Matthews Alive Festival

This past Saturday my orginal plan was to visit Renfrow Hardware Store in Matthews to pick seeds to plant this fall. I knew that Matthews Alive was going on but did not think that the hardware store would be closed. Well it was. The Farmer Market was not going on, either...So I decided to browse and visit the craft vendors.
There was at least 5 booths selling hand made bags. Picked up two cute bags which regularly sold for $25.00 at $6.00 each. This company has an online store at: Simply Notes and Totes



A couple of weeks ago I picked up this other bag from from Adrianne who sells her bags at the Mint Hill Farmer Market. Her bags are just beautiful. She told me she had no idea how she could set up an online store. She reads your blog Andrea and is amazed at all the things you do. I did tell her about Etsy and she said she'd look into it.

Take a peek at Adrianne's beautiful bag. The handles are really black not blue as the pictures shows.

Happy Birthday Caleb

Caleb turns 3 today. He's growing up so fast. I wish I could be there to give you a big kiss, Caleb. I know how much you like birthday parties, cakes, blowing the candles, etc...

Nana is sending you this Happy Birthday song Video. Hope you enjoy it.

Your big surprise birthday gift will arrive on September....No, it's not a bed but I'm sure you and Taite will enjoy it.

Check out my Slide Show!

The Face Behind the Blog

My daughter has tagged me and she wants me to participate by posting my picture. I had fun creating my first slide presentation using http://slide.com/
I was not able to include the slide presentation as part of this post. Kept coming with some error message when I tried to publish....so the slide is on a post by itself. I don't know much html and get lost in understanding how it works.
So now I'm supposed to tag someone else whose blog I read so the only person I stay in touch with other than my daughter is Connie. It's your turn Connie if you're up to this.


Here are the rules:

1st step Post a short blog article that includes a photograph (or a series of photos) showing the face behind your blog. If you already show a photo somewhere on your site (such as in your about page), then make your post more interesting and choose a photo that’s not currently online.

2nd step Include links to other people that have displayed a photo, or include their photos in your post, adding a reference.

3rd step Tag as many others as you like to spread the meme.

I'm tagging: Connie


4th step If you link back to to me and post a comment; I'll be sure to include links back to you. Each person tagged should create their own post and repeat the process. You tag as few or as many people as you want. Sorry Connie I'm not sure of this step (Maybe you can explain to me)

Working Out at the Ladies Express

I've been going to the Ladies Express Workout since June. With my schedule I end up going three times a week. Exercising really does make a difference; the challenge is setting time aside to do it. I have met some very nice ladies including Wendy who took my pictures. Wendy and other ladies are encouraging me to take the zumba class which takes place 2 times a week. I keep saying "Maybe." The ladies who take this class say it's a lot of fun and you can burn lots of calories. So we'll see......

Wendy using the elliptical

Aura using the 3 lb weights

The Ladies Express Workout Circuit

Semi Healthy Banana Bread

My supply of frozen bananas has been growing. Tonight I made this recipe which I am calling semi-healthy because I added Kretschmer Wheat Germ. I usually add wheat germ to my oatmeal. The label states it is an excellent source of Vitamin E and Folic Acid; two tablespoons contains 50 calories. I like the nutty and crunchy texture it adds to my cereal.

Ingredients:
2-3/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/4 Cup Kretschmer Wheat Germ
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 Cup brown sugar
1/2 Cup white sugar
3 large eggs
1 Cup vegetable oil
3 Mashed bananas

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In mixer beat on medium speed the sugars and the oil well; add one egg at a time beating well after each addition. Lower speed in mixer and add flour mixture in small amounts. Beat slightly only as needed to blend. Lastly add mashed bananas. Pour batter into 2 loaf pans. Bake for around 45 minutes.

20 Some Years Ago

People say: "Time flies". It is so truth and the older I get the faster it seems to go. I'm so thankful for the memories of days gone by that have been preserved through pictures taken. I wish now I had taken more. My daughter Andrea takes pictures of her kids every day, I'm serious. She will have some many pictures to look at when her kids are grown. It'll be wonderful.

