Latest happenings at the Harris'

Last weekend I attended an estate sale that was just great.  I didn't go until the 2nd day which totally worked in my favor because it was 1/2 off day which is my favorite day!  This collector had a lot of crocks, quilts and lots of just cool items but since it was the 2nd day a lot of things were gone already like all the crocks, quilts and most furniture which was fine because I didn't need any of those things.  Notice I said "need" not "want" because I always want those things but look at what I did score:

Little cast iron sheep $4


Perfect condition coverlet in pumpkin gold $45

Well loved coverlet in taupe gold color $10

Bonnet needle keeper $1

Isn't it cute?

beautiful cross stitched pillow cover and the stitching is AMAZING for $4.  I plan on using it at the holidays because it reminds me of poinsettia flowers

Small piece of coverlet to use on a tabletop, dresser or in a bowl

And so much more sewing items like huge bags of lace, trim and buttons for $1, Shiny Brite box of ornaments for $1.50, wooden German bread plate for $2 and a couple of ironstone pieces.  I was so happy I dropped by it and now I just have to find homes for my newest treasures.

Also since we've had issues with bears knocking our trash cans over and down the mountain, we decided to build a Bear Proof Trash Containment System.  Well actually Mark built it while I was gone so all I had to do was help putting the finishing touches on it.  Lucky for me I found the cute PA Dutch sign at the estate sale for $1 and I knew it'd be a great addition.  I spent 2 days painting this huge monster but I think it was well worth the time.

 Top lifts up for daily use to access the cans and the door opens for them to be removed.  I finally finished painting the inside of it this afternoon and was so happy until I realized the dang clerk at Home Depot mixed interior flat paint not exterior paint like it should have been.  I have to go back in the morning to make the exchange with them and I guess paint it again this weekend.  I could have strangled her so it was best that I was just too tired to go argue with them. 

Summer 2016 so far

So Summer 2016 is shaping up to be a great one!  I've been home to see the people I love most in the world, been on vacation, hit a good estate sale and even managed to do a little inexpensive summer decorating...ok the décor is very minimal because I can't seem to locate my summer décor box in my storage area. 

I wrote about my wonderful trip home in the last post so let's move on to family vacation to celebrate Josi!  As readers of my blog you know already how much I love these kiddos and how proud they make me every day but also that my folks and I try very hard to build great memories for them and us every chance we get.  So when Rachel graduated we did a DC trip along with Virginia Beach and Josi decided that she wanted a Florida beach trip for hers.  Momma found a great condo for us to rent, we managed to squeeze in a quick stop in MS to see my Uncle Steve and a car trip from hell.  No seriously what is a family car trip without a little fighting and a trip to a dr or two?  Daddy had a sinus infection before I got to AR and he shared with Momma who in turn decide to share with me.  I didn't get sick until we were on the road which was miserable for everyone.   I was a real PITB and yelled at Rachel which I guess always makes for a fun trip but after a stop at the mediquick we kissed and made up.  Ok maybe not kissed because I didn't want to share my germs any more than I already had.  John and Kelton joined us the next day so there were 7 of us in this condo but we had plenty of room.  We ended up taking Rachel to the dr as well because she had an ear infection so we were a lively bunch.  I stayed sick and the meds did little to help me and in some cases made things worse....oh well I still enjoyed my time with everyone.  The kids and John stayed a few extra days in FL while my folks and I headed to Asheville to get me back home.  

And when we got to my house, Clarice was so happy to see me that she forgot to be mad about me being gone for so long.  She is still loving her porch time and I can hardly get her to come back in at dark.

While Momma and Daddy were here we saw 4 bears!  There was a mommy bear that was tagged so not the one I saw the first time, anyway she had her twin cubs with her and she sent them up a tree when she spotted us.  She watched us for a minute then called them down.....they did it without any fussing or back talk just got down and fell into line with her walking away.  It was amazing to see how they minded her right away and I had to giggle because at the pool in FL we heard a grandmother exclaim "When did we start negotiating with 7 year olds"  after dealing with her grandson and putting on sunscreen.  Anyway, we saw another bear the next day crossing the road so two different sightings with 4 bears in two days.....awesome!  And I squealed like a little girl both times.  I never even thought to grab my phone to take pictures so sorry you'll just have to take my word that we saw 4 bears.

Finally my cheap summer décor:

Easter markdown at JoAnne's for less than $1.  It's a soft blue which reminded me of the Ball Jars and it included the small fairy lights on the lid so all I added is a cardboard tag and fabric around the lid and turned the chick face backwards where you can't see it.    I just love it sitting on my cabinet on the front porch for the season.

 Then I ran across these wonderful pinwheels at WalMart for 97 cents each and they are just great! 

Just a simple touch of summer

Ok got to close it up for now because I've got a million and one errands that I must get done today.  Do something today that makes you smile 'cause life is too short to not smile and laugh every chance you get!

