computer cozy.

I've been meaning to show you this laptop bag. I won it over at Sweet Life In The Valley and boy, this bag is "sweet." I don't have a laptop, but I can either use it for other stuff, or save it. A month ago, I would have told you that I never win anything, but today, I have to be honest and tell you that it's the second goodie I've won within a month! What're the odds? Now, if we could only win the Florida Lottery...

day to clean.

My people! How're you doing? Are you recuperated from the hustle and bustle? No? Me neither! But I'm working on it! Speaking of working, I'm in the process of retooling my web site. I'm going to add some fresh spring items, but first and foremost, I need to figure out some technical difficulties I'm experiencing with it. Blah, blah, I won't bore you with all that. It seems that January is the month to clean, to purge, to begin anew. Here in Florida, it feels like Spring. But in my heart, I know that it's still winter for so many of you, and that is why I'm going to resist the temptation of "springing up" my blog. And my web site. I'm keeping it in real time at it's a wonderful...

I am working on a little political side-note, I hope it won't offend you. I like to keep my blog bright and cheerful, but this topic is under my skin, like an annoying sliver of wood. My brother and I are coordinating our blogs regarding this "sliver"...his will be factual and articulate, mine will be an emotional, raving, nonsensical editorial. We'll link up once it's a go.

On that note, I'm off. I have some sewing to do and volunteer work this afternoon. So be happy, dear friends. See ya later!

Feast Of The Holy Family.

Christmas continues...today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Mary and Joseph made holy offerings in the consecration of the baby to the Lord. Simeon, whom God promised should see the Savior, was presented the baby in the Temple. Anna, the prophetess and widow, also was shown the blessed child. That we may not see and yet believe...

good intention.

Hello, bridges! I know you haven't seen me in a very long time...but I'ma comin'! All those wonderful walks up, down, up, down...all for naught! I blew it, I fell off the wagon, I caved! Now I have to start over. But I'm gonna get back on track and walk "it" off. Oh, the injustice of it all!

O Come Let Us Adore Him!

Glory to the newborn King!

Southern-style Christmas Dance.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

day in Western New York.

I received an email from my sweet, gentle brother offering to do a guest "spot" on my blog. Well, that's an offer I can't refuse! "Sweet!" Then I read the text and honestly, I don't get no respect! He's dissin' me. I know a dis when I read one. The nerve! Like we don't have our freakish bouts of nature down South! Like a hurricane is a walk in the park, a splash in a puddle, as easy as falling off a bike...you get my drift. (Ha, ha.). OK, Mr. Grizzly Adams, take it away...
. . . or, How the Other Half Lives--north of the Mason-Dixon line, that is. The bent-over gent in the picture is me (Tom), Patti's brother, stranded in an Arctic settlement known as Brockport, between Buffalo and Rochester, New York. This is how I'm enjoying my Christmas vacation. How about you folks down Florida way? I thought so--WIMPS! As of 5 p.m. Sunday, December 21, I've had to shovel out my driveway 6 times--since 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19. Seven times if you go all the way back to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16. WHAT FUN! Up here, we can really relate to all those cute graphics you see on Suthun blogs of Santa in his Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses, sipping a fruity cocktail. Well, we know the REAL Santa--we live just down the street from him! So, when ya'll get tired of sweating in your shorts and T-shirts, c'mon up here and we'll put you to work in the driveway, where you can experience sweating under 7 layers of heavy clothing with a shovel, instead of a cocktail, in your hand! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hey, Tom! Would you like a little cheese to go with your whine?

more "goodbyes."

Goodbye, little Christmas wristlets. Santa, I see you peeking at me, smooshed under the other wristlets! OK, guys...it's been fun, but it's time for you all to go out into the big, bright, beautiful world! Have fun, be good, maybe I'll even see you on the streets. Good cheer and Merry Christmas to your new ladies!

farewell address.

