Gettin' Creative (or dreamin' about it) and envying people who walk upright and can see above counter height!

Spring has sprung and the creative juices are flowing from every pore. Trouble is, I'm in a wheelchair after foot surgery in December. So my downstairs craft room might as well be on the moon. But that's not keeping me from getting on the computer (finally able to!)and looking at all the ideas, photos, and recipes that are leaping out at me. I mean seriously, you should see my desk. It has scribbled notes all over it 'cause my idea boards are full. I have been sending ideas via e-mails to Hubby and Daughter so much they are going to change their address and not tell me! Every time I say "Hey I have an idea" suddenly they have something to do in the garage or greenhouse! But they are very good sports and I would not have survived this ordeal without them. They saw me thru two bile duct surgeries earlier in the year,knee surgery, then an infection in that same knee, full reconstruction of my right foot, a tooth infection which turned into getting two wisdom teeth removed (at my advanced age!)all the time by my side, helping me in and out of the bed and wheelchair, getting me to the bathroom, bringing me pain pills (thank God for them)and nerve blockers (best thing ever!) feeding me, carrying me up and down the stairs and driving me to doctor appointments, and most of all not giving up on me when I was in horrible pain, or having a pity party. I absolutely HATE having to ask someone for help! I am supposed to be the caregiver, not the other way around! I have a new respect for chair-bound people. It's a whole other world down at this level. Everything is just out of your reach. Doorways suddenly seem too narrow. Throw rugs fold up under your wheels. Dogs are always sleeping around and under you or their tails are sticking out right where you want to go. Everything you want or need is in the basement. Spring is happening outside where you can't get to. Try brushing your teeth and rinsing form a sitting down position. Or getting a teacup from the upper cupboard, stretching over the sink to turn on the tap, reaching into the microwave and getting it back to your desk. And I have become famous for the Austin Powers move of getting stuck turning around. One day I decided to be 'helpful' and mop the floors. I was really proud of myself until I realized I had left muddy tire tracks over everything I had just washed! I also thought I had pretty good 'padding' down there till staying sitting for eighteen hours a day proved me wrong. And you wouldn't believe the muscle mass I have lost. My physical therapeutics, Kyle has his work cut out for him! I've had to cancel several craft shows and flea market events that I would normally have participated in and have had to bribe my darling Granddaughter to do Farmers Market this year. I did finally get out into the yard this week, and it felt so good to plant my peas, beets, and chard in the whiskey barrels. I loved the feel of plunging my hands in the dirt, and to be out in the fresh air! Tried dragging a rake around the lawn and picking up the yard prunings, but it's quite an ordeal to push yourself with one foot thru the soft lawn. I even coerced someone to haul me out to and into the greenhouse so I could do some trimming and cleanup of the hanging baskets. I divided and repotted some aloes, started some cuttings of pussy willow and boxwood, and cleaned up and repotted some of the tropicals. The kids got the pallets drug out from behind the chicken coop, taken apart and stacked; waiting for me to start my projects. I need to get my sander out and mix up some chalk paints. I'm itching to get to the metal recyclers to find those hidden gems that we can weld into garden art. Speaking of the chicken coop; it needs its spring cleaning.I really miss going out to see those gals and letting them out to forage every morning. Smokey the wild kitty who lives with them has probably forgotten who I am. And I'm itching to get in the kitchen! To start baking and canning and just cooking meals again! I've managed a few crock pot meals over the last couple of weeks, but I want to be chopping and mixing and stirring! I am so thankful to my family of helpers. For strong backs that carried me, attentive nurses, laundry maids, bathing attendants,correspondence gatherers, garbage persons, shoppers, chauffeurs, groundskeepers, housekeepers, and maids all. Am I living at Downtown Abbey? So on to more lists of ideas and honey-do's and being grateful for each small success as they come!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! And a big online Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale to check out!