I came across some pictures some twenty plus years ago. I remember especially like it was yesterday the one of Kevin leaning against the fence. We took a walk in our old neighborhood, Holly Hills. This picture was taken on a beautiful summer day. Both my kids loved going on walks.

Spoke to Kevin tonight via the computer and he is doing well. The rash which he had a few days ago was nothing serious. I had visions of him experiencing hives. He said it was something caused by bug bites. Thank you Lord for answered prayers. Tomorrows Tech training will be tough and very physically demanding. Some trainees even pass out during the exercise. I think he called the exercise Itt.

Papa Cliff Working on the Dormer Window

Papa said the upstairs bathroon window was in bad shape. Here he is doing some of the repair.

He already took the window out and has sealed the hole with plywood. I told him he should just have waited to put the new window when it arrived. But no, he could not wait. It scares me a little to see him up there. He says he is careful. He came down when it started to get too hot.

Speaking of hot the house has been hot. As we speak the temperature is around 85. The air broke down yesterday and the repair people said that it would be Tuesday before they could come and fix the AC. We have been fortunate to have the AC window unit which we used to run upstairs in Kevin's room. It is keeping our room cool., but it is noisy. I kept waking up all during the night. I'm so glad this did not happen a few days ago when the temp reached 100 and also while you were still living with us.

Hole in the Window

The Cicadas - Pronounced "SeeKadas"

Hi Caleb here is a picture of the Cicadas - those noisy bugs which look like aliens. Papa took the time to film one while it was coming out of its shell.

He told me that one landed on his back this week when he was coming back from getting the paper. He reached back touched the back of his head and thought "My hair feels funny." He was really touching the Cicadas wing. Sure glad it was not me.

With this heat the wasps have been clinging to our back kitchen door. On the days when we reached a 100 several ( 20 or so) could be seen. I guess this high heat is hard on all., even bugs.

Hi Caleb

Hi Caleb just writing to say Hi!!

Nana and Papa miss you. Nana has been busy rearranging and cleaning the house (the empty nest). It is strange to have such a quiet house for the first time. I do like the extra room we have and I am looking forward to setting up a craft/sewing room.

Remember the loud Cicadas we heard when I was reading you a story on the front porch? Well some have been emerging from their shell. Really look like Aliens - don't you think? For some reason they like the area outside the garage. Every day there have been lots of shells to sweep.

Found your alligator and favorite duck (he is really a goose). I am taking good care of them and they are keeping each other company. They like the taggy blanky. Taite won't mind if they use it for a while. It's really soft. I should think of making some of these.

Papa has been working on the upstairs bathroom window. He is replacing the window. He said it was time to replace it.

It's hot in the house. The only cool room is my bedroom. The air conditioning broke. We are fortunate to have one cool room in the house.

Be good and remember to listen to mommy and daddy. Love you...Always....Nana

My San Antonio Scrapblog

These two scrapbook pages were created using the website www.Scrapblog.com

Kevin's Basic Training Graduation

My son Kevin completed his Basic Training with the United States Air Force. During this training he was called an Airman Basic. He is now an Airman First Class. We are all very proud of him and thank the Lord for looking after him during his training. He will continue Tech School in Lackland until this training is completed in October 2007.

We love you Kevin.

Getting Ready for my trip to Panama

It's been 5 years since I last visited Panama. That is hard to believe which it's so true that time is flying. I think so myself. I last visited and was there for my mother's 75th birthday. She turns 80 February the 1st and once more we'll surprise her. Sure wish my kids and grandkids could go as well.

Cliff is also very excited about going and says he wants to go fishing. He also wants to go visit the Fish market.

My suitcases are packed with the exception of the carry on. One of my co-workers said there would be no problem if I carry wooden knitting needles. I would like to be able to engage in this activity during the long hours of flying. I don't much care to fly so this will keep me distracted.