Goodbye, pretty Christmas purse. I'll miss your perky plaidness, your happy holly. You're going to a good home. Have a Merry Christmas...next year, you just may have a twin hanging around.

funny show.

Do you remember these guys? How genuinely funny they were, how much fun they seemed to be having together? I thought that maybe you'd enjoy this little clip. Just take that walk down memory lane and try to remember what you were doing way back when.

memory.

I remember those days...the glorious thrill of gliding downhill at break-neck speed. The biting cold air, the beautiful white snow; mittens, hats, scarves. Hopping on the sled with a brother, feeling the wind on my face and laughing all the way down the hill. Can I be a kid again? That was so much fun!

happy, happy, happy day.

And then along came Brown, sweet rollin' Brown. Hello, Brown! I've been waiting for you!

What's this? For me? Oh, I wasn't expecting this...or was I? Let's see, the logo on the box says it's from Wiley Publishing. Books? I didn't order any books...or maybe I entered a SWEEPSTAKES AND WON!!!!

YES! I visited Anna one day and found that in celebration of the release of her beautiful new book and fabric line, her publisher was sponsoring a sweepstakes. The grand-prize package included a lovely new sewing machine, new thread, 10 yards of lovely Anna Maria fabric and an autographed copy of her beautiful book, Seams To Me. Out of 53,000 entries, I won a runner-up package. No sewing machine, but that's OK because I have a beautiful sewing machine. OK, I have four lovely sewing machines. Look inside the box, there's the thread, book, & fabric. Mmmmm, love it! Come to Mama, my pretties!

OK, Anna. I'll be happy sewing. And "Best Wishes" back atcha, girlfriend. Thank You &

Merry Christmas!

"what have we here?"

This fabric is so stinkin' beautiful. Though you can't tell from the photograph, the colors are rich and vibrant, cool and refreshing. I am in the process of quilting it, you can see where I need to continue running the rows through the material. "What's it going to be," you ask? I can't say, as it's a Christmas gift and the recipient might get a wild itch to read this silliness (I doubt it). I wish it were mine...the creator seldom keeps anything for herself. It's a rule. I must say, my tomato is a little messy looking. After Christmas, I'll put photos up of the finished projects I've been teasing you with...it's always fun to take a peek at what other people will be receiving. It helps with ideas of what to give next year. That's what I do, anyway. I'm good at that.

I'm waiting on Brown. I hate waitng on Brown. Something special is coming for me, via Brown. I am going to be sooooooo happy when Brown gets here. BROWN! Where are you?! I'll let you know what's in Brown's box once it arrives. And you're gonna say, "Is that all? She's nuts, that's not exciting!" But Randi will love it. Randi will be very happy for me. C'MON, BROWN!

one down & 999 to go...and the winner is!

Yes! I finished a Christmas present! Yippee! This is a gift for....I can't say, it's a secret. But it's so nice to get a project finished in record time. This apron is made from sturdy, almost canvas-like fabric, with nice deep pleated pockets. And chicken-print...cluck, cluck, cluck...

And the winner of the waffle weave apron is...RANDI!

randi said...
Any apron that I can lick chocolate right off of, is the apron for me! In fact, I will be making chocolate covered caramels will wearing it. At least I am hoping that I will! ;)
December 7, 2008 11:44 PM

Oh, my! This is like sending a photograph that you took of your baby to Anne Geddes. Now I'm all nervous...congratulations, Randi! Please email your address to moi and I'll get that apron washed and mailed. Just kidding, I didn't use it...or did I?

encrypted message.

I spent the day in the house, sewing and cleaning. Let's not forget about that laundry! But it's been nice not having to be anywhere, not having to do anything except that which I like to do. I had company, as Sasquatch seems to have caught the bug I have and I granted him permission to stay home and rest. He never misses school and he was awfully pale. What a change from when he was a little guy and I'd have to entertain him all day. Now he entertains me.

