OLDE CROW PRIMITIVES

2012-01-01T08:09:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas...ours was very nice, spent with friends & family...
So, here's wishing you all a happy, healthy, & prosperous New Year 2012...may all of your dreams come true!
I hope to get back to my rug hooking soon... (my face is still buried in my Kindle and probably will be for awhile, but sooner or later I will get back to hooking some new little rugs...

Well, Happy Birthday to me....

2011-12-08T09:23:00.002-06:00

I have to confess...the reason I haven't been blogging much is because my hubby bought me a Kindle Fire for my birthday, and...I love it!! So I've been reading on it, and playing solitaire on it...and cruising the internet a bit on it...but mostly reading my book...

I haven't gotten any rug hooking done at all...nothing wintery/christmasy...the weather has been cold and we're supposed to get a little snow tonight...our first snow so that's always exciting...

I've decorated some but not sure if our tree is going to go up or not...I'm sure that Sophie and Scooter would really enjoy it, but I'm not sure how long it will be in one piece, sooo...we'll see...

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-23T16:06:00.001-06:00

Thou that has given so much to me,
Give one thing more -- a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleases me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise.

George Herbert

Two Little Pumpkins, again...

2011-11-09T08:24:00.004-06:00

not as bright as it was, I used coffee and just dabbed it in...it looked darker before it dryed, but I'm happy with the way it turned out...
It'll be listed on Etsy sometime today, if anyone is interested in purchasing it :)

Pumpkin Mat Finished...

2011-11-07T09:27:00.002-06:00

Finally got this mat done; it just needs binding and it's all done...I do think the smaller pumpkin could have been a little less *white*...maybe an oatmeal...actually, it's not as light as it looks in the photo, more of a cream...
But, oh wait...i think i have a solution to this...check back later!

Oh, My!!

2011-11-07T08:10:00.000-06:00

Kelley is having a giveaway and I'm drooling over all the wonderful goodies, and hoping that I will be the lucky winner...

http://kankerdoodle.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway-goodies.html

Two Little Pumpkins...

2011-10-20T15:28:00.000-05:00

I'm hooking this simple little mat today, just two pumpkins...not sure if i like the background color i'm using...

Pumpkin Jack Rug, Finished

2011-10-10T08:17:00.005-05:00

I got him all finished last night and steamed overnight, he's done and listed in my Etsy shop...

He really is a handsome boy, I think. I guess he will be the only Halloween rug for this year, but I'm just not ready for anything winter/christmas yet...

Maybe I will make a pumpkin rug, but not sure what it will be...

Pumpkin Jack Rug

2011-10-08T15:13:00.000-05:00

here he is all hooked and ready to bind, and he'll be all ready for my Etsy site, if not tomorrow night, then Monday morning...

Second post for today, wow huh?

2011-10-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

I've been a hookin' all day, and I've got quite a bit of this Pumpkin Jack rug hooked...all that's left is to hook the corners & background and then steam/bind it, and it will be ready to sell on Etsy..

Fall, pumpkins and corn stalks...

2011-10-07T08:09:00.001-05:00

Making some progress on this rug, I hope to have it done the first of next week, lots of color in this one...
and the colors are a little brighter than I usually like to use when I hook...but he's gonna be a handsome fella when I'm done...

Our weather has been dry, windy and warm and I am hoping for some rain really soon...the corn fields are being harvested, I will miss the tall stalks of corn that's surrounded us all summer and early fall...

A Bittersweet Valance...

2011-09-22T12:57:00.002-05:00

Went to pick bittersweet today, and my friend Tammy and I found a real goldmine down a country road not too far from here...couldn't wait to get it home...
so here's what I did with most of it...

Above my front picture window, and what a job it was! This is a big window and it looked so bare...I'd been meaning to put a valance up here since we moved in, but just never got around to it...

Just a Hello & update...

2011-09-20T17:04:00.000-05:00

I've been catching up on everyone's blogs on my reading list, and everyone has such wonderful things on theirs, so I promised myself that I would post updates more often, even if there was no *earth-shaking* news to announce...
and not earth-shattering, but....
Someone I really admire purchased on of my rugs last week, and that lifted my spirits...

Just me plodding along here, and thanks to a certain person's (you know who you are) words of wisdom, I've decided to Snap Out of It :) and start some hooking...I had purchased a pattern in a rug hooking shop in Liberty and had forgotten all about it, had put it away under my cupboards...
It'a a pattern Pumpkin Jack by Needl Love...

Hopefully I will even get it finished by the end of this month...

The weather here is warm and lovely today, but another cool down is coming tonight...I want to go bittersweet picking so the weather should be perfect for it this week...I had found a small amount just across the road here and already put some up above my window and a little in bowls, etc., but I need a bunch more for our front window...

so that's the news from me, talk to you all again soon...

Just a Hello & update...

2011-09-20T17:02:00.000-05:00

2011-09-10T07:33:00.000-05:00

and now...

2011-08-23T13:38:00.000-05:00

and here they are now...best buds!

Hey, Bloggers!

2011-08-13T09:59:00.002-05:00

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted anything all summer...no excuses, the days just seem to go by so fast and yikes! it's almost fall now...I love the fall but I'm not looking forward to the cold weather...hopefully we still have a few months before that happens...

Well, we have a new *baby*, his name is Scooter (I think).
I had read that our local cat rescue may be closing, the owner is selling her property and downsizing...there is a chance that someone is interested who will continue her work...
Anyway, back to Scooter...he's supposed to be about 5 months old or so, he came in with his sister...the only thing I know is that they came from a dangerous situation...not sure what that means, but he is the most affectionate boy I've ever seen...
here he is resting...(I was resting too, LOL!)