I bought some gifts to take to my nieces and nephew, my sister, brothers, my mother.

I've Been Tagged by my daughter

Someone tagged her and to keep the game going on she tagged me. I really don't know any bloggers that would probably participate in this game but I decided to go ahead and write my 6 weird things. Don't know if I have that many....ha...ha...

The rules state:

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. My feet. Someone told me once that I had too much toe nail. My husband calls my two little toes: Yoda Toe.

2. I love the smell of fresh laundry. As soon as the clothes, especially towels come out of the dryer I have to smell them.

3. We recently installed hardwood floors in the kitchen. I love the new look; so shiny and warm. At the end of the day, I'll take a good look for stains, spots, etc...especially around the stove, sink and refrigerator. I'll get on the floor and clean it with this special cleaner "Orange Glo"

4. This lady I used to work at one elementary school told me I had "Coon eyes" for racoon. I do have very dark circles around my eyes. They are even more pronounced on the days when I don't sleep well.

5. I require 3 pillows to sleep well. One goes over my head, covering one of my ears, one to rest my head and one just to hug. It all started during my first pregnancy. The one I use to rest my head is one of those which are full of tiny beads and gives excellent support. The pillows are promoted/sold by Tony Little.

6. I sometimes sing in the shower....not all the time.

I need a lesson from my daughter to be able to put my pictures under each number. My blog is a little weird, too. The pictures are all showing at the top. One of these days I'll sit down with my daughter and get a good HTML lesson.

Very Easy Acorn Squash

I picked up some recipe cards at the Harris Teeter store where I shop. I love vegetables and do my best to eat them daily. This recipe was pretty good, quick and easy to put together. The hardest step was cutting the acorn squash itself. They are very tough. Please be very careful. With the help of my Pampered Chef Santoku Knife (I think that's how you spell the knive's name) the job was made easier.

Autumn Acorns

2 Medium acorn squash, halved
2 to 4 tbsp dried cranberries (I love these)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp butter,, cut in 4 pieces
chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Place squash halves, cut side down, on a plate and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, ,or until nearly tender.

Turn halves over. Season squash with salt and pepper Mix the syrup and cranberries. Divide cranberries, maple syrup and butter between the squash halves.

Microwave uncovered on HIGH for 5 t o 7 minutes more. Delicious

Per Serving: 167 calories, 37g carbohydrate, 2g protein, 3g fat, 4g fiver, 8mg cholesterol, 47 mg sodium

Recipe Note: Do not refrigerate whole acorn squash. (Mine had been kept in the fridge and I did not notice this having any effect.) To cut, work slowly, gently rocking back and forth on the squash as you cut.

My Last Day of Vacation

I'm going back to work tomorrow - Sure has been nice to be off for a few days. I did not accomplish everything I wanted to do on this last day. My Christmas tree is still up, the christmas lights are still on the front porch. Oh well; maybe all that stuff will be put away this weekend.

I did finish my Thank You cards for my co-workers. Everyone at work was so generous this Christmas. I took time this evening, made myself some green tea I prefer my green tea with ginseng and lemon. I read in an article about the benefits of green tea that it is even good to prevent tooth decay. It's flavor sort of grows on you. In the beginning you might not like it; but then you will find yourself making some more. I like the fact that it can help counter or help slow the aging process being a source of antioxidants.

Picture of the garden elf.

Thoughtful gifts from coworkers.

Thank You Notes

This first day of 2007 was productive. I got quite a bit done. As I have done in the past; I found myself taking things out of my china cabinet, cleaning, rearranging dishes, candles, holiday dishes. My tree is still up. I tend to follow the Latin tradition of leaving the tree until January 6. That's the day (Epiphany) when it was said the Three Wise Men visited baby Jesus.

I also spent some time writing Thank You notes. I was trully blessed by the wonderful gifts I received from friends and family. At this time I also like to get in touch with friends who have moved away from our area. I'm still enjoying my Holiday vacation; loving staying home.