I have a friend who requested 4 to 5 wristlets. OK, Friend, here they are. I decided that it would be easier to blog about them rather than email you individual pictures. Let me know which you'd like. Just shoot me an email!

I'm waiting on a very exciting package, which should arrive in the next few days. Once it's here, I'll squeel with delight and take pictures of its contents, which I'll post right here. Oh, I can't wait!!!

You all have a lovely Saturday...sleep-in, inhale the Christmas season and pass along that beautiful smile .

holly, jolly Christmas.

Today, "sunny" Florida is not. Sunny. There are tornado warnings, the wind is blowing and it's gloomy. It's like an artificial northern winter day, to which I've taken advantage of. I've had a rather nasty cold all week, but I chose to ignore it and get on with my business. Bad decision. So today, after being sent home from my volunteer work due to my "ickiness," I came home and finished decorating the Christmas tree. I topped it with that old vintage Santa up there, that's been in the family for as long as I can remember. I believe he's over 50 years-old, always the highlight of our tree decorating as children. Santa was broken for many years, not wanting to light up. MacGyver came to Santa's rescue and fixed the wiring in ol' St. Nick. Mom and Dad lent Santa to us, as we have Christmas Day at our house. Thanks to MacGyver, Santa is back on the job! And I have my cozy, glad to-be-in-the-house winter day.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

**Please enter the apron giveaway, right here. I'll draw the winner on Saturday. Remember to leave your email address, so I can notify the winner. Good luck!

rose in bloom.

I know it's winter, but I thought I'd share with you some of God's lovely winter blooms. Tom has pictures of snow flurries in New York, Randi has pictures of her cute kids playing in the snow. I myself, long for snow. For the cold. For the snuggly, warm feeling of being in your cozy home as the cold beats against the windows. I know God put me here in Florida for a reason and today, that reason is to bring you some of His winter beauty, Southern style.

It's hard to believe that it's December...here are some charming yellow blooms. And above, is a beautiful pink Knock-Out rose. They're hanging out in our backyard, smiling at us as we pass by the glass doors. I'll keep an eye out for some pretty colors, if you keep posting your charming pictures of snow. That way, we can share God's abundunt beauty, together.

Speaking of beauty, enter the apron contest if you haven't done so already. Just click here and enter to win. Please leave your email address for me...good luck!

apron giveaway!

I went looking for plain white dishtowels to make this apron...no white dishtowels, anywhere! What's with that?! When did the demand for practical white dishtowels cease?

Plan B: use the waffle weave fabric I had stashed, cut it and hem it and add a few pretties...ta-da!

The waistband and ties feature pretty cardinals and holly, the embroidered snow couple are adorable and the red ball trim adds a little whimsy.

And it's for YOU!

The beauty of this apron is that you can wipe your damp hands on it and it'll absorb the water. You can get flour all over it and who will know? You can get chocolate on it and you can just lick it off. I mean, why waste good chocolate?

Here we go, ladies. Just leave a comment telling me what you're going to make while wearing this apron. And if I know some of you, this might be an interesting topic!

Leave your comment with your email address...many of you wonderful readers featured my last giveaway on your blog. Thank you! Do it again and you'll get an extra chance in the draw *if any of you have a great way figured out how to do that, please email me with your method*

We'll run this giveaway until next Saturday, at which time I'll let the Random-thingy do my dirty work! It's a pretty cute apron and I don't have one! Why is that?! Can I choose me?

If you'd like to purchase an apron, email me and we'll figger it out. In the meantime, good luck and enter now!

the cool winner is...

...lucky #13 (good thing today's Thursday), who said:

Deb said...
For Christmas? I'd (seriously) like a cleaning service. Twice a month would keep the piles o' crap at bay. And, after the chocolate and really REALLY good organic free trade coffee, I'd love a "subscription" to a nails or pedicure place.You can see I'm looking for creature comforts. I've decided I'm worth it!DebP.S. Mindy ROCKS!