Of course, Sophie is not pleased...it is day 5 and she is still being a diva...I think that he's getting tired of being backed into corners 'cause I hear him growling at her sometimes...hopefully, they will make peace with each other soon...he and Gus, our shi tsu are getting along great though...Gus is so non-threatening and sweet...

Anyway, other than this news...I haven't been doing anything much that I could brag about...a little hooking (this should be interesting with a new kitty) and been kind of down lately...i've been spending a lot of time outside and the weather has been really nice, after our long heat wave...cooler and some rain too...

Hope you've all been having a great summer and doing fun stuff...what have you been doing???

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T07:21:00.001-05:00

New Kitty Rug

2011-05-19T09:49:00.003-05:00

Just finished this rug, another one of Kelly's kitties...i just love her designs...just have to bind it, but it's already listed for sale on Etsy.

On the home front, not much is new...the weather is warming up, finally...rain overnight and today so it's cloudy and gloomy; but i do enjoy the rain...

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T07:48:00.001-05:00

Mama robin & babies are still going strong, took this photo yesterday...there are 3 babies that I can see in the nest; they should be flying away very soon...

We had a rain shower the other evening, and I went out front to see this beautiful double rainbow :)

I hope everyone has a beautiful Mothers Day!

SALE, SALE, SALE! On all of my Primitive Rugs :)

2011-05-02T11:15:00.002-05:00

I'm wanting to clean out my rug inventory on Etsy, so, this week only, if you buy any two of my primitives rugs, you will get 20% off for both...

Just email me (sandilucero@aol.com)

and let me know which rugs you want to purchase, and I will email you back with the discounted price; then you can pay me through Paypal.

Thanks!

Baby Robins Update :)

2011-04-28T11:46:00.000-05:00

here they are, today...i snuck over and snapped a quick photo while mama was away finding food...

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T15:49:00.002-05:00

Wishing you many miracles this Easter Sunday...here's one above, 3 newly hatched robins from the nest in our front yard...a new beginning...

2011-04-22T13:10:00.002-05:00

I guess spring is here; according to the birds :)

2011-04-19T12:51:00.001-05:00

I was backing out of the driveway this morning, when my husband showed me this nest, right in the crook of this little redbud in our front yard...I didn't want to get any closer to take a photo, and take a chance on frightening her...I sure hope that she stays safe, so low in this tree...we do have a few cats around and I hope they don't get her or her babies...

Brightening things up a bit :)

2011-04-18T09:22:00.003-05:00

This wall used to be a sage green...when we moved in, it was dark paneling so we decided to paint over it and see what that looked like...
this new color is a buttercup yellow...i really love how it brightened up the rooms...we used it on the kitchen, living room too and the hallway and bathroom...the ceiling here is the same color but looks darker for some reason...I painted the kitchen myself 'cause there was so many small areas that it had to be all hand painted...
let me know what you all think. The second picture is the sage green that was on the walls before...

Today I'm going to shampoo the carpets, which are really in need of cleaning...

Just a Little Update :)

2011-04-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

No photos today, we are just beginning to get blooms on our trees, etc...the forsynthia's are sooo pretty right now; it's just starting to warm up and hopefully it will stay that way for good...soon we'll be getting out there into the gardens and do some cleaning up from the winter...

We are planning to paint the inside of our home; I think we'll start with the kitchen next week; right now I have splotches of paint color all over the walls, I bought some samples to see how they would look...we really need to brighten up these rooms, this house tends to be dark...I picked out a pale yellow and hopefully that will do the trick...

My little heart mat

2011-03-07T11:38:00.003-06:00

I just finished this little heart mat...i really love the background color, it's called mushroom...then I used a lighter shade on the side borders, which is actually a deeper color than it shows on the photo...I just listed it for sale on Etsy.

I have a cat rug (inspired by Kelley Belfast) on my frame that i left half done and started this one, the spirit just moved me to create the little heart one, so now i can finish the kitty one...i also have a small pattern that I bought from Mad Hen to get done, I'm feeling more in the mood to hook now that the drama is over as far as Robert's health, and he's feeling so much better and received a *atta boy* from the doctor last week for his blood sugar...

Anyway, just me here hoping for spring to arrive soon; I have been seeing a lot of robins for the past few weeks and I'm sure they're hoping for spring soon also...

Spring...or???

2011-02-25T08:55:00.003-06:00

still winter I guess....'cause mother nature just dropped another 6 inches on us yesterday and last night...I was hoping that the snow would be over and those warm temps we had last week would stick around...but this is Missouri, after all...and nothing stays the same for long...

My nephew sent me this Amyrillis at Christmas and it has bloomed...it's so beautiful...

On the home front, Robert is doing great! Cut just about all sugar out of his diet and he's exercising every morning...his blood sugar count is wayyyy down to normal...I am so thankful!!

I haven't been working on anything for the past week at least, my rug sits on the frame, time to get busy with my hands and create something...

Primitive Chair Pad finished..

2011-02-03T12:29:00.000-06:00

Just finished this chair pad and it needs one more steaming...I just listed it for sale on my Picture Trail...the tree is actually a wash out green, and the background is plum/gray...but it doesn't look like that in the photo...

Robert is doing really well, we have a dr.'s appointment this afternoon with a primary care dr...he needs to check with him before he can drive again, and he's anxious to drive, of course...I'm sure he's already lost some weight, because I've been real strict with his diet :) We'll see what the dr says today...

Here I am again...

2011-01-31T12:02:00.001-06:00

Hooking a season behind :)
The background on this chair pad/mat is actually a plum/gray...i used two rows of antique black around the tree also...just binding it today...
I liked the one I made earlier so much that I decided to make another one...

