Crafty Girl

FINISHED THE RAG

2008-09-27T13:53:00.003-05:00

OK...here it is ladies....I received the box at 11am and it hit the post office at 1:30pm....I'm kinda lovin on myself right now....

It was fun and I can't wait for next year :)

Dish Rag Tag - The Sequel

2008-09-27T11:09:00.003-05:00

Well Ladies!!

Today is the big day! I finally got tagged :) My box arrived here in Texas about 11:00 this morning (10 minutes ago) YEAH!!!

Abigail sent me some amazing goodies (AWESOME....Tea...Chocolate (key lime)...A MUG to drink it in.....Tape Measure.....3 skeins of yarn and a sweet postcard ....Thanks Abigail :)

O.K. I need to get knitting my dishrag and then I will post it on this blog :)

TEAHO out (that's my handle)

2008-09-13T11:31:00.005-05:00

2008-09-13T11:27:00.005-05:00

"Lucy" the cow herding puppy dog

2008-09-13T11:15:00.008-05:00

Our Trip to California

2008-08-19T14:59:00.003-05:00

Emilee and I had a wonderful time in California!!! Four days of heaven in a place called "Liscat". My dear friend Cathrine's knit shop in Long Beach is a haven and I wish I could walk in the doors and sit on the couch every single day of my life.

Thank you to Cathrine & Jerome for hosting Emilee and I in their beautiful comfy home. Good friends are so wonderful to have...especially when they cook for you!!! Jerome is an amazing chef and I never have to doubt that when he cooks....we are going to overeat because it is so darn yummy. Each day Cathrine and I (along with Bella & Emilee) would go into work (Liscat)....and start our day. About 1pm Jerome would come by and scoop the girls up and take them home for swimming and fun. What a guy!!! Emilee told him at one point "I would rather stay here with you" than go to dinner with the ladies. She really took a shine to Bella's daddy. Not to mention Bella's little bro Sander!!! I have a picture of them sitting on my lap on my blog :) Cutie Patooties

Thank you to Sandra for hosting the girls dinner night at her oh so chic apartment in downtown Long Beach. She made healthy food and I LIKED it....Wow.... Seriously, it was a wonderful evening and I really appreciated all her efforts. Thanks Sandra!!!

Thank you to Mary for coming to visit me!!! Just like the old days...but it ended way to soon. I got to see Chevy the Black Horse Dog...he is so sweet and so big and beautiful. Lucy would love Chevy....

Thank you to Jennifer for my belated birthday gifts....my beautiful necklace that she made herself AND my SEE'S Candy...I have exactly 3 pieces left :) Also, the snacks on Saturday were AMAZING.....

Thanks for coming to see me on Saturday night Tami...it was great seeing you!!

I also met quite a few new ladies...Shout out to AMI, KATHY, and all the others I can't name right now....you ladies are awesome!!!

Thanks to Barbee and Nancie for stopping in.....

Thank you Leslie for giving me a couple hours to just sit and catch up AND I really enjoyed looking at the Wedding Pictures.

Thanks to Liz for squeaking by...... :) She knows I love her

Kathy, I know we will see each other soon....you are in my heart and tea prayers each night...I miss you sista!!!

California GiRlS

2008-08-19T14:54:00.005-05:00

2008-08-19T14:45:00.009-05:00

POND PUPPY

The BOOBY Bag!!!

2008-04-09T19:08:00.002-05:00

Swirling Rib Sock

2008-03-31T12:01:00.000-05:00

First one is finished!!!!

Emilee's Chives & Strawberries are flowering :)

2008-03-28T19:26:00.001-05:00

No Vacancy

2008-03-28T19:23:00.002-05:00

Our first family of birdies have moved into my Travel Trailer Bird House. I have been watching them come and go for about a week now....I still am not sure what kind of birdies they are yet....I'm guessing sparrows....we shall see :)

Things are starting to turn GREEN!!!!!