Christmas 2006 in Ohio

This 2006 Christmas Season will be one I'll always remember. The reason, on this month my daughter was due to deliver our second grandbaby.

She and husband decided to wait until the birth of the baby to find out if they were having a boy or girl. For some reason I thought for sure she'd have a girl. I thought she would follow the same pattern established by my mother who first had a son, then a daughter. I also had a boy, then a girl. It was nice to be surprised, I must say.

On December 18 finally the mystery would be revealed. My daughter's labor occurred during the night, so I did not find out what she'd had until the morning of the 19th. My husband announced "She had a boy." Then came the wait to receive pictures by e-mail. The pictures came two days or so after baby arrived. Taite Ezekiel arrived before midnight weighing 6 lbs 7 oz, measuring 19.5 inches.

We arrived to my daughter's house on Christmas Eve and met our new grandbaby who is perfect in everyway; loves to cuddle, eats well loves being held. During this visit I took every advantage of holding him; we all know how fast babies grow, right? All of a sudden they leave this newborn stage.

It's a wonderful blessing to get this second chance to hold such a precious member of our family. Well done, Andrea and Travis. We're here to support you in our role as grandparents.

Picture of Grandparents, Proud Mommy and Baby Taite.

Nana Aura holding Taite.

Great News Received - A New Grandson

My daughter's labor started sometime yesterday in the afternoon. What an exciting time. She has been so good keeping up to date with the latest developments. I am thankful for that since she is not in our town.

Travis's phone call came in before midnight with the birth announcement. I was asleep; in the morning I found out that Tate Ezekiel had made it's arrival...Mother and baby are doing well. Now we'll just have to wait a little before we can hold this bundle of blessing from the Lord.

I worked on a Welcome Card for Tate which will be sent this morning along with a gift for baby.

What Are Little Boys Made Of?

Boys are mad of chuckles & grins,

Tousled hair and banged-up shins,

Things with wheels & frogs in pockets

Questions, baseball caps, & rockets;

They're joy & mischief, fun & noise-

That's how it is – boys will be boys!

My Christmas Decorations

Decorating my home for Christmas is not quite the same without my daughter. It's a lot more fun when someone helps put up the ornaments, lights etc...She was such a great help. My son is not at all into decorating; I did get Cliff to put some lights outside on the palms, icicle lights on the porch and today he even helped me put some greenery on the porch, at the door and we decorated the mailbox.

This is the second year I've done an artificial skinny tree. These trees do take lots less space, there is just not as much surface to hang ornaments. Carla, my cat has even ignored the tree this year. She used to get under the tree. She's not doing that anymore; I guess she is getting older too. The process of decorating the tree was done during the week. I have not decided what do do with the mantle....which should take lots less time to do.

Angel Ornament
Gingerbread Ornament
Snowman

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Today was an incredible beautiful day - temperatures reached almost 70. Most people would say it doesn't feel like Christmas due to this warm trend. We joined our Lifegroup (small group from church) to help at this year's Hope Junction Christmas party. The Angel Tree gifts were neatly organized in rows by numbers/codes. At the end of the program which included a Christmas cantata, drama, refreshments the children would receive their gifts. Seeing all the children's happy faces was neat - and it did look like Christmas.

Mini Knitted Ornaments

  

Stitch In Test

  

My 24th Thing

This week I attended the workshop "The 24th Thing and Beyond."

During this workshop all in attendance participated in groups. On the first exercise we had to list "E" words that described libraries. PLCMC's mission already contains three of them Enriching, Empowering & Expanding. Other words used to describe libraries were "energizing, excellence, educating, elevating, etc...

In the other exercises we were challenged to list strategies to continue putting to use what we learned doing the 23 things. We also had to talk about how technology could benefit not only staff but also borrowers.

Helene B. gave us an assignment at the end to choose our 24th thing to work on.