On the home front...my husband had a mild stroke Friday so I've been kind of overwhelmed this past few days...he's doing fine and doesn't have any permanent damage...I so glad I took him up to emergency as soon as I noticed his speech slurring...it was truly scary; the doctors said he is VERY lucky and I think so too...
He is also diabetic, which I've suspected for awhile now, so he's on meds for that and his BP and cholestrol too...changing his diet is going to be a challenge for him and me, but so far he's doing well with that...
I'm also concerned because we don't have medical insurance, but the hospital and doctors told us right off that they will work with us on that, so I've been filling out paperwork, getting copies of stuff together, etc...
So tonight, say a little extra prayer for us please...

Introducing....Duke!

2011-01-22T18:59:00.001-06:00

Yep, that's my name!
That's what my new people named me...they haven't heard from anyone willing to claim me so I guess I've found a new forever home, or at least I hope I have...
Here I am over at *grandmas* today, playin' with my favorite rabbit toy...it's so soft and squishy, just like a real rabbit...errr, welll, ummm...of course, I wouldn't know what a real rabbit tastes like...i'm a lover, not a fighter...
Grandpas not too sure about me, I think...he keeps telling me to *SIT* (which I do very well, thank you)
I think maybe my size intimidates him, Gus too, he just kinds of sits under the table and stares at me...
but Grandma loves me; she's had big dogs before so I'm nothin' new to her...
I know there's a cat here named Sophie, but I haven't seen her yet...Grandma always keep the mudroom door closed so I don't eat her food...
Anyway...that's about it for now...my dad should be back from the store soon sooo, this is Duke...
over and out!

Just look at this face!

2011-01-16T14:39:00.001-06:00

Isn't he wonderful?? He appeared on my son & dil's front porch yesterday morning...he's the sweetest dog...they have been looking for his owner, if he has one...he was recently neutered so I would think someone would be looking for him...

I went over to see him today and I already love him :)

Outside my window today...

2011-01-10T09:20:00.000-06:00

Snow, snow and more snow! It's been snowing all night and still coming down, we're expecting 5-8 inches...this is our first winter storm here in northwest Missouri...this is how much we had when I woke up

this morning...just took the second photo and it's snowing pretty hard now....guess I will read my new book today or do some rug hooking...

Hope your day is warm & cozy!

Hi there, Gus here again :)

2011-01-05T13:46:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone!

Mom is doing something somewhere so I though i'd hop on here and show you my handsome self!

Just got back from the groomer's (better known as Sweet Clips) and boy, did they ever shave me SHORT!!

My mom asked them to, because my fur was getting matted...i have a habit of licking myself all over and then I get mats...glad it's not too cold out this week, or I'd be freezing my patooties off for sure...

ohhh, look to my left...mom is hooking another rug; I wonder what it's gonna be, but it looks really neat...

hmmm...just another place for that Sophie cat to sit anyway...she gets all the good spots...

oh, but wait! Mom doesn't like her sleeping on the beds 'cause she SHEDS (is that a BAD word or something???) and I don't, so I get to sleep on the bed at night and stuff like that...so I guess I can't complain, can I?? Guess that's what they mean when they say, It's a Dog's Life...

Hey, don't forget to check out mom's rugs on Etsy, she's got them all on sale for 10% off...and I sure could use a few more toys and snacks...so if you're in the market for a rug, hop on over there and check them out...

As always, Gussie (aka Gussie Poo Poo Head)

Primitive Rug Sale until Friday, January 7th...

2011-01-04T14:19:00.001-06:00

From today until this coming Friday, I'm offering a 10% discount on any of my rugs listed on Etsy

I did a coupon code and hopefully it will work, so if you purchase a rug, just use coupon code, DISCOUNT to get your 10% discount.

Hit & Miss Rug...

2010-12-30T09:18:00.000-06:00

I started this rug before Christmas and just finished it the other day...first one like this I've ever hooked...it looks real pretty under my wood trencher on the living room table...
What is everyone doing for New Year's Eve? We are staying home like we usually do; we'll have some friends over and play cards and welcome in the new year...
Wish all of you a very happy and prosperous new year 2011...

Merry Christmas, everyone!

2010-12-24T11:06:00.000-06:00

It's snowing here in northwest Missouri...beautiful big, wet flakes...

I just wanted to wishing every one of you a wonderful Christmas...

may your heart be lightened by children's laughter and warmed by memories of this holiday and holidays gone by...and may you hold the spirit of this season in your heart always...

Something different for me :)

2010-12-23T14:21:00.000-06:00

I had this little rug that I hooked a few years ago...well, i trimmed it way to close to the edge of the rug and couldn't figure out any way to bind it...so today I took out some black felt and i sewed this little pocket together, then placed a sprig of greenery inside... I was surprised at how nice it came out...I hardly ever do any sewing, just rug hooking...
I think I will gift this to my dil's mom, who will be here for Christmas day dinner...

Yesterday, sophie helped me wrapped presents...isn't she helpful????
she loves plastic bags and as soon as I bring the groceries home, she jumps into one and makes herself at home...

It's C...C...C... COLD out there....!

2010-12-12T10:25:00.000-06:00

Holy Moley, It's so freakin' cold outside today...we a little snow last night and the wind was blowing so hard...this little cardinal looks like a tree ornament; I snapped this photo from inside yesterday, thus the flash on the left...I'd be nuts to go out there in this weather!!

I'm looking for...

2010-12-11T11:13:00.001-06:00

One of these, aren't they wonderful? This one is available online, but the price is a little steep for me right now...does anyone know where I can purchase one? It doesn't have to be made of iron...

and done...

