Granny Nanny and Colorful Clay

Color is a much needed hue around here 

during cold weather.

Lil Miss created a VIBRANT Caterpillar.

The WIND has been blowing to where WIND ADVISORIES are being posted.

Staying inside is a safe place and having colorful clay 

makes for a fun time.

More color to you,

granny d nanny

Charlie & Jackie Spotlight Dance July 13, 2013

Granny Nanny and Not Feeling Well

Lil Miss asleep on the sofa.

Winter time illness.

It is so much better when little ones are active 

and feeling well.

Sweet dreams and time to mend,

Granny d Nanny

Spring Fever

One day closer to SPRING with the cold WINTER WINDS blowing forcefully here in Kansas.   Blowing seriously.  As if it were the MARCH WINDS coming-in like a lion hopefully going-out gentle as a April lamb.  Except it's JANUARY.  Made for staying inside a welcoming place and warm haven.

It was TRASH COLLECTION DAY.  Many of the outside trash containers had blown over laying on their sides.  One neighbor's porch rocking chair was on the ground turned topsy turvy.  Leaves were swirling and at one point I thought a tornado was forming.  Odder things have happened in Kansas in January.

Topeka's wind gust were around 52 miles per hour and the temps about 31 degrees.  Cold and blustery. Suppose to be near 50 on Saturday and 60 on Sunday.  That my dear...will be a nice change.    

I tinkered in the spare room.  Accumulating another pile of things to go to thrift or a ministry. As I continue to sort through our things, I can see some daylight at the end of this tunnel.  It will be a relief to have the room neat.  

Finally.  I believe my blood pressure has lowered.

I found neatly stored inside a canvas bag 5 throw pillows that match the Guest room bedding.  It was like a Christmas surprise.

Two blouses I wore as a young woman were taken aside to see if my daughter wanted these vintage tops. One was worn to my little brother's 1976 High School Graduation.  I was 20 years old when I bought her at the Clothing Store my sister worked at in Ulysses, Kansas.  Light blue with embroidery design.  Bee-u-tee-full.  

The other top had a pair of slacks that went with her.  I lost the slacks a long time ago, but they had colorful handiwork on them as well.  Loved the colors.  

These blouses are top notch vintage.  

I decided if she didn't want these treasures that I would cut them into squares for the denim quilt I will make one day.  But she wanted them.  They will look sweet on her.  Also gave her my green corduroy two piece dress suit that my Husband bought me when I was 27.  Over 31 years ago.  In excellent shape. Amazing that I still had this outfit.  I loved it, but she no longer fits me.  Sniff sniff.     


My Doc Marten Yellow Mustard Sandals that came from a Oklahoma Shoe Store joined the ranks of thrift goodies.  Mine are from 1997ish.  They were all the rage when my daughter was in High School.  ALL THE RAGE.  I just had to have a pair.  Caught them on sale and seldom wore them. Too heavy on my foot.  Clunky.  Almost like wearing concrete boots. Not very pretty nor delicate. What was I thinkin'? 

image from internet

One of my sons teases me that he is going to phone HOARDERS or PICKERS and turn me in.  I said please don't do that.  Please.  It would be embarrassing.  Please. 

IT MUST BE SPRING FEVER.  Within 24 hours all of this may change.
                                

SPRING FEVER.  I suspect I should take a couple of aspirin and go to bed.  Perhaps I will be better in the morning.
d 
                

Jibber Jabber

Waking up in the early hours of the morning, I saw deep orange light streaming through the bedroom window.  It was such a beautiful shade of color that I wished I had taken a photograph.  Early morning light this colorful is an unusual sight from my bedroom.  It streamed onto the floor beside the bed I was resting in.

Being drowsy didn't stop me from wishing I had a camera handy.  Drifted back to sleep while telling myself I wasn't ready for the day to start.  Woke again to see even more light streaming into our bedroom.  Very pleasant.

Needing the extra rest, I laid in bed with the covers wrapped around my entire body all the way up to my chin and around my face listening to birds chirping.  Reminded me of Spring Time. Husband cracked one of the bedroom windows to let some fresh air into the room so the birds sounded as if they were on the window sill.

Though it is bitter cold outside, the birds chirp as if it's Spring.  A nice gesture.  A wonderful cheery sound.  Helps me remember that we are one day closer to Spring.  SPRING.  I don't want to wish away my LIFE, but I am not a big FAN of bitter cold weather.  

Near by Church Bells were chiming to announce that it's just about time for Services in the neighborhood.  I don't attend this particular Church, but enjoy when I can hear the bells on Sunday morning. 

