Usually, the last thing you want a husband to do is pick out curtains to surprise their wives with. He's done it before. For the living room, he brought home a pair of on sale curtains, dry clean only, in a color, well, he's color blind, 'nough said. (In Ken's defense, he has bought really awesome personal gifts in the past. I'm not criticizing you dear.) Well, he brought home a 2 pairs of drapes a couple days ago for my bedroom.
Not bad looking, huh? Actually, quite pretty, match my comforter colors perfectly, machine washable, no iron, and reversible to boot!
No problem, good choice eh? So whats my problem!? They stink!!! Literally, they smell like old burlap, sprayed in some kind of weird chemical! After I hung them up, I sat down to work on the computer, blogging of course, what else would I use it for, and all the sudden I started feeling sick. My nose started burning, my eyes were itching, my head stuffed up, my lungs felt heavy, and I felt nausea creeping in! Down they came, and into the washer, with detergent ,my old pal Odo-Ban, and then the dryer with 5 fabric softener sheets! Meanwhile, try airing out a room in sub-zero weather where opening a window is not an option! I re-hung my pretties, sat back down at my computer, blogging of course, what else would I use it for, and 5 minutes later, the same thing! They have been washed again, and are in the dryer, 5 fabric sheets! If it doesn't work this time, I hate to tell him but they have to go ! They're made of polyester! What can you put in polyester to make it stink? I have polyester clothes, and Heaven forbid I walk around town smelling like an old burlap sack! In the Chinese sweat shop where they were made, do the seamstresses have to wear aspirators! Do they have chronic lung disease!? Do they have lifetime supplies of Kleenex to blow their sinuses out? How do they do it! If I were to keep them up, would I have to wear an aspirator to bed? What about my poor cat and dog? Andy sleeps under the covers, understandably, he's pretty much bald, but what about my little Chip? Do the even make aspirators that size!? Woe is me. From now on, I pick out the curtains, no more surprises! Sorry Ken!
Four years ago, we watched as my fathers health slowly deteriorated, and eventually passed from this life, to join his family and his God. This time of year is always difficult, as the smells of winter fading, bring to mind this sadness we as a family experienced. Being together Sunday, was a bitter-sweet time for all of us. So many reminders of Dad surrounded us, the bottle of wine, pictures, his bee bee gun, and all brought such happy memories, but at the same time sadness as we prepare to sell the family home that has been a part of our lives for 52 years. The swing out back that faces where well tended gardens once grew, and on any quiet evening you would find Mom and Dad together there discussing the events of the day, and watching the fruits of his labor grow.The green house that he built to grow his own flower and vegetable plants, fruit trees he grew over the years, always wondering if he'd be fortunate enough to see bear fruit, and the garage still full of his things that will soon be passed down to the next generations to enjoy. It's so hard to move on. It's hard to watch Mom as she goes through the motions in silent tears, unable to comfort herself when she lays down next to the pillow where dad used to be. To see her stand in the door as we leave, and closing that door to return to her chair alone. My heart is breaking. For Mom, for Dad, for my brother and sisters. For times gone by that can be brought back only through our memories. For Dads' calming voice, his sense of humor, and his faith that brought him and his family through so many difficult times. For the love that passed through our home, and nurtured us all. It will be so missed. So please, if you think of us, say a prayer. That we can move on with joy, full of so many memories, and heal the pain in our hearts.
Some years ago, my father and uncle used to make balloon wine. No not made from balloons, a balloon was put over the bottle top, and as the wine fermented, the balloon inflated. When it was full, the wine was done. They could make wine from everything. Any fruit, dandelions, whatever they could think of to try. Well, what a treat today. My brother is visiting from up north, and was looking for finds in the basement. He came across this bottle of wine under the stairs. It has to be older than 35 years, as that is about the last time dad made any wine. Jay cracked it open, and what a treat! It tasted like sherry, but not as dry, and had a very nice aftertaste. So here's to you Dad, no wine was served before its time!
CLICK HERE to enter the OWOH give away! Thank-you Lisa for hosting such a fantastic event! I will be taking entries til 11:00p.m., February 11th, and announce the winner the morning of the 12th, at 11:00 a.m.! Good luck to all of you who have entered so far in all the wonderful give aways!
The winner will recieve a custom wall quilt, approx: 26"x26". I will create it in colors of your choosing, with pictures you would like added. I will ask that pictures be sent in high resolution by e-mail, or send the pictures to me, to be returned with the finished wall quilt.
By clicking on the pictures you will see details. I will also add any embellishments that you would like to send, such as buttons, lace, appliques, etc. that would make your quilt special.
It was time to put the snowmen away for the season. In anticipation of Spring, my little ladies to came back out to play. This little girl I bought at an outlet center. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her, and knew she had to come home with me.
I don't know how old this little girl is, I know she is older than me, so at least 55. She sat on a shelf in the family home, and I always loved her. So when Mom was going to toss her because she had fallen and chipped her hat, and a piece of her leg broke off (on the far hip) I couldn't let her go. The piece from her leg fell inside her, and I've never been able to get it out. But she is precious to me, and will be here as long as I am!