2008-03-28T19:19:00.003-05:00

Salad Anyone!!!

2008-03-28T19:17:00.000-05:00

Can you spy with your little eyes???

2008-03-27T11:26:00.003-05:00

Can you spy in the first picture...that's a sunflower coming out of the seed...how cool is that?? And the second picture is (2) Sunflowers just peaking their heads up out of the ground...aren't they cute?

Swirling Rib Socks

2008-03-26T09:12:00.002-05:00

Here it is girls and Arron :) This is the Swirling Rib Sock by my sock guru Jean Knapp. I'm loving this pattern so much. Ready to turn my heel..wish me luck!!!

The Race is ON!!

2008-03-24T09:38:00.005-05:00

Lucy had a very exciting morning! She had a squirrel treed and wanted to let Mom know. I headed out with my camera and WoW...she almost got this one. It jumped from tree to tree and then jumped down right in front of Lucy. They went around the tree about three times and raced back to the shrubs, where the squirrel escaped Lucy and gets to live another day!!! I actually screamed because it was so close..I heard Lucy's chops three or four times and kept expecting for her to get it. Not sure what's going to happen when she does...but I guess dogs and squirrels have been doing this chase thing for years and years.....Lucy will have her day!!

Easter!!! The hunt is on ...

2008-03-23T10:15:00.006-05:00

Well...Emilee finally found ALL the eggs Ken and I (I mean the Easter bunny..of course) hid for her. It took her a good long while to find that purple one in the picture!! LoL....It was a little chilly outside this morning, but Ken and I haven't "done" Easter for years.....He was either away at sea or we just went to Easter brunch with friends in California...this was MuCh better!! Ken is working this afternoon, but we are really enjoying our morning together with Emilee and Lucy. We wish y'all a very blessed Easter!!!

Finished Product

2008-03-21T18:22:00.003-05:00

Here is one of my finished project bags ready for sale!! What do you girls think???

Here they be!!!

2008-03-20T13:34:00.002-05:00

Here they are!!!!

My Sock Project Bag!!!

2008-03-19T21:59:00.002-05:00

So....what do you guys think???

Sock Progress

2008-03-16T20:05:00.002-05:00

Well....we have progress on the sock front. As you can see I am on the heel for BOTH my 2nd Loopy Lace and my first Popsicle sock :) I can taste those clogs now girls...

Progress!!!

2008-03-16T18:32:00.002-05:00

Who is that Farmer out there with the rake in his hand? Why that's Farmer Ken getting my rows all ready for me to plant.

The 4 rows to the rear of the garden are for Corn and the ones up front just got planted with potatoes today!!!

Feeling Better!!

2008-03-16T18:29:00.001-05:00

Emilee is obviously feeling better!!!!

2008-03-15T20:43:00.002-05:00

Mom's portable therapy tub :) Here is where you can find me most evenings just before bed. With my degenerative disk disease...this is heaven!! This was my Christmas gift this year and it is the gift that keeps on giving :) I would highly recommend it!!

Christmas All Year

2008-03-15T20:40:00.002-05:00

Our first two Christmas Trees..this will be known as "Christmas Tree Row." Each year we have purchased a live Christmas Tree and then plant it in our back yard..they should each grow to be about 40 feet :)

Peach Blossoms

2008-03-15T20:37:00.001-05:00

Here are my Peach blossoms!!!

Lucy in the Dirt!!!

2008-03-15T20:29:00.007-05:00

Here are some updated photos of Lucy!! She had a blast outside with Dad today...I think she believes that the tilled garden bed is her Disneyland!!