Hooray, Deb! I love the idea of a cleaning service, you're brilliant! But tell us more about the coffee and chocolate, sounds like someone has a bit of a "habit." It appears that Mindy has quite the fan club. Being a princess, she pretty much can tell everyone what to do and boy, they do it! Thank you, Mindy fan club members, for entering my contest. And a big "thank you" to those who are not yet members of Mindy's fan club and who entered, but who ought seriously consider becoming one of the Mindy followers. She does totally rock.

Deb, please email me your address. I don't believe that you included your email address for me to contact you. You have two seconds to claim your wristlet. Ha, I make myself laugh.

I just came in from errand-running and remembered that I needed to pick up the makings for the next giveaway, but naturally, forgot. I'll have to get the fixins tomorrow. At any rate, check back Saturday for the next item up for grabs. Unless I can have it made by tomorrow afternoon, at which time I'll post it. I think you'll like this giveaway.

Stop by i have to say... for a holiday recipe, if you haven't already. Go on, she's real sweet over there. She's not a princess...she's an angel.

house of skinny recipe.

It's recipe time! For a great collection of recipes, head over to i have to say... for some delicious holiday recipe ideas. Today, the House of Skinny is featuring another delicious, fast & easy recipe...because I'm all about simple recipes.

Roasted New Potatoes

In boiling salted water, cook 2 lbs. of new potatoes until just tender. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Mix 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon oregano.

Toss with potatoes, place on a lightly-greased roasting pan and bake at 425-degrees for 30-plus minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are crisp and tender.

These are delicious and you can't taste the mustard...I don't like mustard, but I love these potatoes! Perfect to serve with roast, hamburgers, anything...'cause they're just that good!

mess.

This is what my cutting table looks like. It's not very conducive to cutting, is it? When I need to cut fabric, I get creative in stacking and pushing stuff over to one side. Is it like that for you? There are times when I organize my room and have little stacks where they should be, but then within 3 days, it looks crazy again. Oh well.

If you've entered my giveaway but didn't leave your email address (if you don't blog), please check back to see if you've won. Otherwise, I can't contact you for important mailing info.

My Photoshop Elements is installed, but it's going to take some figgerin' out. Does anyone have some extra time they can lend me?

Please enter the giveaway...time's up Thursday!

little secret.

OK, I made another wristlet. I love these things, they're so much fun to make. This is for a friend, but we won't tell her about it, will we? I was kind of skeptical about the whiteness of the fabric with dirt and all, but I figure it can be tossed in the wash and come out as good-as-new. So I'm not going to worry about it.

My photo-editing software arrived last evening, so I should be able to post better pictures in the very near future. Have I told you that I have my own I.T. guy? Yup! He's also referred to as MacGyver in these parts. He had a meeting last night, which was very inconvenient of him! But tonight, he's mine! In a day or two, better pictures on this blog, my friends!

Randi's reciped box swap is Thursday, so I've been thinking of a holiday recipe to share. Geez, all this pressure! So many decisions to make and so very little time.

And by the way, if you haven't entered the giveaway, do it here. I'll be announcing a winner on Thursday. I already have the next giveaway planned and it won't be a wristlet. It's something you've never seen before at It's A Wonderful... and I think you're going to like it. Stay tuned for details.

"what have we here?"

Ooooh, look at what I found. It is a much sought-after fabric on the internet, one that many people would love to get their sweet sewin' fingers on. Whatever shall I do with it? I have something up my sleeve, believe-you-me.

I had considered blogging in rhyme, but with Christmas coming, I just have no time!
Oh and before I forget, please enter the giveaway to win a wristlet!

That's all I have. Goodnight.

giveaway!!!