2010-12-08T15:58:00.000-06:00

Feather Tree :)

2010-12-08T13:21:00.002-06:00

I just got a new feather tree and I love it; it fits perfectly into this antique crock...
so I bought some fresh cranberries to string today and then I'm going to hang them on my tree :)

And...the winner is........

2010-12-06T08:54:00.000-06:00

Rugs & Pugs...Lauren please email me with your address so I can send it out to you today :)

Thanks so much, everyone, for participating...it's been a lot of fun and I will be doing another giveaway soon!

White Christmas - Dean Martin

2010-12-04T15:38:00.000-06:00

Giveaway news,and a Thank You :)

2010-12-04T14:06:00.002-06:00

Gosh, I didn't know that I had so many wonderful friends out there, I can't believe the great response to my giveaway post; thank you all so much!

I decided to put our Christmas tree in the kitchen area this year, being I have no room in the living room anyway...since I spend more time in here on the laptop...there's a big ole' lump under that quilt that is Sophie kitty; she loves to get under stuff and nap...

I'm going to end the giveaway and announce the winner on this coming Monday, the 6th...I decided that the 10th is too far away and I want the winner to be able to receive it by the end of next week and be able to enjoy it...sooo, if you haven't entered yet, hurry over here!

My First Giveaway Ever!

2010-12-01T15:31:00.003-06:00

I decided that it was about time I had a giveaway...so here it is!
I drew up the pattern and hooked this drab rug last year, and now it's my gift to you, to show my thanks for all of your wonderful comments and support you've offered me over the past years...it measures 12 x 13 and is *kind of* round in shape...I hooked it using as is and overdyed wool, #8 and #8.5. I finished it by binding it with wool yarn...
So, please just leave a comment on this post and if you're not already a follower on my blog, please follow me!

I will announce the winner on December 10th...so please leave your email address in your comment so that I can contact you :)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

2010-11-25T08:10:00.004-06:00

Hey, this is Gus wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving...eat lots of turkey and stuff today and then...take a nap like me! Mom left her comfy robe on the couch so I decided to take a little snooze on it...
This photo is rated R (for private parts) but I didn't think you'd mind, since I'm such a handsome guy :)
What am I thankful for??? Well, this robe for one and for my Mom & Dad and even for Sophie the kitty, even though she likes to wait around corners and jump me every chance she gets...also for that turkey I'm going to be having later today and what ever else I can beg off of everyone...i'm good at that pitiful pup routine; I get just about anything I want just by giving them that sad little begging look...

Anyway, I hope Mom won't be mad when she see's that I posted this pic of myself...have a wonderful day!!
over and out,
Gus aka Gussy Poo Poo Head

The last of our fall foliage

2010-11-11T18:00:00.003-06:00

Cloudy, chilly, rainy today, but then I looked out at our last tree foliage and our beautiful bushes and the color was just fantastic against the dreary sky...

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T07:51:00.003-06:00

How I feel about the holidays...

2010-11-05T16:06:00.002-05:00

Last week, and a couple of days before Halloween, I saw my first Christmas commercial on TV...I couldn't believe it...usually they start right after Halloween but this was a real surprise for me...

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas... but what's happening every year at this time just kind of sucks the Christmas spirit right out of me...by the middle of December, I feel like I've already celebrated the holiday...and I love to look at all the Christmas/Winter primitives too, but I'm just not in the least motivated to hook anything wintery right now...is it just me???

and...whatever happened to Thanksgiving anyway? I don't even want to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving ..I think it's just a real shame that we have to rush through the holidays like this, with Christmas music and commercials blaring earlier and earlier every year...

I understand that a lot of this has to do with retailers and sales, but geez...enough is enough for me...I'm still in the Halloween mode and I'm not leaving Autumn anytime soon....

Finished Sunflower/Pumpkin Rug

2010-11-03T13:21:00.001-05:00

Finally done hooking this rug, now I just have to steam it and bind it...I really tried to get it done before Halloween but that didn't work out...

oh well...it's still Fall, isn't it?

You can find this rug on Etsy, for sale.

Merry Halloween

2010-10-30T11:08:00.001-05:00

It's Halloween! It's Halloween!

The moon is full and bright

And we shall see what can't be seen

On any other night.

Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls,

Grinning goblins fighting duels,

Werewolves rising from their tombs,

Witches on their magic brooms.

In masks and gowns

We haunt the street

And knock on doors

For trick or treat.

Tonight we are

The king and queen,

For oh tonight

It's Halloween!

Moving things around...

2010-10-28T09:42:00.006-05:00

I was bored yesterday, so I decided to move this primitive cupboard from the little room off the kitchen into our eating area...I moved the wall cupboard and the antique flour bin table into that space off the kitchen...
I think I like this cupboard better here...
we had planned to paint the entire inside of the house this year, but it looks like we'll be waiting for next spring to get it done...

What's on my frame?

2010-10-25T16:34:00.004-05:00

Yikes! I've tried to post this 4 times and it keeps disappearing...ok, i think i've got it now...
I'm still working on this sweet little sunflower rug, one of Kelley's fall booklets; I hooked it using #8.5 and #9 wool strips and I kind of like working with these wider widths of wool...
the pumpkin is darker that it's showing up here; not sure what going on with my digital camera...

I also joined the Facebook 's Networked Blogs, but I only have 4 followers and I think one of them is ME, LOL! So if you belong to this, please follow me & I will do the same for you, so I can show a few more than 4 followers...it's pitiful!