We have so much to be thankful for. A roof over our heads, food, clothing, friends and family. The turkey is started in the electric roaster. Set on a bed of potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and parsnips. Butter, sage and thyme rubbed on and under the skin. The neck and giblets are simmering on the stove with broth and seasonings for the stuffing. The green bean casserole is baking as we speak. Pies were all baked yesterday and line the counter. The table is decorated and set. I love pulling out the old linens, candlesticks, turkey decorations. The house is straightened and polished. Well, as good as I can get it. (Don't look in the office or closet!) We waited for almost 2 hours this morning for the paper to be delivered. And what a paper! I am saddened by the stores that are open today for sales. this should be a time for family and friends, not shopping. Think of the people who have to work on a day that should be celebrated. But then again, I think business' should be closed every Sunday anyway. Growing up in Canada, all stores, banks, etc. were closed Sunday and Monday. I we survived. The parade has started. They weren't certain if the balloons would go up because of high winds, but so far so good. What would the parade be without them? I have a special event starting at 6pm today and running thru midnight December 3. It is put on by EZ Craft Show ans worth checking out. Lots of vendors including myself who have put together an array of items. They also will link back to our websites and Etsy, as in my case. Be sure to check us out for some great deals. Have an awesome day everyone! Patti

Happy Fall Y'all

So where did summer go? I'm sounding like a broken record with all the excuses about not being consistent about writing on here, but jeez, where did the time go? I can hardly wrap my head around the crisp, foggy mornings, the nip in the air at noon while the sun is brightly shining, the growing silence of bird songs I wake to in the early hours. Thank goodness there is the beauty of colors in the Fall. It is its redeeming quality amidst the dying foliage, the drooping of heads, the grey and browns enveloping me. Everything I have striven for all year has completed its cycle and gone back to the earth. But put away the summer clothes, bring out the sweaters and flannels, replace the sheer curtains with insulated. Quilts and warm fleece throws don the backs of couches, rugs rolled out onto chilly hardwood floors. Warm the house with the stove and crock pots working overtime making jams and preserves from the last of the summers bounty. Candles with their comforting aromas and flickering light keep at bay the darkness of night coming too soon. Bring in the plants from the porch, to be replaced with a new decor. Dried hydrangea bunches, sprigs and branches with summers fruit, gourds and pumpkins, cornstalks and straw bales. The moon is at its best this time of year. Enormous and the brightest it can be with a deep orange glow that colors everything around it. The man residing there has seemed almost to have outgrown his space there. Too soon this season will be replaced with howling winds, bitter cold and shuttered homes. Deep snow will soon cover the drifts of colored leaves.Vague shapes will be all that's left of garden beds. So embrace Fall and all its destruction of summer, because it too will soon be a memory. Happy Fall Y'all

Ducklings In The Tub

Well, nothing new about this. Spring usually finds me with some sort of baby. This year it's ducklings! Jessica, Cheyenne and Damien arrived at work the other day with 3 ducklings in a box. I think it's payback for me giving them bunnies last Easter! Anyway, straight home to the bathtub they went. A towel for bedding, a cup for food and a pan for water and the brooding lamp and they are as happy as "ducks in water"? UPDATE After a week of placing them in a box every time we want to take a bath, the ducks are now in a cement mixing pan on the dining room table! However at the rate they are growing we are going to need a deeper containment area. And are they ever messy marvins. I don't know if I want them in my pond. They will be working those pumps overtime! Probably join the bunnies in the chicken coop. We have over a thousand tomato and pepper plants already transplanted in the greenhouse. The new rhubarb crowns are growing like crazy and hanging baskets are lining the roof. My succulent plantings and terrariums are set aside for the first garden show this weekend at Spokane Community College. ( see the ads on my Facebook). The pond plants are doing really well in the greenhouse. My umbrella plants will be going from the pond to container plantings with assorted flowers. The water hyacinths are as big now and making off-shoots as they are in mid-summer. The resident greenhouse toad has been out sunning himself in a plant flat. The burgundy water iris is in full bloom under a bench and a self-sown nasturtium is blooming along the back wall. My first garden show this spring was glorious! it is in it's third year and sponsored by the college horticulture department. They have plants for sale from their greenhouses (I had to partake in a few items!) and do beautiful floral designs and fresh flowers for sale. A very good turn-out and lots of enthusiasm for the coming growing season. Met lots of new friends and caught up with old ones. My succulent plantings in the dinosaurs sold out as well as the pink flowering dogwood trees and almost all of the chicken feeder planters. People got a kick out of my shotgun shell party lites and expanded line of redneck glasses. I now have champagne toasting glasses perfect for the bride and groom, margarita, martini, and shot glasses, along with my different sizes of beer glasses. UPDATE The ducks are now in a wading pool on the table. And last night we added chicken wire round it as they were looking to escape over the edge! As soon as the weather gets warmer, they are going to a grassy area alongside the pond. It is pouring out today so am doing some work in the house. Sorting thru items in the craft room in readiness for the Retro Bella Vintage & Garden Show at the Greyhound Park in Post Falls, ID on Saturday April 27 from 9am to 6pm. Not just garden things for this sale. I will have some of my antiques, furniture, crafts and jams. Lots of frou frou! Hope to see alot of you there. Stop in and introduce yourselves!