Koehler Farms

2008-03-15T20:09:00.006-05:00

What a beautiful weekend we are having!!! As you can see from the pictures, Ken had a super fun time tilling our garden today. We are all set to start planting our corn, potatoes, squash, watermellon, canteloupe, okra and more. I really enjoyed watching all the action from the sidelines while sipping tea :P

We had a long night last night with Emilee. I picked her up from school yesterday and she was in tears. Her dumb ass p.e. coach, Coach Brown, decided it was ok to let my albino child sit out in the HOT sun. She was pretty sick with the chills and a high fever. We will deal with the school after spring break!! Urgent Care did several tests , all negative, no explanation for this fever that kept climbing. So, we were sent to the Emergency Room...and spent about 5 hours there. Come to find out she had a horrible sinus infection and is on antibiotics and steroids for ten days. Sitting in the hot sun only brought it on faster and she was dehydrated from that. With plenty of rest, she will be good to go...just in time to hunt for Easter Eggs :)

More to come......

Thursday Again

2008-03-13T09:32:00.007-05:00

It's Thursday again and I have knitting on the brain!! Here is a picture of the Fair Isle Vest I am working on. This is going to be one of those projects that I have to force myself to work on...not that I don't LOVE IT, but it's a project that I really have to pay attention to while I'm knitting. But I am very proud of it so far :) This afternoon after I pick up Emilee from school, we will spend some time at our LYS (Local Yarn Shop) and visit with some of our FLL (Favorite Lovely Ladies).

As you can see, my popsicle sock is growing slowly but surely. Who else out there is working on socks? Anyone? Anyone? I am also well on my way to finishing my 2nd Loopy Laces Sock and this is very exciting to me for one reason! I promised myself that once I finished a PAIR of socks, I would buy myself a pair of see-through clogs to show them off. I think I made myself that deal about a year ago....

Here is a picture of my lettuce, onion, spinach bed...Soon y'all will be able to come visit me and have a salad!!!

HAVE A GOOD DAY!!

Tinkerbell Sock Project Bag!!!

2008-03-10T18:33:00.003-05:00

Well People...Here are my latest projects - I just loved these colors in this wonderful sock yarn. It reminded me of an orange sherbert popsicle with a little bit of lime, mmmmmm!!

My Tinkerbell Sock Project Bag!! It is reversible with a cute dragonfly charm hanging from the ribbon drawstring. My first shot at this, but I love it!!! Once I get really good at making these, I will most likely put these in my E-bay store :)

I have also started knitting the squares for what I'm sure is going to be a beautiful blanket for Jessica & Josh!! I want to "shout out" a big "THANKS" to everyone who is pitching in to knit these squares with me. So far I know of "Leslie"..."Jennifer"...and "Mary"..I really appreciate all your help girls...

Today I found out that my basil, peppermint and peppers did not make it after our latest freeze....so I will have to replant in a week or so and we should be good to go. I have planted my tomatoes and re-planted garlics all around my newest vegetables. Garlics & basil really help keep the bugs away from my plants....so we try and plant them all over the place. These are all things I'm learning as I go along.

My first poll was a bust as only one of you decided to cast a vote...so I am trying another one and we are off to a much better start with (3) votes so far. I know that y'all are dying to know what the most popular paper towel will turn out to be??

Take care!!! Love to you all...Heidi

Loopy Laces

2008-03-06T17:12:00.002-06:00

Well, today I finished my first "Loopy Laces" sock :) This was a really fun pattern and I happen to know the artist. She is an up and coming sock guru named Jenn Nevitt and she is a real kick in the pants too. She appreciates my sick sense of humor which helps her rating with me!!

The weather here in Texas is crazy today and we have had to stay in this evening. My knitting class was canceled as well as our
Sit-N-Stitch night :( I'm sure there are dissapointed women all over the Forth Worth area this evening. Emilee is hoping for a snow day tomorrow, but I 'm pretty sure she will end up going to school. Oh well, spring break is right around the corner...yeah!!! I love it when she doesn't have school...no seriously, I do!! When my kids were young and pains in the butts, it was the reverse for me...but Emilee and I have lots of fun together and enjoy just hanging at home.