A perfect autumn day, and another rug to show you ;)

2010-10-08T12:24:00.011-05:00

Wow, what a wonderful fall we're having so far; it's been clear and warm and not windy and the trees here are starting to turn just a bit...just perfect weather and that doesn't happen that often here in Missouri :)

I just finished binding this rug, it just needs one more steaming and then it's done :)
not sure why my lighter backgrounds sometimes seem to photograph lighter than they are...
I just took another photo after I steamed this rug again...the background does seem to show better in this photo.
This is a pattern by Kelley, from her fall booklet...
I love all of her patterns, they are just so simple and primitive. I'm working on another one of her's right now...
This one is up for sale on my Etsy. By the way, shipping is free for all of my rugs.

A beautiful reminder...

2010-09-23T16:39:00.003-05:00

Today my husband was mowing and he called me outside to see this...we've had the most monarch butterflies here this year than I've ever seen in one place...they are absolutely beautiful...

I love butterflies, they represent transformation & growth, and they remind me that my life is always changing and always in motion, just the way it should be...and that I am blessed each day with beauty.

Drab Pumpkin/Crow Rug

2010-09-14T19:24:00.002-05:00

Well, I've finally gotten around to hooking up something for Fall...about time, you're probably thinking...I didn't use any of the tradional pumpkin colors in this rug, just drab tea stained wools...
the background is hooked using #9 strips that i hand ripped myself, the rest is #8 and #8.5.

I'm going to list it for sale on Etsy tonight.

Hmmm...i can't seem to get Etsy.com to load...anyone else having this problem?

Etsy is down so I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow put this rug up for sale.

Sunflowers

2010-09-05T12:47:00.001-05:00

I planted some sunflowers on the south side of the house; I can't believe how tall they are! I planted some the first year we moved here but they just didn't do well, and the wind kept blowing them over...

So, okay...

2010-09-01T10:07:00.004-05:00

I thought by now I'd be on to something fall/halloween, but I decided to finish this little antique tulip rug...I bought the faded plum wool for another fall rug but had this rug half finished, so I decided to use some of that wool on this rug...
It's listed for sale on Etsy.

Jack O' Lantern Moon Rug

2010-08-25T15:47:00.002-05:00

I hooked this rug last fall and just happened to find it put away in a cupboard drawer; the pattern is by NeedL' Love...
I just listed it for sale on Etsy. I never could get the camera to pick up the drab colors in this rug.

A Wild Weekend...

2010-08-23T18:35:00.001-05:00

Mother Nature really dropped a bomb on us last week...

Friday, actually...we were expecting some thunderstorms, but I never expected the 85 mph winds that hit us Friday afternoon...and the lightening had me jumping in my husband's lap a few times...

We lost part of a beautiful maple tree, but we're hoping that it will survive; we also lost a small apple tree and a lot of large branches off some of our other trees...a few very small wet spots in our basement...
but we were lucky compared to some of our neighbors...our neighbor across the road had a large camper turned on it's side and another neighbor had a lot of roof damage...others down the road had carports fall down and large trees across the road...

So we were quite lucky (thank God for our 2 year old roof) compared to some and we're thankful that we're safe...

Well, finally!

2010-08-02T22:00:00.009-05:00

I just finished Lori's Home Sweet Home rug ...here's a little look for you all...it's been steamed again and is ready to go to a new home. I've just listed it on Etsy.

Always a season behind :)

2010-07-30T12:17:00.000-05:00

that's me, it seems...summer is almost at an end, and I'm seeing signs of fall already on everyone's blogs; fall and harvest goods for sale and here I am, still working on and not quite finished with a hooked rug from a Not Forgotten Farm pattern, Home Sweet Home.

My honey will be leaving on Sunday for a few weeks in Utah to do some work for a friend of his, so I hope I can muster up some ambition and finally finish this rug.

Other than that, the summer has just been flying by; it's been hot but at least we've had a good amount of rain through the summer, our tomatoes and peppers are doing well, I've been using the tomatoes in salads, with olive oil and garlic and fresh basil I've grown...it's wonderful!

Happy July 4th!

2010-07-04T09:06:00.002-05:00

Remember Our Fallen Heroes

2010-05-28T19:43:00.003-05:00

Primitive Rug Sale on Etsy

2010-05-17T14:04:00.003-05:00

I'm offering my rugs for sale on Etsy at 10% off this week, so if you're wanting something primitive for yourself or for a gift, go on over and take a peek.
The prices you see have already been marked down.

On the home front, the sun if finally out today...it's been rainy & dreary for what seems like forever, not at all like May...I hope our tomato and pepper plants make it.

My husband built a wonderful primitive fence around the garden for me and I love it...it was a labor of love for sure...he even put *Sandi's Garden* over the garden gate :) I planted sunflowers around 3 sides of it on Friday...

I haven't been much in the hooking mood lately, not sure why...I started Lori's Home Sweet Home rug a few weeks ago, and just have a little hooked on it...maybe the sunny day will put me more in the hooking spirit...

Mama & Baby Geese

2010-05-07T10:44:00.002-05:00

Just snapped this photo of mama geese and her babies, a little blurry because they were on the move...they are headed across the highway behind us and I hope they make it safely over...
Last year, a mama, daddy and babies came through and crossed the highway...
It's so precious the way they just follow her, isn't it?

Lily of the Valley

2010-04-27T11:35:00.005-05:00

My mom loved the scent of Lily of the Valley. In fact, she used to wear Lily of the Valley perfume...

I hadn't had much luck growing them for some reason and then my gf gave me some last fall and I planted them in the front of the house...They so remind me of her...

