into a pillow tuck but first I have to dig out some fabric to back it with. I do enjoy stitching. Pulling the thread through the linen and seeing each design come into play. It’s so relaxing and enjoyable. I can’t imagine not doing some kind of handwork almost on a daily basis.

This evening we go to Eric’s Pops Concert. His last Pops Concert. I’ve enjoyed watching him participate in band all these years. Abby and Aaron were both involved in band but neither of them stayed with it all through high school. I loved band when I was young, especially marching band and I’m thankful the kids have all been involved too. There’s a different element to being in band compared to school sports that I think is just as important. Looking forward to tonight and then he will have a Spring Concert and that will be his last. It’s hard to believe he’s getting ready to graduate. Planning the graduation party is not my cup of tea but we’re getting there. We have the venue, most of the menu planned and my niece is making cake balls. It will be a small get together. Mostly family and a few friends. I’ve enlisted Abby to help – she’s a lot better at these things than I am!

Photo #1

It occurred to me one day that I get so used to seeing the same things everyday that I really don’t see them anymore. Does that even make sense? I walk out my back door every day and I don’t see anything around me. There are times I take notice but I’m usually so focused on what I’m doing, where I’m going, what my day is going to be that I just don’t pay that much attention to my immediate surroundings. So, I decided it would be fun to stand in the same spot outside once a month and take a picture so I could see how my immediate world changes around me. I’m going to mark my calendar so that I don’t forget and once a month I’m going to stand out on the deck and snap a photo. And here’s today:

Not the prettiest day that’s for sure. Your typical rainy, overcast, chilly winter day in southeast Iowa. Not the prettiest view either – but this is what I see when I get in my van and back out of my drive. I look forward to seeing the changes on a monthly basis!

Stitching . . .

Winter Beekeeper Threadboard by Stacy Nash Primitives I started this awhile back and wanted to show the finished product. I don’t do well with framing as you can see. I like to think it just adds to the primitive feel!

It’s funny, now that I’m not going to work everyday I find that I’m stitching less. Stitching has always been a stress reliever for me – guess that means I’m not as stressed! There is just something about pulling the needle and thread through the linen – it is so calming. Also, it’s summer so we don’t get settled in of an evening like we do during the winter months – which is my stitching time. I did get a lot of stitching in over the weekend while we were camping though. I got up early in the mornings and sat outside and stitched away. So relaxing listening to the birds chirp and the campground slowly wake up. I didn’t realize until after taking the above picture that I had a hand in making everything you see. I made the bee skep, stitched the little picture, punched the bee skep pillow, did some embroidery on the doily and stitched the penny rug! I’ve been busy!

And here is what I worked on last night while watching some of the new Orange Is The New Black episodes:

O is for Old Glory by Beth Twist of Heartstring Samplery

I’m really excited about this one. It’s the first in a series she is planning. I can’t wait to see what other fabulous designs she comes up with. I have stitched another series of hers that I love and I know I will enjoy this new series just as much!

Well, Drew and I are off to the dentist this morning to get his tooth filled. He was a little worried about it last night but I’m sure he will do fine. I have to stop and get some groceries afterwards and we just might have to stop at Tractor Supply on the way out of Ottumwa and let him pick out an animal for his farm once we are done. He has gotten really into playing with his farm equipment and animals this summer. I love watching him play and entertain himself. It’s not something he has done much of until recently.

Five Again!

Drew got to celebrate his birthday twice this year – a very rare occurrence! On Sunday we took him to Chuck E. Cheese in Des Moines. Lots of family came along too to help celebrate. Turning five is a big deal!!!!

Playing air hockey with big sister Abby and nephew Braxton - fun! — Playing air hockey with big sister Abby and nephew Braxton – fun!

90 year old Grandpa Meiners playing skee ball - he beat everybody! — 90 year old Grandpa Meiners playing skee ball – he beat everybody!

Lots of fun for the little ones and the oldest one! It was such fun to see Albert enjoying himself.

I’ve been stitching away in the evenings when I can. I just love this little bunny and those strawberries – so sweet. And a fun quick stitch. Will have to stitch it into a pinkeep soon so I can enjoy it this spring!

Strawberries Bunny Pinkeep by primitivebettys — Strawberries Bunny Pinkeep
by primitivebettys

And this is what I’m working on now – this will take a little longer to finish. I don’t always enjoy stitching lots of one color. I guess I like to see that I’m making progress when I stitch. But, I’m making myself slow down and just enjoy the process of stitching with this one. It’s fun to slowly see this dress take shape. This stitch reminds me of days gone by, when life moved a lot slower and things seemed to be simpler. It’s nice to slow down once in awhile in this fast paced world.

Winter Beekeeper Thread Board Stacy Nash Primitives — Winter Beekeeper Thread Board
Stacy Nash Primitives

Well, it’s time to start the day – laundry to hang out, rooms to clean, supper to plan. I’m going to try out a new recipe – Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Hope it turns out. I’m working on getting a list of tried and true recipes everyone likes put in a notebook that I can use to menu plan. My goal is to be able to plan a weekly menu using these recipes – so I can shop once a week and not make so many trips to the store after work. Hoping to save myself some time and money. Wish me luck!

It’s Coffee Time!

Pierre Piddlepants enjoying the fresh air!

I love the smell of coffee in the morning. I just wish I liked the taste! I have tried throughout the years but to no avail. I can drink it with creamer – lots and lots of creamer – but then I can’t really call it coffee! So – no coffee drinking for me. But, I do have a fun use for coffee. It works great to prim up a cross stitch piece, or a homemade primitive doll, or a tea towel that is just too white. When it comes to my cross stitch, for some reason a piece just doesn’t look finished to me until I’ve darkened it up with coffee. And maybe some vanilla and cinnamon thrown in the mix!

Here is one of my most recent projects – before the coffee bath. (I have really enjoyed this series by Tammy Black. Sheep and the alphabet – two of my favorite things to stitch!)

In the middle of getting stained. Sorry – my photography skills are definitely lacking.

And the final product – so much better with a little bit of stain.

Pure in Heart Scattered Seed Samplers - Tammy Black Sheepish Needle Samplar Series — Pure in Heart
Scattered Seed Samplers – Tammy Black
Sheepish Needle Samplar Series

It is a beautiful spring day here in southeast Iowa. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and there is no wind! It is so nice having the windows open today. Getting fresh air into the house. Definitely a day to just enjoy!

Today is my little one’s birthday. He is five – and loving it! He’s such a sweet boy but can be such a handful. He is all boy – that is for sure. I thought after having raised two boys that one more would be a breeze. He has proved me wrong from the get go! He didn’t have preschool today and it’s my day off so we get to spend the day together – nothing special, just hanging around the house. Tonight we will go to my Dad and Mom’s house for cupcakes and ice cream. This weekend we will get together with his siblings, brother-in-law and his nephew! I cherish the times when the kids are together. It’s not always easy to get them all together when they are spread so apart in age.

Well – off to hang some clothes on the line. I love seeing clothes hanging out. I love not having to run the dryer but more importantly just the act of hanging out the clothes is so calming for me. A time to slow down and enjoy being outdoors. It reminds me of a simpler time!