What's been up and a TUTORIAL! I do still create.

Uggghhhh. I'm tired. I think it's from the never-ending dreariness and rain outside.

The above picture is of Tripp's hammock that I bought him a couple of Christmases ago. He finally got a stand for it and now there is a hammock in our carport. It is soooo comfortable. I might have to take it over when he's not using it.

In other news, I found this post
with a tutorial on how to make a clothespin bag out of a recycled dress. Last Spring, I was looking for something to tote around my clothespins in and didn't like the idea of purchasing something new, so I made my own out of some old jeans I had lying around (for some reason, I always have old jeans lying around). It is very easy. If you know how to make a basic stitch and use scissors, you can make it. It's nothing innovative, by any means.





First, I took a leg of the jeans and cut a piece (about a foot long, give or take a few inches) perpendicular to the leg. Basically, I did a cross-section cut. I took my piece and turned it inside out. I stitched up both sides using really sturdy thread. Then, and here is where it gets as difficult as it's going to get, I cut a triangle (the top edge being about 3-4 inches in width) from the top of the seamed edge. I made the point a little above the middle line of the whole piece. I then turned it right-side out through the triangle. The triangle has to be big enough to get the piece through. I then was dumbfounded about what I would hang it up with. I found a pants hanger from department store with the metal clips and attached it to the top of the holder.

The hanger (nor the holder) is not the prettiest in the world, but I like it because the hanger hook swivels. This way when I turn my umbrella clothesline, I can swivel the clothespin holder to face me. It does the trick and it's easy. It's also been very sturdy - with my jerking the holder around and throwing it into the laundry bags/bins.

Such a strange day.

Transitions, originally uploaded by themissiah.

Today, I had to go into school early because one of my group partners and I had to watch a movie for a class presentation we are giving in just over a week. I went in and we watched most of the movie, which is sufficient. I then went to class and proceeded to watch the rest of America and the Holocaust (which is really interesting). So I pretty much watched movies for most of the day. It was strange because the BIG UTC game was today and our professor let us out early to watch the game, if we wanted to go. What is so strange about that is that we had been watching a film for the last hour about incidents in the Holocaust and discussing it - and then he said he was letting us out to "go watch the UTC game." Everyone, including him, kind of chuckled because a game just seemed non-important next to "the mass annihilation of Jews."

I then went to get my clothes at the alteration shop and a VERY large man in front of me insisted on arguing with the lady behind the counter. I don't know if he was just trying to give her a hard time or if he meant it, but I think he was actually getting on her nerves. As he left, she yelled "NUT!" and then turned to me very sweetly.

Now I'm home and the cats have been yelling and hissing at each other non-stop. There have also been a couple of physical altercations as well, which is strange for them because they usually just hiss at each other.

All around, it's been strange. Maybe it's the weather. I think it is supposed to rain in a bit. That explains the cats, anyway.

Our St. Patrick's Day and other such stuff.

colcannon 09 003, originally uploaded by themissiah.

Our St. Patty's Day was pretty calm, like it has been for the past few years. I usually make some colcannon and veggie sausage links and we have a simple dinner. We don't drink much, anymore, and beer makes me feel like I'm dying, so we usually don't do Guinness or anything - unless we go out. Other than that, we didn't do anything different than an ordinary night .

Oh, and if you want a good recipe for colcannon, hit the link above. It's not the one I used this year because I forget about it being on my food journal, but it's my favorite one.

I'm so tired. I have so much to do before the end of the semester. I just need to pop into overdrive and get it done without thinking too much about it, or I'll go completely neurotic. The world does not need that. I can't wait until summer. I'll probably end up taking a summer class, which I told myself I wasn't going to do, but might have to do. It should be an easy one, though.

The weather is so nice and it's distracting, so I'm going to get off of here now and enjoy it.

A Relaxing Day

Pics 031009 002, originally uploaded by themissiah.

The above picture is what I did, yesterday afternoon and what I finished, today. The book is for a class paper, and it is very interesting. It is about the Dobe !Kung (specifically the Ju/'hoansi people). I chose this because a) I had not read it and it had been sitting on the shelf (it was Tripp's from when he was in school) and b) I really didn't want to delve into any of the books from the list my professor provided - maybe at a later date. Anyway, I'm glad I read this. It is a group of people that I have not been that familiar with and have always been curious about.

The iced tea was great as well.;)

Today, we had our new freezer delivered. It is a smaller chest freezer and I'm so glad we got it before the summer. With the Food Saver® and the freezer I'll be putting up food like crazy.

Now, I'm just sitting, waiting for Tripp to come home and cook his delicious Thai curry that he makes. I'm so hungry.

Spring Break!

Pics 030709 082, originally uploaded by themissiah.

I've been out, today, mailing stuff and running a couple of errands. A little while ago I weeded the catnip/catmint bed, which Two-Tone watched from the back porch with delight. I had to give him a couple of fresh leaves after much begging and sniffing.



Patsy couldn't care less about the catnip. She's just curious about everything anybody does EVER. She watches everything we do with so much intensity that I feel one day we are going to walk in the house and find her wearing a shirt and pants that she sewn herself, with shoes and makeup on, while watching TV with the remote in her paw. She watches Tripp shower, which is hilarious. I don't know what she thinks goes on in there, but she will just sit and watch you do something for a long time and watch EVERY move you make. It gets a little creepy after a while, but that's our Patsy.