I noticed my peach tree has beautiful peach blossoms on it today and I hope the weather doesn't chase them away. The birds have emptied out all my bird feeders today. Ho-hum....that's about it for this evening. Maybe I will hear from one of my friends out there????

Stay safe...Heidi

Friends till the End

2008-03-04T21:08:00.003-06:00

Evening y'all!!!

I just had a very pleasant surprise this evening :) A very dear friend, Janet, and I just hooked up via Instant Message. We had been out of touch for quite some time and I was missing her. Friends touch my heart in the very best way...they make me feel loved and appreciated! Most of you know that I have been fighting depression since my transplant to Texas. I left such an AmAzInG support system in California that it has just left me in such a funk. You know ...you just don't know how important people are in your lives until they are gone...at least on a day to day basis.
Janet is such a kindred spirit and even though we haven't been able to spend much "quality" time together...I love her very much. She has been a very dear friend to my husband for years and we clicked instantly when we met. I feel like a bad friend though as I let way too much time go buy without contacting her. I'm sorry for that Janet!! Really, I am.
I also am back in touch with an old high school buddy, Tina!!! GOSH, we had some really awesome times....I sure wish I could remember them better...but she is one of those friends that will always be part of my heart and soul...she get's me. Back in the day, her family accepted me into their's and I hung out at their home very often ...most of the time to escape my own home with a very negative...un-loving...so-called mother....who I am no longer in touch with. I finally realized that I would never please her, so I stopped trying...and you know what? I like myself so much more...and my self-esteem has improved ten times over and over again. I have missed you Tina....and I love you!!

Wow...Friends are the best....

Multi-Tasking...GOOD OR DANGEROUS??

2008-02-28T18:19:00.003-06:00

Howdy !!

Well, I have always been very proud of my ability to multi-task with great success. Today was the day I have decided to seriously question my abilities. I'm sure many of you are like me...trying to keep at least 17 balls up in the air at the same time without making a mess. My day started out with a bang!!! I was keeping the washer and dryer going, making lunches, collecting trash for the burn barrel and trying to clean the bathrooms. Things were moving along at a rapid clip until the un-thinkable happened... I mistook a Windex Multi-Purpose Wipe for a Feminine wipe and OMG!!!! Let's just say it was quite a shocker.....almost as good as the time I sprayed my hair with bug spray instead of hair spray. I will agree with the Windex slogan...."No Streaks".... Please learn from this error girls..it hasn't been fun...

I have been knitting pretty darn regular this past week, which really pleases me. I am working on a pair of "Loopy Laces" socks which are really fun to knit AND I have been working on my Fair Isle Vest as well. The vest has been quite a challenge for me but, I am very pleased with the results thus far. My next class is being held next Thursday and I am hoping to be atleast through 20 rows of the fair isle portion... My daughter Emilee and I have decided to knit up a bunch of squares and then I will crochet them together. We are hoping that it will be a fun gift for Jessica & Josh to help them celebrate their marriage. If you would like to help....we are using size 15 needles...casting on 20 stitches and knitting until a square is complete. NOTE TO TAMI: A Rectangle is much LONGER than a Square....please STOP once it's a square...LOL (You know I'm teasing you) The colors we are thinking are: Olive (green), Orange, Brown, Teal (Turquoise).....

I have been planting in my garden as well...can you believe it? So far we have: Head lettuce, Romaine & Spinach....Strawberries, Yellow & White Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Rosemary & Lavender.....Getting back in my garden has really helped my mind set! I feel like I am accomplishing something that is going to be appreciated by my entire family.

Lucy needs a sister!! It is almost that time...YES, time to begin the search for Lucy's baby sister. I am keeping an open mind as to the breed...we plan to start visiting the Burleson Animal Shelter very soon and begin our search for "Rickie" That's right Lucy & Rickie.....

