Best Ways to Use the Time … During Football Games

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

YES I KNOW it’s Christmas time, but it’s also the weekend.

Ahh … and a winter weekend … YES.

Sleep in, laze around with coffee and chocolate. (that was gonna say “sweets” but truthfully, I always have something chocolate with my coffee!) Quiet mornings, just good coffee and good conversation. No noise, no television. Well, none until … game time, and even then, it has to be the right game, or the screen stays black and quiet.

Quick, fast, exciting and then BAM … DONE!

That’s why hockey and soccer are my favored sports. The stupid, ever-changing clock and all that instant replay baloney in football, make me crazy! Ggrrr!
Having no extensive knowledge of or patience with any sport,
I need diversions to survive.
Well, lets just say “I have my ways”.
Hubs is usually patient about providing me any necessary updates.
Thank You, Dugger 😛

MY BEST WAYS TO USE TIME DURING FOOTBALL GAMES

1. The TV is visible from the kitchen, so I can do dishes, mind the meal, clean or whatever.
2. I can throw in a load or two of wash, fold and put away. The laundry room’s next door.
3. Gracie gets lots of close-contact lap time in. With her on my lap, I don’t go anywhere!
Today I’m typing, so Dad’s gettin’ all the lovin’.

4. A big stack of magazines helps the monotonous sports time.
5. Finally, those who know me will be nodding yes,
when I say “my best use of football time is, of course, on the laptop”.
I have no problem answering emails, working on a post or cruising the net.

Today, it’s football, Chicago, here against our Vikings ..
UPDATE: end of 3rd qtr, Vikes lead 24-10,
but with that stupid football clock, there’s still plenty of time for them to screw up. Meanwhile, there’s laundry done and more in progress.
No dishes yet, but the bed is made, and I received some great email like this.

A SUPER quick, EZ-PZ project for some last minute Christmas color,
from Kim over at Exquisitely Unremarkable.
You all know how I love to share. This year, Hometalk asked me to be a contributor to their Christmas Pinterest Board, so I shared Kim’s article there today, along with some others.

HOMETALK CHRISTMAS PINTEREST BOARD

Go over and see …
halftime works great for a visit.
And, that’s my Q. The game’s over
the Vikings won … OMG … final 38-17,
not a slaughter but pretty good guys!

So now everyone, stop stressing over the holidays … just relax and start something fun.

WOW, it’s 4 o’clock and I haven’t eaten yet … and OH NO, now my guy Peyton is playing. Geez! We’ll talk again soon 🙂

Later – Cheryl

Kitchens, Cousins and Cabinets

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

July has meant kitchens, cousins, cabinets and me . . . completely pooped! It was a VERY busy month for me and Hubs. Regular readers know that my cousins come up each July to visit, as they did this year too! As usual, we had a blast 🙂

And you’ll also probably remember we’ve been attacking our kitchen cabinet project in steps, and still had the lowers to finish.

Remember how my timing is often a little off? I didn’t get motivated about the cabinets till the week before our visitors’ scheduled stay.

Hubs did his part, trimming everything out, and on one of our cooler days, I tackled the painting and sealing.

You know our dishwasher died this past winter, and I may also have mentioned that its’ gaping absence has Hubs designing a wonderful pull-out drawer for pan storage – my back just loves that guy 🙂 ! But it’s a “future” plan. In the meantime, lazy me just left it naked and exposed to the world. The ladies know we’re always in the middle of a project or two, and once they arrived, we had plenty to keep us busy, so nobody cared.

Showing off some of their thrift finds, before departing.

After they headed home, we took a couple of days off, appreciating the AC. It gave us lots of time to talk . . . about what else . . . projects.

In afterthought, I regretted the big black hole left open for our company. I remembered some of the clever “disguise” ideas my blogger buddy Kim has done with fabric. I had remnants left from our recent family room drapes makeover (haven’t posted it for you yet). Since that area is directly behind the kitchen, those would work. So, supplies yes, but still a problem. C’mon, you all know how I just love to sew . . . NOT! Covering the opening meant using two pieces. Oh boy!

Speaking of boys, all these boy-toys around here tend to come in handy. Hubs has all sorts, including an upholstery stapler, and an air one at that. So it was brought to the kitchen.

Keep calm . . . it wasn’t ME operating anything electric. C’mon, an air compressor and an automatic stapling gun . . . seriously?? No no! You know me! I pleaded and begged Hubs away from his shop, for this quick and easy project. I put a comfy, big ol’ pillow in there for his back. Then as I gathered material, he stapled two little curtains in place, from behind the cabinet front. No sewing. The bottom was already nicely hemmed and the raw edges were just folded in and stapled. Voila’ – done. It’ll work until the practical pan drawer is done, don’t ya think?

Remember my grumping about our broken rider mower last time? Well . . . it’s still out of commission but sometimes good things rise from bad. Hubs was out “push mowing” today with our noisy old hand mower, when a second roaring machine piped in. I looked out to see our neighbor teen, Tyler, zipping along on their rider, finishing things off in no time. He didn’t want pay and left without telling us.