I've been waiting for Christmas to arrive to start giving Christmas stuff away. I've also been waiting for my photo-editing software to arrive at my front door, but that's not going to materialize till the beginning of the week. So I went ahead and snapped a picture of this nifty little wristlet, all Christmas-y and begging for a new home. Mindy was the winner of the last wristlet and she was surprised at how much this little sucker can hold. It's great to carry in lieu of a purse, or you can put stuff in it and slip the whole danged thing in your purse. You can put your little camera in it, your cosmetics, or gobs and gobs of Christmas cash and credit cards!

Just leave a comment telling me what you want for Christmas this year. Maybe I'll get some good ideas from you, I like to hijack people's good ideas! Just ask my brother. Don't forget to leave your email address, so that I can contact you for important information, like what you're making for dinner tonight. One entry per person, please. The winner will be selected by my friend, the Random Generator. I'll pay for shipping anywhere in the United States. Outside of the U.S., we'll split the shipping fee. Are we ready? Let the giveaway begin!!!

I'll announce the winner on Thursday, December 4th.

Good luck!

Santa?!

Santa! What the heck?!.......All I wanted to say is, I've been a very good girl this year. There's really not a whole lot that I want, but I never imagined that I'd catch you in this compromising pose. And an umbrella drink, Santa? C'mon, I thought you to be more of a whiskey on the rocks, or a Scotch and soda-type guy. I think you had better shape up, or I'm gonna blow the whistle on you to Mrs. Claus. That's all I have to say...oh, one more thing. Order another drink and move over, I'm on my way!

feast day.

I am thankful for:
my faith and love of God
my husband & our son
my family: mom & dad, mybrothers & their families
my parents-in-law & family
dear & loyal friends
our church community

To have been born in the United States of America
In a country founded by God
Who inspired a group of men to write a document,

second only to the Holy Bible
The United States Constitution.

God bless America!
Have a wonderful & blessed Thanksgiving!

little piece of history.

Jason and I decided to take a ride to St. Augustine last Saturday, a trip I never tire of. It was a lovely day for a ride and for a visit to this lovely and quaint mission. This little chapel was the first Shrine ever to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the United States. The original chapel, built in the earyl 1600's, was ruined in the early 18th century during an attack on St. Augustine. In 1915, the present Chapel was reconstructed and enshrines a replica of the original statute of Nuestra Senora De La Leche y Buen Parto~Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Deliviery. It's a beautiful little shrine, so peaceful and serene. As one walks through the mission's historic grounds, one retraces the steps of America's first founding fathers more than 400 years ago. It was here that Spanish explorers founded our nation's first permanent community and pioneer priests first planted the cross of Christianity. Standing 208-feet high, it is a beautiful and comforting site, the home of Christianity on the shores of America.

A neat little slice of American history on this glorious holiday, Thanksgiving. Have a blessed day with your loved ones...I'll be over for leftovers.

P.S. Head over to my brother's blog, Marching On, for a cheerful description of the birth of our American Thanksgiving tradition. Does that even make sense? I didn't think so...

brother's new blog.

I was blessed to grow up in what used to be considered a traditional family. My parents, myself, along with three older brothers. We were raised on an island, the very same island my father and his brothers grew up on, the very same island our Grandma and her family grew up on. The island is said to have been the last stop on the Underground Railroad, destination Canada.

My brothers are very dear to me. Today, I am going to introduce you to the "oldest" brother (sorry, Tom), the most senior of the set. He is quite remarkable. He's very smart, extremely patient and has a very wry sense of humor. The boys were each others' playmates when they were little, and I remember them playing baseball in the field across the street, or touch football in the yard. And when playtime was over, Tom would inevitably end up with his nose in a book. He never left home without at least three. Books. Or more. There's a Jello incident in his past, but let's just say that rather than drop his books, he opted for the Jello dessert Mom had labored over to take to Grandma's for Thanksgiving. It had like, six layers to it, each seperated with a yummy cream concoction. I never did get to say this, but "NICE GOING, TOM!" I do believe that Mom forgave him. The rest of the family still carries a grudge, but moms are good about overlooking that sort of thing. I digress. Tom's book fetish paid off...he's a lawyer, a history buff, a writer, an editor, a Civil War re-enactor Not to mention that he married a sweet and gentle soul and they raised three talented children, who are now grown (sigh).