Hope you all are doing well....Hugs, Heidi

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T20:54:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day all!!! I hope you all had a wonderful day. It's awful quiet here at the Koehler home. Emilee has gone to bed with her new stuffed dog. She was very pleased with all the goodies the "Valentines Fairy" brought her this year. Ken and I are sharing a nice big box of Mrs. Fields Chocolates. I think that Mrs. Field's needs to stick to cookies....I would give her chocolates a 6 out of 10 :/ Today's picture is of my beautiful roses that Ken gave me today before he left for work and my extra mushy card.

I am waiting by the phone as my daughter Jessica is getting married this evening in Nevada to Joshua Mason....sniff sniff... Since I can't be there with her, I will be listening in on my cell phone. Jessica & Josh decided to go get a marriage license today and Josh's Uncle is going to marry them at his Grandma's house in just a little bit. Not as fancy as my wedding to Ken...."The Just Say I do ...Wedding Drive-Thru" but....every bride has her day :) Hopefully I will have some pictures to share very soon.

XOXOXO Heidi

Here Comes The Sun

2008-02-09T11:48:00.000-06:00

It is such a beautiful day here in Africa!!! We have both doors open and I am enjoying the breeze.

The pictures are of Ken and Lucy "relaxing". Lucy will only lay in this position with Dad, it's very strange to see her just limp like that. The other is of my newest beanie....it has a hole in the top for my pony tale and I wore it last night to Emilee's riding lesson. It got one "oohhh ahhhh" from a lady sitting next to me :)

Ken is getting ready for work, Emilee is floating in the hot tub and I'm trying to figure out what all I need to do today. I hope you all enjoy your day and please "LET ME HEAR FROM Y'ALL"

Hugs, Heidi

Calling All Knitters

2008-02-08T14:31:00.000-06:00

What is everyone knitting? This entry is going out to all my knitting friends. Ok, this is how this is supposed to work!!! After you read this entry, you click on "comments" and leave me a message...ok??? It's not that difficult, I promise.

I have just finished another pony cap for myself in Greens and Browns...I will take a picture and post it later this evening. I am working on; A sweater vest for my husband, a shrug for Emilee (half way there), a cute dress for Jessica (is gonna take 4-ever) and I am registered for a class to knit myself a fair isle vest (yeah baby!!)

With the weather changing from cold and dreary to warmer.... I seem to be catching the knitting bug...which is good...because I truly love my knitting. I could use some inspiration from all of you girls. I can't wait to hear about all your projects!!

Love to you all, Heidi

Thanksgiving in February

2008-02-07T20:21:00.000-06:00

I have been doing some reflecting today and wanted to share some of my thoughts. When trying to pull myself out of a funk, I try to think of all the positive things in my life. What are those things that get me through each day? Sometimes it's as simple as watching the Cardinals at my bird feeders or hearing Emilee laugh or knowing that Jessica is once again my very dear friend as well as my eldest child.

One year ago:

* I hadn't seen my children in 5 years and the pain was unbearable
* I couldn't even look at their pictures because it was just too hard
* My children had no idea why I was absent from their lives
* I had very little hope that I would see my children before they became adults.

Today:

* My youngest, Emilee (12), lives with me and I get to watch her grow and help her become
whatever it is she wants to be. I know that she loves me....She knows the truth...I see
myself in her every single day...she is a doodle like her Mom :)
* My eldest, Jessica (20), has come to visit me and we are close once more. Even though
we were separated during her "difficult" years, she came through them just fine and
remembered everything I tried to teach her before our separation. She is one of the
bravest people I know and I can never express enough how proud I am of who she
has become in spite of all she has survived. Wow!!
* My son, Kyle (15) knows I love him wether he wants to admit it or not. He is now going
through those difficult years and lives with his Father. He is a work in progress and I have
faith that he will come back to me one day just as the girls have. He is brilliant and has
a heart of gold....one day he will break away from all that is coloring his thoughts and need
his Mom....I can wait
* I have pictures of my children decorating my home and they once again bring me great
joy. They are the best part of me and I am so proud....to be Mom once again

Wow how things have changed in one short year.....