Hey y'all

I took some much needed time off from every day life and went to spend some time with family in Arkansas.   My Momma had hurt her knee so she was struggling with just every day life tasks, Daddy was dealing with his new infusions for his autoimmune issues and helping Momma, it was quickly approaching the 1 yr anniversary of us losing my FIL  and  finally, it was Zared and Athena's 1st anniversary along with Josi graduating from HS so her senior trip was planned.  In other words, I needed to go home to just be with my family not to mention that I desperately needed a Zeva fix!!!!! 

Momma's knee continues to plague her and the dr said the words she hated to hear "At your age , we can do a total knee replacement or maybe give you shots to see if you get any relief".  Now he could have gone on and on and on without saying "At your age" but oh no, he had to go there.  Anyway he said she's got a torn meniscus and deep arthritis in the joint so she started shot last week but not getting much relief yet.  Daddy's had a bad sinus infection for a few weeks now but good news it's his first one this year.  His infusions are going well but it is quite an ordeal on the infusion day...the needle/medicine are put into his abdomen and diffuse themselves into his body over time.  He said it's not painful but it takes a couple of hours of him sitting at the dining room table plus a couple of days for the medicine to move around.  He's sore and a little cranky for a couple of days afterwards but he said it's getting better with each infusion.  The bad news is that he'll have to take these guys for the rest of his life at a cost of $15,000 per treatment but thank goodness he has insurance to help with the cost. 

Zared and Athena went away for a romantic weekend in Hot Springs and I got to keep Zeva.  My folks keep her during the week while they are at work so along with the overnights I got to spend lots of quality time with my little Zeva Diva.  She learned to crawl, pull up and cruise along with lots of new sounds/faces while I was there.  I just adore this little one so much that  every minute was just a joy for me....even those minutes where we were having sleeping issues.  It's a good thing I don't live closer or I'd be broke not to mention that Z&A would never see their baby.  We learned a new song while I was there "Call me anytime of day,  Call me when you want to play"  which I can't stop singing even after being home a couple of weeks.

I also managed to not get any real stitching done while I was there but I did finish

Autumn Silhouette by BBD

And Spring Fling also by BBD

I have picked my new project but have only put 3 stitches in it so you'll have to wait to see a progress pic until later.

I'll post again later this week about our family trip to Florida to celebrate the last kiddo's HS graduation and how bittersweet this moment is for all of us.  Josi has grown into such an amazing lady and I'm so very proud to be her Auntie!

Josi with Ninny and Pappy

Josi with her very proud Daddy aka my brother John

Josi with Athena, Zeva and Rachel so all my Gay Girls together....love, love, love these gals

Stitching 2016

Between moving, unpacking, projects and just general life it feels like I've lost my stitching mojo.  When we finished the back porches I was just sure my mojo would return but sadly it's still lacking.  Oh well we're 5months into the year and here's the few things I've finished:

These little pretties were a quick weekend stitch  Spring's Notice and Savior Faire by Blackbird Designs

From Me to Thee  

Evening Shades in the Garden

                                                                  Spring Fling
I have this one finished except for the border and hope to finish it this next week.

Midnight Watch

was started in 2009 and finally finished in 2015 but I have now backed it with a great orange print.  I'm not sure if I'll stuff it to use as a pillow this fall or just hang it as a wallhanging.

I'm also stitching Autumn Silhouette that I was loaned thru the fb Blackbird Lending Library gals and I'm loving it.  Maybe this means my stitching mojo is returning!

I stitched Bluebird's Message back when we were living in Germany.  I didn't hang it when we got back because the colors were just so bright.  Today I was at an Estate Sale on 50% off day and spotted this Homer Laughlin platter and knew it was just what Bluebird needed so I whipped out my $5 and hurried home to hang it in my kitchen.  I just think they are perfect together but what do you think?

Do something today that makes you happy and I think I'll stitch on the porch!

Thrifty Thursday

This is the first time I've jumped on the Thrifty Thursday bandwagon but better late than never as they say.....so who is "they" and why is what they say important?  It's questions like me that keep me from sleeping well at night and give y'all insight to just how wacky crazy I really am. 