I'm Still Here

I think this is becoming repetitious around here; not just the blog but certain other activities. You know, you start out the day with best -laid plans but before you know it, it's bedtime and the day got away from you. I had a couple extra days off due to a surgery, but wasn't really able to do much because of being so loopy from the drugs. Back at work tomorrow and I haven't even tried driving yet! Spring is finally showing itself round here. Although we were blessed with a milder winter as far as snow, it still seemed too long. But now the plants are emerging, the buds are swelling, the animals are frisky.... The greenhouse is getting into shape thanks to Dan and the grand kids. Giant rhubarb crowns have made there way in and flats are filled waiting for the tomato and pepper seeds. We will be getting a place ready for 30 or so new baby chicks to fill in our somewhat elderly flock. As i sit here after putting in my first order of the year for aquatic plants and tags for all the veggies, a wind and snow storm beat down on us followed by a period of calm and sun, and again wind and snow. That hot tub looks inviting just out the sunroom door, but I have vowed to get these last few thoughts down before I quit! Does everyone, like nature outside feel this time of year is a renewal? A chance to start over and fresh. To throw away the old and neglected items sitting idle for too long. To try a different path or do the same thing, but twist it up? Dan always gets nervous when I make the trek round the yard, taking notes and getting ideas. That usually means a revamp of an area or a whole new project. Bottom line, more work. But I think this is a good time to look at the 'bones' of the garden. To see the lay of the land. Try it in your own yard if you have a chance. see the slope and texture of the ground. Can you add a large boulder as an accent between some shrubs. Does that tree need pruned more on that one side to spotlight that evergreen shrub or make it more balanced? Do you need more flowers in that one space or do they need divided and placed somewhere else? A fresh layer of compost and mulch might be needed. Take a camera or notebook and take pictures and jot down ideas. Take a string or hose and lay out a pathway or new flower bed. Spring is the time for creation. In the fall I have actually laid down layers of newspapers on an area of lawn that I mean to take over for flowers, and by now the grass has dies, the paper has broken down and I can get ready to plant. Plan to visit some home and yard shows and check out new ideas. Read the gardening mags starting to appear on the bookshelves, visit garden centers for ideas and inspiration. Even a walk in the parks and arboretums in your area can add influence as can driving thru neighborhoods and looking at yards the same way you do with Christmas lights during the holidays. holidays,renewal,nature,mulch,plan,seeds,tomatoes,family Think about adding some chickens to your yard. Free manure and fresh eggs. Plus those girls are so fun to watch! And add a rooster if you like that morning alarm clock! Better check with your neighbors first tho! The point is, just get out there and have some fun. Stir your creative juices and wake up those dream cells! You never know.

Last Craft Fair of the year

Well, the last show of the year is done and all the leftover materials packed in bins in the craft room. It feels bittersweet; after being overwhelmed and stressed out about getting everything done on time to not having any crafts I need to get done. But wait! The Spring show is just around the corner. Now where did I put those tulip wreaths and bunny pictures? All kidding aside, it was quite an adventure this year. Some smaller shows did so well and then the one big one where there were tens of thousands of visitors (it was all four weekends in October)hardly made me booth fees plus being outdoors during one of the biggest wind storms of the year didn't help. I created some new jams, made different breads, tried out some candy and brownie variations, and served up delicious dips. and my crock pot tortilla chicken it soup was a hit when it was bitterly cold. This last show was a new one for me. It was held at the community college where I do two other shows, so familiar territory. And they had helpers with carts and dollys that made the trips to the car so much easier! And after a season of farmers markets and outdoor festivals, it was so nice to be inside where it was warm! I was in the perfect corner spot where I could spill out a bit from the normal strict 10x10 guidelines. Goodness knows I have plenty to fill the area. I actually didn't bring as much as I planned due to Mr. getting sick and running out of time to do everything. I don't know what I would do without Betsy's help and creative genius. Now if I could enlist a couple of granddaughters help... We tried some new design ideas this year; both in the creations and the booth display. Half the fun is in setting up and creating special vignettes. We got several compliments about it and got two invites for exclusive shows for next year. Yea!