What Happened?

2008-01-11T14:22:00.000-06:00

What Happened?

I was all set to head out to knitting last night. I was so excited to be getting out of the house and spending some time with my knitting pals. So what happened you ask? I was on my way home from picking up Emilee from school. Driving 50 miles an hour down Highway 1187 when the car just shut down. I was able to pull over safely and call for help. Scarlet is now at Longhorn Dodge being poked and proded...hopefully they will figure out what is wrong with her very soon. I am driving her "Mimi Me" as a rental car. Same color but about half her size...a dodge Caliber or some such thing. And the worst thing..no HEMI :( So, to all my buddies at knitting....One day I will make it back!!! I really miss you guys.

Lucy is still on lock down and not enjoying it one little bit. The good news is she is alive and well and not squished by a truck. I have started taking her out back for 30 minutes or so and playing with her...letting her run and exercise. She is doing a wonderful job of giving me "the look" and making me feel so sorry for her.

Is anyone out there? Let me hear from you!!

Hugs, Heidi

Gloomy Tuesday

2008-01-08T11:30:00.000-06:00

Gloomy Tuesday Everyone,

We are expecting a cold front today and so gloomy Tuesday is upon me. How did my day start? Besides the daily morning drive to drop Emilee at school (and dealing with every idiot driver you can possibly imagine) my morning has been upsetting.

I came very close to losing my sweet Lucy this morning. We have been working so very hard to train Lucy to stay on our property. She is a year old now and we have been so consistant with her. Each morning she gets to roam our property and chase squirrels, birds or any other creature ready to take her on. She visits with the next door neighbors dogs, Sandy & Willie, and they run up and down the fence line. Ken and I check on her every 5-10 minutes to remind her that she is to stay in our yard. We want her to be a well behaved guard dog and so we give her some freedom to roam. To my horor, I was sitting enjoying my morning tea, when I heard the brakes on a large truck lock up. Next my neighbor was at my door letting me know that Lucy was almost hit. This meant that she crossed out of her yard and accross the next yard as well. So Lucy is on lock down for the time being and looking very sad at me as I type these words.

So, I have decided to relax with my tea and chocolate and think of happier things. What comes to mind? Hmmmmmm...all my friends in California that I miss so terribly. I miss Jennifer's laughing at my jokes and that amazing way she always makes me feel appreciated and loved. I miss Mary sitting accross the table from me and knowing exactly what I'm thinking or what I'm about to say and telling me how "bad" I am....love that!!! I miss Sandra's sweet self, smile and hugs...oh and the occasionally streaking too...not to mention our fart contests on retreats!!! I miss Tami...the doodle....her laughter is contagious and she has a heart of Gold!! I miss Barbee & Nancy...my two mom's (atleast I think of them that way) giving me support, advice and friendship....going to Scarlet's or just hanging at Nancy's...Gosh I miss those days...I miss Kathy and our tea times....we shared so much laughter and good times as we shared our "cuppa" tea. Many times she was the glue that held me together when I was missing my hubby. I miss Cathrine ...she gave me the most amazing gift...she taught me to knit and to believe that I could take some yarn & needles and turn them into something beautiful. She helped me to believe in myself and made it possible to stay strong through all those lonley days, nights and holidays when Ken was at sea. She opened her heart to me and made me part of her family.... All you ladies are my FAMILY and I am so grateful for each of you.