Knitting is my favorite hobby so for my 24th thing I have decided to create a blog to report what takes place during our "Stitch In" sessions. I think it will be good to communicate with other libraries which also offer these meetings and find out what everyone is doing.

I have already begun taking pictures and I am excited to jump into this new adventure.

The 23rd Thing - Reflections about Learning 2.0

I learned about Gabcast from another PLCMC Learning 2.0 participant and decided to try it. Thank you Questing Librarian. You can listen or read this post.




It feels good to enter this last post but at the same time I can say I'm going to miss doing the exercises. I do know that I will go back to spend more time learning and exploring the different sites, especially my favorites. I added Learning 2.0 as one of my feeds in my Bloglines account.

I want to thank all those who made this Learning experience possible. I hope I get to talk to you personally to tell you how exciting it was to go through the program. I appreciate the many hours that were put into it. I hope there will be more opportunities like this in the future. I had some help along the way; at work I got together with coworkers Cassandra, Amy and Trilby. Thanks for your insights, tips and for being there when I had questions. My son Kevin also helped and my daughter Andrea was always ready to encourage me and it was neat to get comments from her and some of her fellow bloggers.

I enjoyed almost every exercise; some were more challenging, and I spent quite some time reading the tutorials. Among my favorite sites: del.icio.us, Flickr, Bloglines,Rollyo, LibraryThing, ZohoWriter, YouTube and Writely. I will definitely go back to these sites to take advantage of all they have to offer. Each one is unique and offer powerful features and tools.

As I said I spent hours looking through the different websites, studying, reading, etc...I would not have been able to make the progress I made if I had tried to do the exercises at work. Just the reading alone took quite some time and this was all new material to me. Some people chose not to participate because the amount of work to do became overwhelming. Perhaps fewer exercises should have been assigned with different levels of complexity. I do hope that in the future training based on all these exercises will be offered. It's truly being an exciting experience that all should be given the opportunity to discover. I believe it is possible for someone to learn on their own, but some concepts are not so easily assimilated or understood.

So when do we continue with thing 24. Just kidding; I do need a break. I have to catch up with my knitting.

NetLibrary

The tutorial created by Mary Kyle made it very easy to create my NetLibrary account. One of my favorite authors is Francine Rivers so I chose "And the Shofar Blew" for my first title. I don't have an MP-3 player yet so I downloaded the eBook radio quality to my computer. Following Mary's instructions it should be simple to download it to the portable device.

Podcasts

For this exercise I chose the Yahoo Podcast directory to locate AudioFile. This site is all about audio books which can be downloaded as an MP3 player file. I'm looking forward to learning next all about these neat players.

I listened to three sound reviews: The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Firefly Cloak by Sheri Reynolds and Night by Elie Wiesel.

My You Tube Selection - The Last Knit

The video I selected for my post is from Annekeanna, a YouTube member since 3 months ago. She lives in Jerusalem and already has 323 subscribers. To post this video on my blog I highlighted and copied the embed code which can be found in the box next to the video screen. I opened a new post in my blog and clicked on the insert link icon to paste the code.

In my opinion this site could be used to document programs or special staff ocassions which take place in the library.

Judy's Book - A Web 2.0 Tool

Judy's Book is a website which was rated second in the Classifieds and Business Category. It's a fairly new site made up of members from all throughout the United States and the amount of information which can be obtained in it varies from city to city. For instance smaller towns have less members so I did not find as much information.

This site would be useful for a newcomer who is looking for general information about the area. The site offers local information about businesses, restaurants, salons, music.,etc... I think it's neat that the restaurant reviews are written by people living in the area. There is a place for sharing your own opinion/comment about the review. As I said I think that due to the fact that it is a new site, I only found two reviews about Mexican restaurants in the Charlotte area. Maybe I'll join and express my opinion about one of my favorite restaurants "Azteca".

Judy's Book allows members to meet other members and they can share their experiences, questions about any given topic, favorite doctors, restaurants, businesses, etc... in the blog feature.