I haven't done much hooking lately, I seem to have hit a *slump*...but I did just start another rug, one of Lori's patterns called Home Sweet Home that I purchase awhile back at a rug hooking shop I sometimes visit nearby in Liberty.

Blueberries!

2010-04-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

Just planted this blueberry bush last week, we have a blueberry farm not far from here and I didn't even know it...
These are supposed to produce 1 to 2 lbs this summer...i think we'll have to put some netting over this so the birds don't eat them all...
I've always loved picking blueberries, I used to pick them on my aunt's property in the Pocono Mountains when I was a kid...

Lilacs

2010-04-14T10:45:00.005-05:00

Our lilac bushes are blooming and they smell wonderful...they were my mom's favorite, and mine also...

In Memorium

2010-04-08T09:41:00.001-05:00

I bought this angel statue the first year we moved here; our sweet Jake is resting under it; he was the very best dog in the world; he was almost ten, and had been with me through some hard times, when I was alone and very sad, before I met my wonderful husband...
We made the difficult decision to put him to sleep right before we moved out here from California; we knew he wouldn't be able to make the trip from California to Missouri, but he was with us in spirit every step of the way on our journey; his ashes tucked away safely. I found this wonderful angel statue that first summer we were here at our new home...Boomer kitty is resting here also, we lost him two years later...

Rest in peace, my sweet Jake...you were the best and most loyal friend I've ever had.

Something Different

2010-03-30T13:21:00.003-05:00

I had hooked this patriotic star rug last month and was looking for something else to do with it, somewhere to put it other than on a table, cupboard or wall... then i decided to hang it on the back of this old chair...
I'm not sure I like it with the blue of this chair, but there are flecks of blue in the background wool; it just doesn't look show very well in this photo...
Other than this, I haven't been working on much of anything; I've got a larger rug on my frame right now, one I've been trying to finish for quite awhile...
So, I've just been enjoying the warmer weather and the arrival of spring...today is going to be near 80!

A Surprise

2010-03-20T10:19:00.001-05:00

snowstorm, that is...
just when I thought spring was really here, and our spring flowers were starting to peek out, Mother Nature has lovingly dumped another few inches of snow on us overnight, along with cold north wind and blowing drifts...and poor Gus, my shih tsu! i had him groomed yesterday and shaved pretty short; you should have seen the look on his little face when i let him out this morning...about a minute later he was at the back door, his eyes wide as little saucers and shivering; i think i heard him say...why did you do this to me, mommy? its COLD out there!
So, I know that this will melt fast and it will be once again near 60 and maybe even warmer in a few days, but I really thought I'd seen the last of it for this year...we happened right around the same time last year too, and it's not unusual at all, so I shouldn't have been surprised at all...it's what makes life here so interesting :)

Signs of Spring

2010-03-04T12:36:00.004-06:00

Spring is coming; I can feel it in the softer breezes and see it in the buds beginning to grow on the trees; I saw a robin today, so I know that spring isn't far behind.

I wish all of you a perfect spring day.

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. ~

Listen, can you hear it? Spring's sweet cantata. The strains of grass pushing through the snow. The song of buds swelling on the vine. The tender timpani of a baby robin's heart. Spring ~

Cameo Punch Needles & Some Kits

2010-03-02T13:49:00.011-06:00

I have quite a few needle punch supplies left over from my shop; just came across these today:

I have 4 - Small Needle - Pak C-931. Includes small needle, threaders and instruction book.
8.00 each
1 - Set of Purrfect Punch punch needles
I also have some primitive needle punch kits from various designers, at 10.00 each; these include the pattern, floss, backing & instructions.
if you're interested, just email me at:
sandilucero@aol.com and i'll send you some pics of the patterns.

Penny Crow Rug

2010-02-25T10:29:00.002-06:00

The background colors on this rug are really wonderful, deep and primitive, but I just can't get my camera to pick up the various shading on this rug...the background is even deeper than the photo shows...
It just needs to be steamed again and then it will be available on Etsy.

A new rug in progress...

2010-02-24T10:33:00.004-06:00

I've been hooking this rug from one of Pat Cross's book, the background color is darker and more primitive than it shows, not sure why my camera does this... i should have it done by the end of the week...not sure why, but i prefer the darker backgrounds to these lighter ones...

OK, I just had to post this...

2010-02-21T17:20:00.004-06:00

Someone sent me this awhile ago and I just happened to find it...

December 8th — It started snowing at six in the evening—the first of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat by the window watching the soft flakes drift snow over the area. It was beautiful.

December 9th We awoke to a big beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering the landscape— what a fantastic sight! Every tree and shrub covered with a beautiful mantle. I shoveled for the first time in years and loved it. I did both our driveway and sidewalk. Later, the plow came along and covered the sidewalk up with snow from the street. so I cleaned them again.

December 12th — The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Oh well. I’m sure we will get some more before the enjoyable winter is over.

December 13th — It snowed eight inches last night and the temp dropped to twenty degrees belów zero. Shoveled the driveway and the sidewalk again and the snowplow came by and did it’s trick again..

December 15th — Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer so I can drive in the snow: also bought snow tires for the wife’s car.

December 16th — Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway: all that was hurt was my feelings.

December 19th — Still cold, and icy roads make for rough driving.

December 20th — Had another fourteen inches of the white **** last night: more shoveling in store for me today: the damn plow came by twice.

December 22nd — We are assured of a white Christmas because thirteen more inches of white **** fell today: and with this freezing weather it won’t melt until August. Got all dressed up (boots. jumpsuit, heavy jacket. scarf. ear muffs, gloves. etc.) to go out and shovel, had two shots of brandy. then I got the urge to pee.