True to my history of ripping my dear brother off, I snagged that photo up there off his new blog, Marching On. I'd love for you to go and visit him. Please, please don't compare our writings! Oh Lordy, once you finish reading Tom's posts, my ramblings will sound like the kid who writes backwards on that elementary school lined paper. In crayon. With snot smeared across the page. DON'T JUDGE ME!!! Tom writes beautifully, able to express his thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Unlike me. He has some beautiful thoughts about God and country, our family history, politics and history.

Friends, let me introduce you to Tom, of Marching On.

no spring chicken.

Nancy Pelosi Techno Chicken from wreckandsalvage on Vimeo.

My first instinct is to apologize for offending anyone with this clip, but then I thought, "What the heck, I've watched eight years of Republican mockisms and if they were funny, I'd laugh!". In light of the fact that we all need to develop thick skin, here's my contribution to the first layer.

test of friendship.

This is my friend from the '60's. I love her hairdo. You'd look good as a blonde, Suzy. Totally hip, chic, sexy!

This is Wanda in the '80's. Wanda has curly hair in the '80's. She doesn't have curly hair in real-life. I'm sorry about this picture, Wanda. You see, I'm waiting for my photo-editing software to arrive and not being able to upload my fabulous photos, I just had to post something. I thought this might be fun. It was fun for me, but I don't know if my girls will forgive me.

I can take comfort in knowing that these two ladies are fun-loveing and have a great sense of humor. Right, girlfriends?

If you'd like to play with some photos, go to Yearbook Yourself. Then blackmail your friends and family. .. go ahead, it's fun!

I love you, Suzy and Wanda!

post about nothing.

Hello? Yes, I have a question. What are you planning for your Thanksgiving menu? Great idea! Give Great-Aunt-Matilda a call and get her super-secret sweet potato casserole recipe, then give me a call back. I'll be right here, waiting.

recurring theme.

Can you guess what this is going to be? Yes! You're correct! It is going to be a duffel bag. I've gotta tell ya, flamingos have been very popular this week. And gators. I mean, Gators. Flamingos, Gators...can you tell I live in the South? If I were back home in Buffalo, NY, it'd be buffalos, I mean, Buffalos and Sabres. Anyhoo (Canadian lingo), this is going to be for my friend Terri, who really does have a heart. I know, because I saw and heard it on a monitor at her doctor's office. That was a great time! I'm planning on sewing up a storm this week..I have Christmas orders starting to come in. Which reminds me of a song. Too soon to sing, I'll wait until Black Friday.

So for now, good night and have a pleasant and cozy evening.

blazer surgery.

It was a beautiful Sunday in Florida. The weather was cool, perfect for spending the day in the hood...I mean, under the hood! Sasquatch's new/old truck got "sick" and needed some special attention.

It's a good thing that we have MacGyver here, he saves us LOTS of money! And he can teach a young driver a thing or two about mechanics. It really was heartwarming to see the two of them working on the truck together, laughing and cracking jokes. I didn't spend too much time out there with them, as I think I'd just gum up the project. I was in the house, "doing my own thing." But I did send my spy...

She can't stand for her boy to be out of her sight for very long. She's loyal that way.

chance to win a quilt.

You know you want this lovely quilt. Now that the chilly nights are upon us, wouldn't it be wonderful to snuggle under this delicious handmade lovely? Well, it could be yours if you just go here and enter to win. It's that easy! There's also a button over there, to the right, in my sidebar. Not only is the above quilt (fabric by my blog friend, Melissa Averinos over at Yummy Goods) up for grabs, but two other gorgeous quilts as well. So why are you still reading, get over there and enter!