Usually during the week when the weather is nice, I sit by a opened Family room window where I hear the Church bells from a different church that's across Town.  Ringing on the hour and half hour every day until dark.  A small Town feature that adds a great deal of charm to our American Village. 

This particular sound I don't mind.  Our chiming charm.

Coveting warmer Weather.
Our week long weather is suppose to be in the 40's and I covet this.  Looking forward to this.  The below freezing temps are not my cup of tea.  I grow weary and have to make up excuses as to why I like Winter.....sigh.  I encouraged myself this week by telling myself that I can continue to do indoor cleaning and organizing when it is so cold outside.  Organizing is sorely needed and I am still in over my head sorting through papers in tubs, thinning through clothing and taking action to downsize the clutter inside our PRAIRIE PALACE.  OMGOSH....it is a handful.  I stare in disbelief that there is still so much to do before I can legally say it is finished.  Ahhhhhh.  The time has to come.

LIVING IN CLUTTER is not peaceful or relaxing to me.  This work I am forging through is a work indeed.

Another four big bags of clothing went to the Thrift Shop this past Friday.  Sigh.  More to do.  I had loaded these bags in the back of the auto, drove to Manhattan to run some errands and have Lunch with Husband, dropped the bags off before driving HOME across the Flint Hills to return to our humble abode nestled in this small American Town.  

Knowing that these items are no longer my responsibility to harbor made me somewhat satisfied that they were out of the house.

Earlier in January, we purchased smaller plastic storage boxes to downsize the larger boxes I have Hallmark Christmas Ornaments in.  In my younger day, the large boxes were handy, but as I age I need the boxes to be smaller for easier handling.  My strength in my wrist isn't as strong as in years gone by.  Also, I don't want these ornaments to be stored in the garage as hard as the weather is on items stored in the elements.  The little hallway closet cannot handle big boxes.  I need all the help I can get.

Learning where to store special things in this old stone house has been laborious to say the least. Each house has a personality to it and as the Tenants we have to go with the flow to figure out where to go with our treasures as well as the necessities.  Amen.  

Working to catch up with the laundry has been an act of LOVE.  I got so far behind on it while de-cluttering.  I seem to always get behind on laundry if I'm busy doing other things. Not complaining....just being real.  Usually if I stay on top of the laundry little else gets completed. That's just the way i iz.  

Our extra blankets are now in a pile on the bedroom floor.  Needing to launder all the extra bedding so they are once again fresh.  Afterwards I will neatly fold them and store them in one of the closets.

HUBby is recovering nicely from Cancer surgeries and treatments.  He has returned to work.  He tires easily, but he is back to work!  As Spring draws closer....the Kitchen will be worked on again.  Praise the LORD!!!  I have been Brain Storming where to position Kitchen items inside the cabinets so I have a very stream-lined Kitchen to work with.  Organized and easy access. 

The Collection of jarred Candles have been placed into the cabinet above the fridge.  Had to get the step ladder out for this.  This cabinet isn't easily reached so I wanted to put things up there that are seldom used.  My stash is all together and waiting for when needed.  I usually burn a candle in the Kitchen.  Depending on the Season depends on the fragrance.  

Next my meatloaf pans and pie plates went into the cabinet above where the Micro-wave will be installed.  Shopping about for a white micro-wave.  Doing my homework and pricing them.  

Placed my white cookware/bakeware in the cabinet below where the counter-top miniature oven sits.  Other metal pots 'n pans will go there as well.

Still thinking on where to go with EVERYTHING.  

When Husband gets the upper cabinets built and installed, I think I'll place my Blue Garland Dishes that I've had for over 35 years there along with other serving dishes.  Right now the Blue Garland is in the Dining room China Cabinet.  Will be switching out and placing The Blue Willow in my Mom's antique China Cabinet that I inherited when she moved into their apartment.  

I get excited dreaming about a finished Kitchen.  Amen.  It has to happen this year.  Has to.  Please. Please. Please.    

Time to take my Christmas Cards down from the shutter where they have been this Holiday Season.  I thought I would do this on New Year's Day and as I did this I would pray for those that sent me a card.  Didn't get it done.  Better do this before the month gets away.

Here Kitty Kitty.  MEOW.  I love cats, I do....just don't want their poo smell coming into my home.  Think we'll dump our used coffee grounds out in the front flower bed by the front porch.  Too many kitties think this area is a community toilet for their daily use.  This has been a problem before.  It smells and I don't want that.  Too close to the front door of our HOME.