Mr. is feeling a bit better today but still not up to par. He is on several strong medications and if he forgets to take them it really causes some problems. And then dehydration and everything else plays out into a miserable time. So now the time consuming writing descriptions and photo submitting on Etsy begins. I actually enjoy it but it does drain the time I allot for being on the computer. I mean,I need my Pinterest time, right? A few more things cleaned out of the garage and I will be able to park in there. I've kinda hogged it with various projects and bins of things waiting for the next show. And now we can finish the bathroom remodel. And get the Christmas decoration out and up! And there will be time to drive around and enjoy all the decorations and lights. And buckle down and work on my real estate classes. Has anyone tried the tea in pyramid shaped bags? Pretty delish. Just wish they had them in decaf. I love my tea but I drink it all night and if it's not decaf I won't be able to sleep. Don't you love Christmas Holiday time? All the beautiful colors, the food, the family and friend time. And all the Christmas shows on Lifetime and the Hallmark channels? I'm watching some new ones, but also those old favorites. I love 'The Bishops Wife' and even the remake of it called 'The Preachers Wife'. And 'Little Women' was on earlier today! Mr. likes the Christmas cartoons and all the different Christmas Carol movies. I wish we as adults could react to this time of year like the children do. If only the awe and wonder of youth could stay with us and we could put aside our petty issues and arguments focus on whats important and love one another more and as equals. Then we could put our energy into helping solve the important issues like hunger, disease, and healing our Earth. Heres to keeping the Christmas Spirit in all of us all year long!

Been A Long Time

So sorry everyone for the lapse in posting. Between the usual hectic summer of a nursery business and family vacations, my father-in-law's health rapidly declined and after several weeks in the hospital, he passed away. And afterwards the ongoing job of cleaning up the estate,etc. I have 4 more weekends at the farmers market, plus I am doing the Harvest Festival at Greenbluff for the first time, so quite an adventure. That runs every weekend throughout October, so you can imagine the preparation to get enough jams and baked goods to carry me thru. Anyone want to help? We were blessed with an awesome summer as far as weather goes; in fact we are expecting our first frost this week. Others in the area have not been quite so lucky, but we are still getting cukes, tomatoes, and a bumper crop of peppers. Also a good year for potatoes, hops, grapes, plums, raspberries, basil, and garlic. The air quality was a bit bad at times because of the wild fires around us and the lack of breezes, but has cleared up considerably in the last couple of days. I promise to be more diligent with the writing, and hope to bring some new ideas for plantings and crafts in the coming months. How about a sneak peek into what some of the hot plants for next year will be? We miss you Dad. 04/25/1925 - 08/23/2012 For now,Patti

Curtis Franklin Peterson passed on 08/23/2012, to finally join his wife Elizabeth. Born to Walter and Viola Peterson on 04/25/25, he was the 4th of 5 children. Curt served in WWII, and spent his 21st birthday preparing for D-Day. A man of strong morals and convictions, he served as the army's photographic developer and as a Medic due to his Conscientious Objector status. Upon his return to the States he attended WA State University, where he received a Bachelor of Pharmacology degree. While working his first job as a pharmacist in Sprague Washington he met Elizabeth Dirkes, then working her first job as a high school Music, English, and Home Economics teacher. They married in July 1951, and had three children, Claudia Peterson Spencer, Daniel (wife Patricia), and Timothy. In addition to his three children, Curt leaves behind a large living family; two sisters, 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and countless extended family members; all of whom remember him fondly. He was known to put the needs of others well before his own, whether family, friend, or stranger. A very generous and compassionate man, his house was often open to those in need. He was known and loved for many reasons; from his time at his own store "Curt's Y Drugs", to decorating a 40 foot Christmas tree complete with giant wrapped boxes and hobby horse. He lived his life as a good man, and he will always stand in our memory as the type of person we can aspire to be.