December 24th — If I ever catch the son-of-a-***** that drives that snowplow I’ll drag him through the snow by his balls. I think he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street 100mph and throws snow all over what used to be my lawn.

December 25th — Merry Christmas! They predict another twenty inches of the ****ing white stuff tonight. Do they know how many shovels full of snow twenty inches is? To hell with Santa: he doesn’t have to shovel the white ****. The snowplow driver came by asking for a donation. I hit him on the head with my shovel.

December 26th — We got twenty-eight inches and then some. I must be going snow blind or have a severe case of cabin fever, because the wife is beginning to look really good to me.

December 27th — The toilet froze. If you go outside. don’t eat the yellow snow.

December 28th — I set fire to the house: now that white **** won’t cling to the roof.

We are officially...

2010-02-21T11:10:00.004-06:00

snowed in! it snowed overnight, and then this morning I woke up to the sound of freezing rain and then it's been snowing for the past few hours; just snowing and blowing...
my hubby said this morning..."i'm getting sick of this snow"...i was thinking...oh, are you really??? haha...i started laughing at him 'cause i've been sick of it for the past month or so...i guess it's cramping his style; he's not able to get out and about and get into his usual mischief with his best buddy...
so, here i sit, thinking about making another pot of coffee, check the fire in the fireplace, and maybe work on my rug, it's a pattern from Pat Cross's book, Purely Primitive...
hope you all are warm and cosy, doing something you love and surrounded by those you love :)

I didn't post any new photos of the snow 'cause..... you can just check my last post...
it's starting to all look the same...ya know, snow, white, wind blowing...so just use your imagination and add another 4 or 5 inches or so to what's in the photos below...
somewhere in my life i must have wished for lots of snow...and now the universe is granting my wish...ok, enough already!

Oh, my! more snow...

2010-02-19T12:18:00.001-06:00

Am I sick of it yet??? well, kind of...but at the same time, it's so pretty out there right now...after all, that's why we moved out here from California almost 6 years ago; I missed the seasons so much and Robert doesn't seem to mind it, even though he's was born and raised in California...

So, there are big ole snowflakes falling right now, it started earlier with some rain and then started snowing and the ground is already covered...it's a winter wonderland out there for sure!

Guess I'll spend the rest of the day working on a new rug that I started a few days ago...going to go put a pot of coffee on right now; anyone care to come over and join me? My door is always open :)

Antique Flowers Mat

2010-02-13T10:58:00.005-06:00

and I'm still hooking...here's another little rug, an Antique Flowers mat I just finished this week, hoping for spring to arrive faster if I hook some flowers...think it will work?

This is a pattern from Mad Hen. It will be listed on Etsy sometime today.

Antique Tulip Rug, and I am so ready...

2010-02-09T10:43:00.006-06:00

for spring...
we didn't have much snow this week but our temps are just so cold; yesterday I attemped to go to the post office to mail out two rugs I sold, and they were closed for lunch, then it got so cold that whatever rain/snow mix on the road turned to ice in a matter of minutes...it still amazes me how fast things change here...even though I was born and raised in NJ and I know what the winter weather can be like, I lived in California since 1972, until we moved here in 2004, so I'm not one to just get in my car and drive in the icy weather.

So today I will attempt the post office again 'cause I always anxious to get a rug out as soon as possible, usually the same day it's sold.

Anyway, we've had the wood stove going for the past few days non-stop and I've been hooking quite a bit while watching the fire or watching the tv...

I hooked up this simple little Antique Tulip Rug and I'll be listing it on Etsy today some time today; I'm working on another antique flower rug right now, just a hookin' fool here.

Valentine Primitive Rug, Kitties With Heart

2010-01-29T18:16:00.007-06:00

Thought I'd do another rug for Valentines Day; the kitties are from Kelley's autumn booklet, Early Harvest, but I took liberties with it and changed the pumpkin to a heart. The background color is darker than this picture is showing...
I'm going to list it on Etsy tonight.

Crow & Heart Rug

2010-01-22T12:26:00.005-06:00

The weather has been so gloomy and foggy the past week or so, but at least it's not as cold as it was a few weeks ago. I've been staying in a lot so I've been getting so more hooking done.

I actually drew this up myself, LOL! It's hooked it on primitive linen; I just have to finish it, then it will be listed on Etsy later today...

Two Little Stars Rug

2010-01-05T10:32:00.011-06:00

I'm just a hookin' fool lately! The weather has been sooo cold and we're expecting more snow by tomorrow here, so I've just been housebound for the most part and trying to keep myself occupied...

I just finished this little rug, the pattern is from Pat Cross's book, Purely Primitive, (I thought it was from a friend, but I just realized I had stuck the pattern in the book she sent).

I'll be listing it on Etsy today; it's ready to go to a new home :)

hmmm...what's next? Perhaps something for Valentine's Day!

Last Snowman Rug, I think :)

2009-12-30T14:31:00.004-06:00

I liked the snowman rug I hooked as a gift so much, I decided to make one more, using one of Kelley's snowmen once again...I hooked the background lighter than the last few ones I've made...
I still have to press and bind it, then it will be available for sale on Etsy.

Winter Visitor

2009-12-30T11:47:00.006-06:00

There's so much snow out there, that I couldn't get to the squirrel feeder to put some corn up, so I put a few right along our back porch, and just looked up from the computer to see this beauty...
I didn't see his mate though; a few weeks ago I found a female dead on our front porch, she must have hit our front window...so I hope this male finds another mate soon, he looks lonely...
I've run out of bird seed and have to get some this week; we're having some light snow today again...