I hope you are all having a good Tuesday!!! Missing you all :)

Hugs, Heidi

The Car Wash

2008-01-07T22:21:00.001-06:00

Howdy Girls,

Once again the African Queen has had an adventure simply by trying to complete a very simple task!! I decided to take the girls with me to get "Scarlet" washed. The girls being Emilee & Lucy. All was going just beautifully until Lucy kinda freaked out and tried to get into my lap. Now, I don't know how many of you have noticed, but Lucy is close to 40 lbs. now and doesn't fit on Mom's lap anymore (atleast not when I'm driving). Our typical "fun" ride through the drive-thru car wash soon became an adventure similar to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disneyland. Lucy knocked the shifter into drive and we were OFF!! I almost shit my pants (sorry Nancy...excuse my language) when I realised we were speeding through the car wash at a very rapid clip and heading straight for the cement wall at the exit. I don't know what woke me up.....the wind in our hair or the car wash attendant whistling his ass off...trying to get me to wake the heck up and put the breaks on. I expected a lecture at the end of our ride from the Car Wash people..but the dude who dried the car off, just tried to keep a straight face while he finished the job and got us on our way. so.........has anyone else experienced this???? Come on...I know I can't be the only retard out there...

We had another warm day here in Africa but expecting a cold front overnight and into the week...atleast those geeks on the news say we are. We shall see!!

Ken and I have now successfully drained and re-filled our hot tub :) Emilee reported that it was getting "yucky" so we had to be responsible, once again, and clean it out.... In the old days...before we had the kids living with us....we may have left it "yucky" a bit longer. I've heard that a little "yuck" is no big deal. Apparentley Emilee does not agree.

Business is good...keeping me very busy...but I do hope to get to knitting Thursday night...cross you fingers girls!! I really NEED the time away and Ken is home that night to keep the kids in line.

Over & Out....Heidi

Lazy Saturday

2008-01-05T18:25:00.000-06:00

Lazy Saturday Everyone!!

Since Ken is off this weekend, we didn't see the need to get up until around 11am.

Believe it or not, it is in the 70's this weekend and we are loving it!

We did manage to get a couple of things accomplished before leaving for our favorite bi-weekly trip to Mariano's for Mexican food. Ken & Kenny took the Christmas tree out in the meadow and planted it right next to last year's tree. They should each grow to approximatley 40 feet. They look great! Then Ken and I struggled with both vacumns trying to get all the needles vacumed out of the carpet..that was fun...NOT!!! I shall try to remember to snap a picture of the tree outside to share with y'all.

Now, to tell everyone how Emilee's birthday trip to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro was. Overall I would give it 4 stars and we will definitley go back again and again. Since it was Emilee's birthday, I made a reservation in the Bistro for lunch and a birthday cake. It started out very nicely, until we wanted our drinks re-filled. Our waitress seemed to have better things to do and we had to convince her that keeping us happy would be to her benefit. She never quite got that concept down. The food was very good and I definitley felt like I was getting my money's worth. The cake was so cute and they sang Happy Birthday to Emilee (who loved all the attention)...not sure where she gets that from? Anywho, after cake we asked for one last round of drinks before we were going to commence shopping downstairs. I spilt my ice water and somehow managed to not let it drip into my knitting bag or my shoes. The best part was that our waitress just stood there and watched it happen and didn't even try to help me clean it up. I had to raise my voice a notch and ask her if she could possibly see her way clear to helping me out. She disappeared and came back with a stack of linen napkins for me. After handing me the napkins so that I could finish cleaning up the mess, she walked away and never came back. Once I finished cleaning up all the mess and made sure I spoke to all the guests around us so that nobody would slip and fall, I asked to speak to the Manager. She was completley shocked at what had happened and had to place her hand over her mouth as she laughed in horror at what her waitress had wanted me to do. In the end, I did not have to pay a dime for our adventure in the American Girl Bistro....as it should be. I imagine that our particular waitress can be found drying cars at our local car wash.

I am on the lookout for more firewood as my supply for the winter is dwindling a little too swiftley. I will have to fire up the old tractor once again and haul in some more. Possibly if I have a few pieces of See's Candy I may have the energy to do so. The cardinals are back and the sparrows are doing a beautiful job at spreading the bird seed all over the place (which pleases the doves)!! Ken and I have already started planning our garden for the spring. Since we had such success with our first garden, we know we can grow just about anything.