So, Hubs and I leashed Gracie and went for a walk back to his house, delivering a card and a little monetary compensation. And we got to know our newest neighbors even better. Nice. Great guy, that Tyler. I should’ve taken a picture. Maybe our granddaughters would visit more often if they knew what a cute neighbor we have. Hhmm.

So, kitchen is done, cousins are safely back home, and yard looks good, for now anyway. . But don’t worry, there’s so much more to report . . . next time because me, I’m pooped out! Think there is a cat puppy nap in the near future.

Hey, Gracie, ya started without me!

Meanwhile, I’m working at staying positive to stay productive. See if it works for you!

Later – Cheryl

Hey Ma . . . It’s Me

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hey Ma . . . it’s me, Cheryl Ann. With Mother’s Day coming up, not our usual chat this time. It’s got me thinking of all sorts of things. Remember the way you would let me lay my head in your lap on Sundays, when the sermon got too long? Both Pastor Braun and “Rev” M. had their talents, but we both know that public speaking wasn’t top on the list, right. I always loved the way you would smooth my hair as I laid there.

I liked to play with those cardboard fans on the sticks too. And then we had our secret “Church” language. One of us would silently tap to the other . . . 3 taps was “I-Love-You”; 4 taps back was “I-Love-You-Too” . . . then a squeeze or rub, to say . . . “So Much”. A shared smile or quite giggle ended the conversation. So, of course, I had to do that with my kids too. My step daughter, Cindra, still signs off cards with a “Tap Tap Tap”.

Ooh, an old B&W of us when your Donnelley friends came to visit.

The weather is finally warming up here in Minnesota. Of course, in Iowa, all those beautiful peony bushes are already bursting with giant blooms. Mine are only about two feet tall, so far. That long row of peonies you planted at the front of the garden was so beautiful in full bloom. PHOTO SOURCE: Barb Rosen . . . Our Fairfield Home and Garden

And your glads in the summer. I still have the picture of you standing among them; that year they were taller than you, remember? And you didn’t want me to take the picture because you had shorts on! Of course, I did anyway and we laughed and laughed. Peonies and gladiolus are still your favorite flowers right? Mine too . . . always. PHOTO SOURCE: SL . . . Stephanie Lynn . . . under the table & dreaming

And I so enjoy, making flower arrangements just like you. Remember when I worked for Bachman’s at the airport? Then too, at the small floral shop here, in our local store. You were there, I know

One of my Autumn dried arrangements. Recognize the watercolor in the background? It’s the one I did for you in college.

What about all those summer nights when we’d sit on the front step, playing Simon Says and Captain May I ? Oh, and then after dark, we’d go hand-in-hand, for long walks around the neighborhood, just the two of us. Well, Brownie went along sometimes too, though, didn’t he? Crazy old dog. Remember how he’d run away for days, sometimes weeks at a time and then sure enough, one day, you’d see him running home, across German’s field into our yard. Our Gracie is definitely a house dog, but no one allows pets to run anymore. Long time ago in small towns.

GRACIE MAE & BROWNIE So many memories, and even the “not so good” ones can be funny. Like the time you got the new pressure cooker, and we were going to stew tomatoes! Good thing we went outside to take that break. Those were some hot tomatoes flyin’ around when that thing blew up all over the kitchen. Weird how the madder Dad got about it, the harder it was for us to keep from laughing. Hhmm, Dad and my ex were a lot alike. We were the ones who cleaned it up, so don’t know why Dad was so angry!

Us when baby Brad & I stayed with you while his dad was overseas. Do you recall this photo. Wish I had more of us together. Well, we could talk forever, but I’ll save the rest of this remembering for another night. Hey Ma, can you believe it’s been thirty two years, already? I was going to say it doesn’t seem possible that so much time and memories have gone by so quickly; I know you haven’t missed too much though, because you’re always with me. And then, we always have our little talks. But for tonight . . . it’s me, signing off. Luv ya, Mom . . . Always. ALWAYS by artzzle-com 2014

My Mom, Marguerite 1920 – 1983
Rest in peace, Ma

Quick Peeks Into Bedrooms

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hey . . . let’s peek into some bedrooms . . .

at some easy ideas for a new look in yours!

You knew that’s what I meant . . . right?

In the last couple of weeks,
several people have asked me about colors and
something different for bedrooms.
I saw this and wanted to share with you.
It was online, via BHG via HGTV sites and information.

Quick Changes for A Bedroom

With all this retirement time, I’ve been online … A LOT.
So if you have a minute or two … catch me at these spots and,
while there, check out the newbies who’ve signed on lately, too!

PINTEREST HomeTalk HOUZZ

This is OUR Master Bedroom … see the rest here and …
and an earlier look here.

Hey Gracie … you’re slippin’ baby.