I put the clothesline out, yesterday. I'm so happy spring is almost here. The weather is so warm, today. I think I'm going to get off here and go read out on the porch.

The weather is SO nice.

Pics 030709 062, originally uploaded by themissiah.

We have the windows open, airing out the house, and we are cleaning. Well, right now, Tripp is cleaning and I'm writing this, but I was cleaning. I'm about to get up and do some laundry, some reading, and just enjoy this weather overall.

The above picture was taken at Mojo Burrito, in Chattanooga - on the back patio. I loved the colors and shadows.

I'm off to do said cleaning and see if the cats are going crazy in the windows (they are freaking out at all of the bird noises coming in). Enjoy the beautiful day!

Extra Green Day - Saturday

Pics 030709 004, originally uploaded by themissiah.

This is from last night at Sekisui. This was our edamame trash bowl, but I thought it would be good shot for a green day pic.

Last night, went out to sushi with some friends and came back home and grew more tired. I also got to get this hilarious shot of Tripp dancing last night.



Today, Tripp and I had our "anything goes" day and we filled it up. First, we went to the Chattanooga Nature Center, which I had never been to. That place is awesome. Only $7 for adults and soooo much to do and see there. My favorite part of the day was seeing a one-eyed Great Horned Owl (sad, but such a beautiful bird) and seeing the rest of the owls - although I was so enthralled I forgot to take pictures of them. Also, the bobcat lounging and rolling around on its back was funny, too.

We then went over to the TN Aquarium to see the ocean exhibit, which neither of us has seen, yet. I've been to the river/freshwater exhibit multiple times, and it's very interesting - but the saltwater side is very good. Also, they have a butterfly garden, which I found absolutely fascinating.



We came back home around 6 or 7, then went back out to eat. Now we are both at home, full of vitamin D from being out in the sun so long and tired, but it is a very good tired from having a great day. I've needed a day like this for so long.

Green Week Day 5

Green Week Day 5
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 5. This is my favorite teacup with my little iron teapot that Tripp's grandmother got for me Christmas 07. Thought the cup was appropriate considering it is March, and St. Patty's Day is around the corner.

I got up earlier than usual this morning to go meet a project group for school at 9 am. Then I went and had lunch with a friend. I got home, organized some stuff, and decided to have tea while watching So I Married and Axe Murderer. Ahhhhh... to finally have somewhat of a break.

Green Week Day 4

Green Week Day 4
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 4. This is my favorite type of pen, which will busy busy this next week (spring break) writing notes for papers that I need to write. Yes, not one, but 3 papers that need to be finished by the end of the semester. I can knock out two next week, but then I have a research project to finish and another paper to write.

Ugggghhh.

I don't even want to think about it.

Green Week Day 3

Green Week Day 3
Originally uploaded by themissiah

Here we are - Green Week - Day 3. I went out this morning and snapped a picture of our willow tree because it is blooming - and that is exciting because it means spring is on its way.

I love our home, but sometimes I REALLY love our home. On days where the sun is out and light reflects off of different surfaces of the back porch and our hilly yard, I just feel extremely at home. That might sound odd for some of you, but you have to understand that I moved around a lot for years. I never felt at home much, with the exception of a couple of places. Here, I do. Over a year ago when we were looking at houses, we were looking for at least a three bedroom. This house was one of the "last ones" we were going to look at. Actually, it WAS the last one we looked at. Although it had only 2 bedrooms (albeit huge bedrooms), I knew that this was the house. I loved it as soon as I walked in. I loved the neighborhood as we drove down the road. I've loved it ever since we've moved in. I'm sure that T loved it and loves it as well, but I don't want to speak for him. I feel relaxed here - well, as much as my neurotic self will allow me to feel relaxed. Anyway, just had to share. Now I must go fold laundry, then head off to class - not-so-relaxing endeavors.

Green Week Day 2

Green Week Day 2
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 2.

Keeping on the previous theme, these are two pillows I made out of shamrock napkins a couple of years ago. They are going a little flat these days, but I still love them. I'm also loving GREEN WEEK - my favorite color.

I think Tripp and I are going to have a fun day on Saturday. We were going to go out of town, but since we dragged our feet planning something, we are going to explore our own area and have an "anything goes" type day. Since we would normally be spending money on a hotel and eating out in another town, we are going to do anything we want to do - go to museums, nature centers, etc. Should be a great day.

Green Week Day 1

Green Week Day 1
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 1.

This is a picture of my curtains I created out of napkins - last year after we moved in. I needed some kitchen curtains (the others were atrocious) and had these napkins. I hand-stitched curtain rings to the top and they were finished. There are a couple of top panels with green butterflies on them that go over the top. They go so great together. Also, that's the rosemary that will go in the kitchen garden, soon.

In other news, I had a very emotional day, yesterday. It's nothing that I want to go into on here, but here's hoping this day will begin more smoothly. I rarely have those types of days, but when I do, they are usually doozies. Well, I need to go eat, exercise, then study for a midterm. Later.