Winter Cabin & Snowman Rug

2009-12-28T15:01:00.009-06:00

I finished working on my last winter rug, at least I think it will be...I like to keep my winter rugs up through January and even February and I also keep all of my snowmen up through the coldest months of winter. Here's a close up of the winter cabin/snowman rug I finished just last week...It's listed for sale on Etsy right now, with shipping included.

It's still snowing!

2009-12-26T15:55:00.003-06:00

Yep, it's been snowing on and off since Christmas Eve and it's still snowing as I'm typing this..we had our Christmas dinner today, my dil brought the turkey and some sides, I made my sausage stuffing and we all had a wonderful time.
This morning, our neighbor came with his small plow and worked on our driveway, while my husband shoveled and cleared off the front porch. We've got piles of snow 5 feet high along our driveway...I haven't seen this much snow since I lived in N.J. years ago...
So, all in all, we had a nice Christmas and hoping that all of you did too...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T09:43:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year...hope you are all safe and snug right where you want to be.

Well, we got our white Christmas this year. Last night it snowed and blew and snowed some more... lots of wind and cold temperatures...this morning, the snow has eased up, but the wind is still blowing and we have snowdrifts everywhere!
It's a winter wonderland for sure. Not sure if we will be going anywhere today, we were supposed to go to my son & daughter-in-laws for dinner tonight...guess we'll see what the rest of the day brings.

Snowy Night

2009-12-08T20:33:00.002-06:00

I just went outside on the front porch and took this photo of our snowstorm against the lamplight...so pretty...

Kitty Rug

2009-12-08T07:37:00.004-06:00

SOLD! thank you so much, ranae!
I had hooked this sweet little rug awhile back, it's also based on one of Kelley's designs...it reminds me so much of our Sophie kitty...
This rug is listed on Etsy.
And, thank you, Lisa, for purchasing my Snowman/Kitty Rug, I so appreciate it!

Snowman & Kitty Rug

2009-11-30T15:25:00.006-06:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and ate lots of turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings :)

I just finished hooking this rug yesterday, now I just have to bind it...the pattern is from Kelley Belfast and is one of the patterns in her Merrie Wynter booklet...it measures 12 x 16...

All of the pattern are so wonderful, i don't know which one to hook next...

I'm going to list this one on ebay soon as I bind it...

2009-11-23T12:12:00.003-06:00

"Have you cut the wheat in the blowing fields,

The barley, the oats and rye,

The golden corn and the pearly rice?

For the winter days are nigh."

"We have reaped them all from shore to shore,

And the grain is safe on the threshing floor."

"Have you gathered the berries from the vine

And the fruits from the orchard trees,

The dew and the scent from the roses and thyme

In the hive of the honey-bees?"

"The peach and the plum and the apple are ours,

And the honey-comb from the scented flowers."

"The wealth of the snowy cotton-field

And the gift of the sugar-cane,

The savory herb and nourishing root -

There has nothing been given in vain,

We have gathered the harvest from shore to shore,

And the measure is full and running o’er."

Then lift up the head with a song!

And lift up the hands with a gift!

To the ancient giver of all

The spirit of gratitude lift!

For the joy and promise of Spring,

For the hay and clover sweet,

The barley, the rye, and the oats,

The rice and the corn and the wheat,

The cotton and sugar and fruit,

The flowers and the fine honeycomb,

The country, so fair and so free,

The blessing and the glory of home,

"Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!"

Joyfully, gratefully call,

"To God, the preserver of men,"

The bountiful Father of all."

Snow Guy Hooked Rug

2009-11-17T14:52:00.002-06:00

This week I hooked this little rug called Snow Guy, a pattern by Maria of Star Rug Company...I think he's a real cutie :)
He going to be a gift for a gf of mine who hasn't been feeling well lately...I hope this rug will cheer her up and bring her some holiday spirit...

Kitty/Pumpkin Rug

2009-10-29T12:19:00.001-05:00

Still working on this one, as you can see...it's a pattern by Robin of Bird In The Hand Primitives.
I'm hoping to finish it in the next week and send it home with my stepson, for my stepdaughter Vanessa. Her birthday was this month and I wanted to give her something special.

Finally got a trencher bowl

2009-10-22T23:10:00.007-05:00

It just came last week; I put some gourds in that my gf grew this year in her garden...along with some of the bittersweet we picked and some of Deb's Early Look Scented Harvest Corn Bowl Fillers...they smell wonderful.
You should try her tarts & brittles, I love the Spice Stick and the Spice Box scents!

Jack O' Lantern Moon Hooked Rug

2009-10-01T09:05:00.014-05:00

Here it is all finished. I like the way it turned out. The background is an antique black but I can't seem to get the various shades to come up in this photo. The bottom hill with the house is more of a drab green/gray...

A Bittersweet Day

2009-09-29T15:16:00.019-05:00

My girlfriend and I went out to pick bittersweet today; we came back with her truck filled...we went to the same place we found it last year, and it was even thicker and more beautiful than last year, probably 'cause we had a lot more rain this year...

We were joined by 3 farm dogs and they kept us company, and in return got petted and scratched behind the ears a lot...

I didn't bring my camera with me or I would have taken their pictures...

when we got home, i took mine and started going through it to decorate...put it around my front porch wreath and even some on the corn stalks on the front porch...it's hard to see it on the corn stalks for some reason...

Then I started to decorate the inside and put over some of my door frames and on top of my cupboard, etc.; I just love the way it looks..
It will probably stay up until next year, when we go out and do it all again... Then, we found out that there was a small amount of it just across the road from my house and also some a little farther down the road...I never even noticed it was there...it's really something when you can pick vines out in the country and bring them into your home, and everything suddenly looks festive and so seasonal...