Anywhoooo got distracted but I had an awesome day yesterday thrifting and want to share my haul with ya or at least the pictures of my haul.  I'm not crazy enough to give my new treasures away!  I haven't had much luck thrifting here in NC since the move but I think that's partly because I have been so busy purging my home of  clutter that I'm really choosy about what I'm bringing in the house.  I made a list of stores that I hadn't been to yet and I found a couple of things like 2 heavy pewter wine glasses for $4, a tiny butter mold with an acorn for $1 and a couple books for $2.  So nothing earth shattering but I did find a pants presser that Mark has been asking for  the last 15 to 20 years.  It was a singer and new but best of all only $15 so I was pleased because I knew it would thrill him and it did!  They retail for over $300 so the chances of me ever buying him one wasn't great.  I drug that thing all thru the store because I didn't have a cart to put it in so I'll have some new bruises tomorrow I'm sure.  I stopped and got myself a strawberry milkshake and headed for home.  Then I passed my favorite Good Will and I debated stopping or not....seriously debated because it was raining and getting close to 4:00 so wanted to get home before Mark did but dang, I was right there at it so maybe just a quick run thru then home.  I found a Tea Leaf Ironstone sugar bowl with no lid but at $3 that lid didn't matter much, then I ran across a snowman redware plate for $2 and antique frame for one of my samplers was $9 so I was feeling pretty good about my quick run thru.  Then I remembered that I hadn't check the craft or linen items so a quick pass down that aisle and the thrifting gods smiled down on me.....angels singing....crowds parting to allow me thru and there it was a COVERLET!!!! I snatched it off the rack so fast before anyone else could see it.  I swear it was a magical moment of me clutching it and just happy dancing all the way to checkout.  But wait there's no tag on it....what no tag....in GA that means it goes to the back and will not be restocked on the floor until the next day.  Oh no!!!!!  The clerk said "let me call a manager over" and I'm sweating bullets because I WANT THE COVERLET and NOT LEAVING WITHOUT IT.  Guy walks up says "well how's $5 for this old material sound to you"  I couldn't get my money out fast enough to pay for it and then I sprinted for my car.  I could just seeing them chasing after me to say they made a mistake with that price.  I mean I basically stole it and I just couldn't believe they had no idea what it was.  All the way home I was grinning like an idiot and banging on the steering wheel shouting $5 he said $5!  I have a few that I've picked up at estate sales and the least expensive one was $75 with some damage.  This one is pristine and I really think it's a Family Heirloom Weavers coverlet so not an antique but still it's amazing.  This was just the best day and I'm still grinning but so is Mark over his $15 pants presser. 

Do something today that makes you happy!

Lions, Tigers and Bears.....oh my!!!!

We had our first visitors here a week ago Saturday while we were working in the garage.  I had gone into the house and Clarice got out so I walked around the corner of the house to fine her.  As I rounded the corner the neighbor below me yelled to me the bears were in my back yard.  I turned around quickly and hightailed it back in the house while alerting Mark to come see with me.  This is who was visiting me......can you see the one little one climbing the tree?  I might have even cried a little while watching them.

I told Mark that Clarice was outside so he went off to find her.  She was waiting at the front door wanting back into her safe house.  She liked watching them from the safety of her upstairs deck.  I'm pretty brave as well since I figured I could get back into the house before the bear could get up the stairs so I watched them for a long time until Momma decided it was time to mosey along.  I ran to tell Mark to close the garage door because she was leading them up the stairs towards the driveway. 

Then she noticed the garbage cans and bags in the driveway so she stopped to see if we had any snacks.  We have the cans latched shut so she didn't find anything worthwhile so they moved on.  But not before she stood up on her back legs and looked into my truck.  She left drool on the windows but thank goodness it was all locked up so that was that.  Then she turned towards the car and Mark said 'I hope she doesn't mess with the car"  then I reminded him the Porsche was also parked out there under the car cover which sent him into a panic.  He started yelling at the bear thru the windows and waving his arms  around trying to scare her off.  I about wet myself....oh who are we kidding I did wet myself......from laughing so hard!

All the pictures were taken using my cell phone so probably not the best ones but wanted to share them with y'all.  I'm hoping that they will come visit again really soon.

Do something that makes you smile, I'm on bear lookout!

Making dreams come true!

Mark probably like most guys has long wished for a Dream Garage with storage, places for all his tools, car stuff and if truth be known, a place he could call his own without all my junk laying around.  When we bought this house it had  a very, very steep driveway and a 2 car garage which was not ideal for his dream or his car.  But it had these awesome views, location and porches so we both adjusted our dreams because no house is perfect!  A couple of weeks ago he found a great sale on garage cabinets which was the foundation of his new adjusted dream garage so I told him to go for it.  I mean I have my craft closet which admittedly cost a fraction of what his garage dream would cost but I benefit as well because now he could find things which means he would have more time to help me build my genius (harebrain) ideas.  So he ordered everything, it was delivered and then the fun really got started.....yeah right.  We painted the walls and trim, had the garage door opener changed, ordered lighting and prepared for Home Project 1,000,001 which in true Harris' style will be monumental.  First came the flooring which snaps together and is used in racing pits so it's very durable.  He did surprise me when he said it was a 4 color design but after we started laying it I totally agreed with his decision.  The checkered areas outlined in red is the "car parking" area only according to him and the slate areas outside that is work/storage space.....I think that is suppose to keep me in line or at least in space.  We still have to install new lighting and we will be installing a car lift at some point that will move his car up then he can park his daily car under it and I'll get the other bay....wahoo hopefully before next winter.   I need to hang some of his car prints out there and label some of the shelves so I can find stuff easier. 

I'm so very happy that he did it because he really just beams every time he walks in there.  Oh and I did get 3 small cabinets to store yard stuff/décor.  Again he ordered everything on line at great prices just like what we did for the bathroom remodel as well.  This man researches everything to the nth degree to find the best value for the money and it only took us one weekend to get everything sorted and installed.