Would appreciate any comments y'all have! That means you need to click on "comments" and type something :) I would love to hear how you girls are doing and, of course, how much you California Girls are missing me.

Hugs, Heidi

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T21:58:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope all of you had a safe New Year's Eve!! The Koehler's spent a quiet evening together at home. Ken had the day off so life was great!! We invited a neighbor of ours over to share supper because he was all alone and Ken and I both know what it is like to be alone on holidays. He loved my lasagna!!! I decided it was best to allow him to think I actually cooked it myself...LOL courtesy of Mrs. Stoufers....sshhhhhh!!

I have been down with a horrible head cold for the past 4 days or so...YUCK!! I finally found the key...Sudafed Sinus & Headache...it's the bomb!! I was having a difficult time eating my See's Candy with all that congestion :) Oh, courtesy of all my wonderful friends/family I received (5) 1 lb. boxes of See's Candy for Christmas. Can y'all say WIDE LOAD??? I actually gave one to my paper lady as a gift...so that leaves me with only (4)...

Today is also Lucy's 1st Birthday!!! She is getting so grown up. Lucy celebrated by chasing the neighbors cats and eating the left over Ham Bone from Christmas Dinner. Happy Birthday Lucy!!!

The picture of the day is my favorite from Emilee's Birthday on the 21st. Tomorrow I will share with all of you our adventures at the American Girl Boutique & Bistro in Dallas!!

Happy New Year!! Love, Heidi

Poor Poor Lucy!!

2007-12-28T10:40:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!!

Well, the soup I made from our Christmas Dinner ham bone was wonderful!! I know this may not sound like a big deal to the majority of y'all, but I don't enjoy cooking...so when I find something easy and yummy, everyone is happy!

My morning started off with Miss Lucy waking me up, as always, to go potty. Then she decided she wanted to go outside to chase the squirrels in our meadow. Knowing my dog, I knew she would run around to the front of the hosue and try to go play with another little puppy accross the street. But, I had to allow her to "blow it" on her own...we have this ritual with her every day. She knows she is supposed to stay in "her yard" and not cross the borders of our property..however...the temptations are sometimes just to difficult for her. Anywho...I let her out the back fence, walked back through the house and out the front door and there she was accross the street in our neighbors yard. Lucy looked at me as if to say "Shit, Mom caught me again!" So, Lucy has been pouting inside every since. I took this picture of her just a few moments ago. She likes to sit in front of me and just stare at me until I give in and let her outside :)

Ken is working today and so I like to spend the first part of my day with him. Once we send Dad on his way, I will most likely take Emilee to Target so that she can spend those gift cards she received for Christmas and her Birthday. You can hardly expect her to hold onto those for more than 3 days?? Lucy is needing a new rawhide too, so as much as I hate it...we will go.

I am so thankful for all the wonderful gifts that y'all sent me for Christmas. THANK YOU LADIES!! I also loved reading all your Christmas Cards. Next year I hope to actually write an update letter to include in mine...we shall see.

More to come later this evening....have a super Day!!

Thursday, December 27th

2007-12-27T17:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday!

Today has been a very low key day at home. Ken has the day off so we are just enjoying a quiet day together. Lucy is snuggled up between Ken and I on the couch and the fire has been burning all day. Peace....ahhhhhhh...can't you just hear it?

I decided to surprise my family and do something different today...that's right I cooked! Well, actually, I put the ham bone in the crock pot with a bunch of other junk and we have been smelling it all day...yummmyyy. We shall let you know how that turns out.

No knitting for me tonight with the ladies however, Emilee and I will be going on Saturday to catch up with everyone. I am still working on Emilee's new shrug which I am hoping to have finished for her to wear back to school on January the second.

I did finish Kenny's "Football Rag Quilt" but still need to clip it. Once I'm done with that I will post a picture for y'all to view.

Have a wonderful evening!!

Heidi