Today, the sun is shining and the weather is in the 50's.  57 right now.  Better go for a walk.  I remember my friend in her 80's Mary would walk a mile a day and said this was her time to pray.  I miss her.  She died a few years back.  She was a fine example of a loving and sweet Christian Lady.  Blessed to know her.  

Blessed to have you as a Blogger Pal.
May you have a Blessed Day,
d  

  

  

When Life Doesn't Go The Way You Want It to

did i hear someone say........i give up.

i give in.

i give out.

i just plain don't get it.

i tried so hard to be a good person and all of this stuff happened that i never asked to happen.

i don't want this ministry that you have given me.

i hate what happened.

it's not fair.

leave me alone.

i can never be who you think i ought to be.

it's just plain too hard.

too difficult.

i give.

Have you heard that God has a good plan for you?

That what was meant for evil
He will turn to good to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Be still and know that He is God.

A tough assignment.

Sometimes life can be difficult to face.  Sometimes what we have to go through is really hard.

When going through these times where you wonder if you're going to make it....if you can remember that this too shall pass,
then there is hope.

With God's help you'll make it.

as i was reading in Proverbs...i liked what i read.

Proverbs 8:32

d

'Life Just Got A Little Easier' PRAIRIE Green Bean Casserole

'Life Just Got A Little Easier'
Prairie Green Bean Casserole

Who doesn't like Green Bean Casserole?

I'm sure there are some that don't care for it, 

but this Prairie Dish disappears quickly 

after seconds are desired.

Ingredients

three 14.5 ounce cans of French Style Cut Green Beans

one 10.5 ounce can of Condensed Mushroom Soup

one 10.5 ounce can of Condensed Celery Soup

one soup can full of Milk

two 10 ounce cans of French Fried Onion

Instructions

1) In a two and a half quart baking dish stir together soups, 
milk (measured from one empty soup can), 
drained green beans and entire can of french fried onion.

2) Bake at 350 degree F. for 25 minutes.

3) Top with half of the other can of french fried onion.

4) Bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes more.

Life Just Got A Little Easier.

Dining On The Prairie is

always good,

d

Sharing at Michael Lee West's FOODIE FRIDAY:
http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2014/01/foodie-friday-recipe-party-january-10th.html

Family Dinner With Vintage Dishes

Vintage Dishes are always fun 

to use for PRAIRIE DINING.

ALWAYS~SPECIAL

CROOKSVILLE

Carnation Wreath

The BEST we could figure,

these dishes are 1950~ish.

A delicious meal was served 

on these making it fun dining.

As the Family GATHERED...

 What did we have?

Hog Heaven Ham

Country Cranberry Sauce

Organic Spring Greens

Flint Hill Sage Dressing

Prairie Green Bean Casserole

recipe:

http://homehavenministry.blogspot.com/2014/01/life-just-got-little-easier-prairie.html

Mashed~Smashed Idaho Potatoes

Texas Road House Dinner Rolls 

with Cinnamon Buttah

Finished off the Meal 

with a great tasting After Dinner Coffee 

that curbed the Sweet Tooth.

Thanx for joining me today!

U'all come back now...ya hear,

d

 joining Susan's party!

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/new-years-dinner-party-tablescape-with-a-winter-theme/

Part Four: Pizza, Birthday Cookie and Decorating A Tree

 SAY CHEESE!

We did.

 All together now.

Later we found ourselves decorating a nice neighbor's tree.  

She paid us with cookies and praises.

Not sure when we will all be together again.

Always in my heart, prayers and memories.

Christmas would happen, Santa brought snow

 and the New Year began.  We are now into 2014.
May God Bless our Lives and Homes.

What will this year bring......

Thinking about Remembering,

d

Part Three: Family Time's A Blur

We left the Apartment and

journeyed HOME (Part Three).

Wanted to serve HEALTHY SNACKS.
Placed fruit and vegetables in pewter bowls that stayed ice cold 
for hours.  SERIOUSLY HOURS.
Pretty as a picture and tasty to the buds.

  Fresh Fruit

 Vegetable Platter

THEN A COWBOY SHOWED UP.

Can you say, "HOWDY?"

HIMS WAZ CUTE.

HIMS WAZ 2.

Kids in ACTION means lots of blurry pictures.

They had so much FUNN and so did I.

They all warmed my soul.

 

Give Me A Head With HAIR...long beautiful HAIR.

Well......anyway.

Get Grandpa and they did.

Then we called it a day.  

Next day, 

(Part Four) we had pizza, 
celebrated a birthday and decorated a Neighbor's Tree.

Remembering,

d