And have yourself a beautiful, restful weekend. Hugs and love.

skinny panhandler.

This is a very clever clip...stick around for the ending.

If you're in the mood for a heartwarming short film about a hero & the dogs who worship him, please visit the following link:

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/mental-health-2.html

birthday bash.

It was Grandma's and Papa's birthday this Sunday. Grandma is in the white shirt, Granny is in the grey shirt and of course, their grandson is the handsome guy standing between them. He's their "guy" and they love him very much. And he loves them.

The birthday boy is Papa, who is sitting at the table. Granny is his girl. Pa is in the white shirt and Grandma is his girl. Jonathan is, of course, the one holding the dog, B.B. And B.B. is his girl. We had some yummy hamburgers, a birthday cake and lots of laughs.

Happy Birthday, Grandma & Papa!

day of indentured servitude.

Crazy idea. I saw an ad in Sunday's employment section of the paper, calling for applicants to work at a Hobby Lobby being built in the area. Oh, what a fantastic opportunity! To work in the fabric department and make a little side money...great idea! Off I went to the cattle call, spending 3 hours in line for a second interview. Red flag #1. I was told that there would be some lifting and that I was needed to start the next day at 7AM, "are you OK with that?" Red flag #2. I dragged myself out of bed early Tuesday morning and fought the morning traffic in order to arrive promptly at 7 o'clock. The manager greeted me with, "Oh, I'm sorry. I don't need you until 10. Is that a problem?" Scarlet flag #3. I drove all the way home, very annoyed at the whole situation, thinking that maybe this wasn't the job for me. But being raised to never shy away from work, I headed back for my 10 AM start. Signing in and not seeing my name tag in the pile on the table, the Human Resource Hitler informed me that she couldn't find my employment folder. Blazing Red flag #4. "Go stand over there," Barbie Hitler barked. I clicked my heels in the proper Nazi fashion and did as I was told. Commandant eventually found my folder and I completed the assigned paperwork. At this point, I really should have sprinted for the door, into the comfort of my lovely 4-Runner. But no, I had to see this work fiasco through.

We started off with building these crazy round roll-around units with glass shelving and polished brass hardware. I guess they're attractive enough, but what a pain to put together. And who, I wondered, is going to have to clean this glass? Duh. Once I got the hang of it, I was able to build another unit rather quickly. I finished my second unit and went over to help a lady finish her first unit. Upon completion, we were instructed on how to build another shelving unit. This was twice as big, twice as much glass and hardware and was rectangular in shape. In order to construct these monstrosities, we had to sit on the floor or kneel at the beginning and contort our old, tired bodies to tighten up the screws under the glass shelves. These suckers are five units high, crazy heavy glass, not to mention that we had to unpack, unload, ...oh, what's the use? It was hard! Have I mentioned that it was HOT in that store, no air, no open doors...hello, this is FLORIDA!

Lunch time. Hitler informs us that we have an hour, but we shouldn't expect an hour's lunch every day. Scorched flag #5. Hmm. Off to my car I went, blasting the airconditioning to cool my tired, aching body. Why I didn't just drive home at this point is a mystery to me. But no, I went back to East Germany for another round of body-breaking torture. That's what happens in fascist societies, I was an indoctrinated worker and was worried about my older, heavier partner Sally. Who would help her finish the stupid shelving unit?

By now, you're all bored with my story. But I returned and the work became more physical and back-breaking. We were given one 15-minute break in a ten-hour day. I really felt sorry for some of the women there who were very heavy and plum worn-out. The managers were seldom to be seen, except for the last half-hour as they stood watching us lift heavy peg-board and assembling these crazy aisle-units they use in the stores. We'd been at this for hours, very physical and tiring. At exactly 8 PM, little Hitler called us to the front of the store for a short meeting. What?! Couldn't this have been called at 7:50? All that was left of Red flag #6 were the grey ashes on the floor. Our Comrade informed us that tomorrow, if we were caught "not busy," we would be told to leave. "There are 100 other people who are waiting for your job, so if you can't follow the rules, you're out." She then read from a list the names and the times that her soldiers were to report for work the following day.

