good morning sunshine
We're home, and so happy to be back in the sun. I love the northwest for so many reasons--we lived in and around the Portland area for almost 9 years--but the sun beckoned my husband to return home, back to the beach several years ago. I must say that when I woke up this morning to a bright blue sky, I was very happy to be home indeed. We usually pay our visits to Oregon/Washington in the summer--and let me tell you the summers there are fabulous! It's been a long while since we were up that way in the winter and it rained all day and everyday that we were there. 12 days. Goodness. Anyway...
Happy New Year! I'm ready to organize and clean out a bit around here and also hoping to start in on a new project--a patchwork throw made from wool sweaters--all before we get back to school next week. I collected a pile from the Goodwill while on vacation. Have you noticed how high the Goodwill has things priced nowadays? Geewhiz. Not the exciting thrift shopping it used to be. My mom and I were grumbling about it while we were there and then when it was time to check out we both had a pile of stuff. So, I guess we're both just full of hot air.
I hope the first week of the new year is getting off to a great start for you!
Hopefully it was just all that rain that dampened your desire to blog.
You could take a break, or you could only blog on Mondays, anything but nothing. Anyway, I was so happy for this post and your sunshiny face! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kathe Kramer | January 01, 2008 at 07:12 PM
welcome back toni. cutest pic of you my friend :)
Posted by: jen b | January 01, 2008 at 08:19 PM
I guess it's all in your perspective. We moved to Vancouver last year after 14 years in Minnesota and it feels downright springy to us. I was out sweeping confetti off my porch this afternoon in shortsleeves and my bulbs are already coming up. Something I'd never experience before May back in MN. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Angela | January 01, 2008 at 08:51 PM
~~Up here in New Brunswick, Canada, every other day is a snowstorm!! I really like it, having my family home and just being cozy because it is too bad out to go anywheres. It is storming again right this minute. :)
~Love the picture of you Toni!! Your so pretty.
~Can't wait to hear and maybe see your progress with the quilt. I have been knitting some dishclothes just to get me back into the crafting mode.
~Yes lots of organizing going on here too. Or I am trying too anyways. It is kind of hard when your running around after a toddler, or would rather play cars/blocks or with the new toolbench/work set with my son.They have such fun toys now!!! :)
~~Have a great week everyone. And Happy New Years.
Posted by: Oona L | January 01, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Eck, you hit a nerve with the Goodwill comment. My sis-in-law (thrift shopping buddy) and I have been grumbing about that very thing for a couple of years now. How on earth do the truly economically disadvantaged even afford to shop there? Their prices are ridiculous anymore. The stuff was given to them for pete's sake!
I fortunately have a Salvation Army thrift store nearyby, who's prices are much more in keeping with a thrift store, but unfortunately it seems that everyone donates their woolen sweaters to Goodwill. Drat.
Oh, well, it will be a good year, anyway. Happy new year's to you! :-)
Posted by: Rennagayle | January 01, 2008 at 10:29 PM
ok how cute are you?????????????? :) ahh yeah goodwill taint what it use to be price wise. The one here is always packed with people, must be a sign of the time, everyone is looking for a deal and well up the prices go:( Happy New Year !
Posted by: apt a | January 02, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Hey....Happy New Year to you Toni! Yes, I understand your grumbling over the prices at the Goodwill Store... LOL! I guess I expect to get something for nothing. (I like the prices at St. Vinny's much better.)
Best wishes for 2008 to you and your family.
Posted by: Michael | January 02, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Hey....Happy New Year to you Toni! Yes, I understand your grumbling over the prices at the Goodwill Store... LOL! I guess I expect to get something for nothing. (I like the prices at St. Vinny's much better.)
Best wishes for 2008 to you and your family.
Posted by: Michael | January 02, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Happy New Year, Toni! Wishing you & yours love, blessings, peace and JOY in 2008! Here's to very creative and inspired months ahead ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | January 02, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Happy New Year, Toni! Wishing you & yours love, blessings, peace and JOY in 2008! Here's to very creative and inspired months ahead ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | January 02, 2008 at 07:21 AM
ahh that's what makes the ~thrill of the hunt~ so much fun...(and I live in the northwest...)
~simply stork~
Posted by: simply stork | January 02, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Cute picture Toni! It's nice to put a face to your blog.
I was thinking the same thing about the prices at our local thrift shop, just the other day! Hmmmph. ;) I've also noticed quite a lack of consistency with the pricing, as well.
I had a very similar idea (the throw) not too long ago. :) Only I was thinking of making a blanket/quilt for one of my kid's beds. So, I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of yours! I picked up a couple to use for my daughter's Christmas stocking, first. {I'm redoing all of my kid's stockings.}
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Posted by: ~ Junkyard Jennifer | January 02, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Every time I see a photo of you I cannot believe you have grown children. Happy New Year sweet sparrow.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | January 02, 2008 at 04:33 PM
I'm interested in how you are going to attach your sweater quilt together. I just did a patchwork sweater tea cozy and another friend made a quilt too! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Dawn | January 02, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Welcome Home! Happy New Year!
Love the picture .
Posted by: ellen | January 03, 2008 at 05:07 AM
What a great picture! You look so cute!
Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Meredith | January 03, 2008 at 07:24 AM
fun picture! Happy New Year!!
Posted by: kate | January 03, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I live on the Atlantic coast of Brittany, Western France and because I've been to WA a couple of times, I can tell we have exactly the same weather, except no snwo in the winter (how sad !) and I must say some days ( like this week for example !) I'd happily move to sunnier places if it wasn't for my husband's career...
Wishing you a lot of sunshine this year...
Posted by: SierraMoon | January 04, 2008 at 04:39 PM
and no real bargain anymore in second hand/thrift stores here either :(
Posted by: SierraMoon | January 04, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Im so glad to see you back sweet Toni! And that has to be the BEST photo of you...love the sweater. All the best to you in 2008!!
Posted by: Eren | January 05, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Hi Toni, Happy New Year to you and your family! Welcome home! You lookin mighty cute these days! :o) I certainly agree with you, a lot of thrift shopping isn't really thrifty anymore. :o) But it is still a whole lot of fun browsing and looking for little treasures. You and your family enjoy the rest of your weekend....
Smiles...
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | January 06, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I agree about thrift stores. Although I guess I'm stingy because last month I bought about 20 things (sweaters, shirts etc) and it only came to $50. That's great and all but I remember spending like a quarter per t-shirt before (not $3). Although $4 for a sweater is pretty sweet. But I was still happy to see you post that!
Posted by: Rachael | January 07, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Well look at you in the sunshine...Good to have you home
Posted by: Suzie Sews | January 07, 2008 at 12:01 PM