Ahh … ain’t she sweet! Say “Goodnight” Gracie.

We’ll be back soon!

Later – Cheryl

P.S.
Two Important Things
1. WELCOME to all of you NEW FOLLOWERS at Artzzle.
2. To ALL MY WONDERFUL FOLLOWERS and READERS … remember
after you leave your comments, BE SURE TO
check the “Follow Comments” Box
SO you can see my answer to your message! 🙂

Have You Said the “S” Word Yet?

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

It’s another bright day. Hope your’s was also. Anyone else thinking the “S” word yet?

Well, not to jinx it, but with all this color thought of late, these warm days just naturally stirred up yearnings for a seasonal change. I just couldn’t help myself … had to do a little Spring decorating.

This week I spruced up the living (front) room, changing out the door wreath, shelf unit and the mantel.

My “Wreath for All Seasons” was hanging, lonely and bare, after the reds of Christmas and Valentines were removed.

Click and learn HOW TO Make this wreath

Enough spring stuff was found in the craft room, to liven it up quite a bit.

It seemed a little early for roses … so I didn’t include them.

I was happy with the results. How about you?

Remember, this wreath was specifically designed to be changed out for different occasions, so all pieces are attached lightly, with double sided tapes, or just wired in to the original frame; allowing for quick and easy change out. You all know how changeable I am.

The fireplace … in its’ new location now, under the big clock, looked like this earlier. I was never completely satisfied with this vignette.

I made a raid on my fabric remnants and found this pretty green piece to ground things. From there a little house shopping and some experimenting produced this look.

It says “Spring” don’t ya think?

The plate holder by the front door, got a color change with the green plate, and a few butterflies came over to play.

On the standing shelf unit currently in that room, once again the reds of previous holidays were removed, and we went towards the blues and greens to liven up that corner.

The JAW takes top shelf here.

Greenery and the Easter Bunny are a bit springy.

What’s your reaction to the JAW? I note that it’s a 50/50 swing … people either love it or detest the thing. Such was the playout when I found it. A friend and I were at a barn sale, and I immediately HAD.TO.HAVE.IT. She, on the other hand, thought it was weird … but she’s used to me, and knew I would get it. It was just the jaw piece. I had HUBS use some gorgeous walnut for a base, cut two brass rods and drilled everything out for a perfect fit. The walnut block was left natural, but mineral oil was rubbed in for that beautiful dark dazzle.

Well, a pretty short set today. Lots of articles in the works, so I’ll be back soon.

Gracie loved the sun this day. Say goodnight, Gracie.

You know what happens now … I say “Don’t stress so much, just start something!”

Later – Cheryl

Life this Monday

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Life often has a way … of getting in the way.

Know what I mean? Ever feel like that?

We can make our lists and calendar notations, and
plan, plan, plan.

But in the end … Life. Happens.

When you were a kid, did you ever stomp your feet and
loudly declare “You’re not the boss of me!” Oh, c’mon, admit it.
I’m sure I told that to plenty of babysitters in my day.

Well, Life is … the BOSS, I mean … of us all. So we better have some empty lines on those lists, for changes and unexpected little adjustments it throws us.

The last Monday Post had me whizzing around, preparing for my “ladies’ lunch”. It was happily exciting but there was a lot to be done (in my opinion). As the week progressed, life took over and punched the poop out of my lists. I did manage to pull off a nice luncheon, but the following week proved just as hectic, for reasons of its’ own … so no update posts for you. Apologies … but hey, we all survived.

POSITIVES

Weather was freezing BUT clear for safe driving.
The house looked pretty.darn.good.
Menu was a hit … tasted good and no one needed TUMS.
We all had a nice visit.

NEGATIVES

Weather was FREEZING
Table setting looked fantastic (if I do say so myself) BUT I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES!
Didn’t finish the look I wanted on the guest favors (gave them anyway, but not prettied up)
Left out an item on the menu … totally forgot to prepare it (but there was enough other stuff)
Oh yes, and did I say … I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES

WHAT I LEARNED (or was reminded of)

Lists are good, but leave room for write-in’s and changes.
Be more flexible and less frazzled
Asking granddaughter to contribute was great. It was encouraging for her and something for me … to brag about & good eatin’ too. (don’t worry, I paid her)

Back to the present Monday. I’m working on a couple of good (can I say very good?) future posts, but this is IT for today.

The only (two) pictures I did manage to remember, are featured. One of my guests – as they were leaving, and a shot of the yummy cupcakes my GD Ashley made. They were sooooo good!

And now … “Say Good Night Gracie!”

Good Girl!

ARTZZLE

Helping with the Pieces in Life's Puzzle of Art and Design

Tag Archives: Gracie

Best Ways to Use the Time … During Football Games

Kitchens, Cousins and Cabinets

Hey Ma . . . It’s Me

Quick Peeks Into Bedrooms

Have You Said the “S” Word Yet?

Life this Monday

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