Garden Expo on Saturday

The biggest gardening event in Spokane is this Saturday! And Patti's Garden Expressions will be there!
At Spokane Community College 1810 North Greene Street from 9am to 5pm.
I will have my usual amazing tomato plants. I have selected the best varieties for this area. Lots of early ones and beefsteaks to tiny cherries. Even some best suited for hanging baskets and topsy turvys.
Peppers and other veggie starts.
Lots of water plants and fountains. Stupendous hanging baskets just in time for Mom!
Vintage and handmade items. Jams and jellies, incense, soaps, candles.
Hope to see you all there! I'm in my usual spot on the back wall of the Lair cafeteria.

And don't forget; on Sunday I will be having my Mothers Day Sale in my driveway. Even more delectable items for your viewing and buying pleasure! 10am to 2pm. See my ad in The Exchange or  Email me for directions.

My 1st Spring Show!!

Spring Cleaning Is In The Air!

I am ready to shake this place up! Too long have heavy curtains been drawn across dingy windows, quilts of autumn hues thrown across sofa backs, and dust bunnies thriving in nooks and crannies. Well, no more. For it is Spring and we have come out of hibernation. Doors and windows are flung open for fresh air. Then closed again as the cool air reminds me that it is a mere 44 degrees!

 Like the solitary bee who first appears in the early season, gathering strength and beckoning the others to come out of the hive, I am gathering my troops to meet their duties with that same determination. We will exchange the snow shovel for the rake, the snow thrower for the leaf blower and march out into the newly awakened world. Rugs are hung over railings and beat with abandon. Decks are swept and the land is surveyed.

 Where will the hammock go? We need new path lights set there. Another wind chime will be wonderful there. A new flower bed should go there.I want those shrubs moved to there.

The birds are boisterous and excited also. They chatter over their suet meals, squabble over the sunflower seeds and lay claim to last years nests.

 The Northern Flickers are sizing up the telephone pole in the back of the yard for their own and chasing off the mourning doves who like to perch there. No longer content with his cache of filberts and walnuts, our little squirrel  delights in teasing the dogs by running just out of their reach along the fence and into the cherry tree  for his share of seed.

Dan and I both thought we saw and heard a hummingbird so we dig out the feeders and prepare them for the tiny visitors that rely on the nectar for warmth and energy.
The bulbs we planted last fall are breaking thru mulched beds s are the garlic and onions. The koi are up closer to the surface of the pond tho still sluggish, but any day now will be looking for their first seasons feeding of Cheerios to break their winter fast. A bag or two of water softener salt to put a healthy slime coat  on their skin and all the pumps turned back on and we will be ready. The pond looks naked now but soon the plants along the edge will appear and the first long-legged lily pads will appear on the surface.
The tomato plants have come up and soon will need to be divided and put into bigger pots. Early summer flowers are started in the greenhouse and potted plants overwintered are trimmed and fertilized. The sun-warmed greenhouse is very cozy this time of year and a welcome retreat when a sudden downpour or a snow shower sends us scurrying inside.

The chickens are gearing up. The ground has thawed and special treats of weed seeds that have sprouted and bugs and worms crawling up out of the depths cause much excitement and clucking.No part of the garden is left unturned. every nook and cranny is explored. The roosters, ever vigilant, strut  amongst their flocks, casting glances round for intruders from above.
Back inside cupboards and drawers are thrown open. The time for organizing and sorting has begun. What should be kept, given away, re-purposed? The pantry is organized and lists of new supplies for the jam-making season are written.

New recipes join old ones and beloved cookbooks stand shoulder to shoulder with crisp new volumes. Likewise, the library shelves in the office are given a quick dusting, because to tarry too long there would result in the rest of the day spent in idle repose, leafing thru craft design books or sighing over the pictures in the gardening and decor books.

Travel books on the coffee tables that kept us dreaming of warm, far-away places throughout the winter are replaced with the latest garden magazines and the newest release of the Flea Market style magazine.

Fresh bouquets from the grocer are used to brighten  houseplants long overdue a leaf rinsing and fertilizing.
Counters are swept clean of clutter, cabinets are polished, and displays are dusted.

Bread is baking in the oven, the dishwasher is humming and the vacuum is chasing the last of winters grit from under sofas and in corners. Pastels and bright colors in pillows and coverlets, rugs and curtains replace the heavy and more somber colors of winter.

Spring has arrived, even as the wind howls and the snow and sleet beats down. We take comfort in knowing that one day soon, it will be warm again!