I left that hot-box, the nice hard-working friends I'd made and flew to the comfort of my family. I dragged my tired, old aching body out of the car and into the strong arms of my husband. To the loving hug of my son. Even the dog was thrilled to see me. There was a 7/7 on the counter and the aroma of dinner on the stove. A hot shower awaited and then into the comfort of my cozy chair. Jason brought me my dinner and drink that he had prepared for me and honestly, it was the most delicious dinner I've had in a long time. I didn't move until bedtime and needless to say, I slept like the dead.

The end of my story is this: my name was on the list to report for work at 7 AM. As I was leaving the communist block of Hobby Lobby, I thought of those Red warning flags that God had been waving at me throughout the day. Driving home, I realized that I could never keep up this pace for a whole month until the store opens (Dec. 26th). I thanked God for the warning flags, for getting me through the day, and for the comfort of my home and family.

I didn't report for duty this morning. I'll never see the Little Fuhrer and her Gestapo again, but I am going to pray for those women who desperately need those jobs. I honestly don't know how they'll do it, but perhaps with a little prayer from me, Eva Braun will lighten up.

missing keys.

I have "misplaced" my car keys. They've been "misplaced" for a couple of months. I have looked in all the obvious places, to no avail. I need some intervention. St. Anthony has always helped me out in missing matters, normally other peoples' missing matters. Now I really need his help and YOURS. If you'd like to help me find my "misplaced" keys, recite this simple prayer:

St. Anthony, St. Anthony

please come down

Patti's car keys are lost

please help them be found.

I'll let you know when and where the keys have been, once St. Anthony leads me to them. He's always been very faithful to me, but I'm figuring it's because he and I were helping someone else. Perhaps he needs you to help me, this time. So in advance, thank you for your prayers.

God bless you and have a great weekend!

visit to a childhood store.

I thought you and I would take a trip today, to my hometown of Grand Island, NY. Are you ready? Our destination is Kelly's Country Store, an old favorite of locals and tourists alike. It's a magical place, full of candy and treasures. Let's go inside.

What have we here? Mmmmmm. The very best part of the store, the main attraction, the deliverer of cellulite. Who's worried about fat anyway, it's the holidays & it's fantastic! I remember being a little girl and trying to decide which candy I wanted...just too much to choose from! It was always a treat going in there. Back and forth in front of the candy, with the friendly salesperson waiting to scoop up your selection and put it on the scale to weigh. If I recall correctly, my 3 brothers and I shared the bag of candy with our individual selections all mixed together. Did we fight? You bet we did! "That was mine, no, it's mine! " I don't know if we really argued over the candy, I'm just taking literary liberties here. It makes the story more interesting.

There were several unique antique pieces in the store. I remember an old washing machine complete with washboard sitting outside at the front entrance. There was also a picture show machine inside, where you insert a coin and watch an old-fashioned picture show. I wonder if those old goodies are still there. Hello, anyone from Grand Island reading this, an update please. There's a big wonderful room that is used for special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. At Easter, it's full of chocolate Easter Bunnies and chocolate eggs and jelly beans and other yummy chocolate confections. I do believe the Easter Bunny makes an appearance in the spring. During Christmas, the room is transformed to welcome the holiday season for all the children who want to see........

SANTA! Hello, Santa! My friend and I just stopped by to get a peek at the store. How're things going with you? Are my Christmas presents almost ready? What? Why you know I will, silly Santa! Don't I every year? What's that? Yes, I'm going to sit on your lap and tell you how naughty, I mean good, I've been. Santa, you just crack me up! My friend here? I don't know, just a minute, I'll ask. "Are you going to sit on Santa's lap this year?" Ho, ho, ho!