Happy birthday to my Mom, in heaven (or so I believe), who would have been 80 today here on earth. I love and miss you so very much.

We are working in the garden today. Rob is moving our raised beds so we can have veggies and dye plants. We are moving the beds so we can put in fruit trees next to the house - fruit and shade for the kids' bedroom is a great combo I think. We plan to keep those trees on the easy to reach height.

I just trimmed the lavender heads that I should have done last late summer but didn't because the bees were so happy with the late blooms. I should start bee keeping since we have so many bees naturally in our yard, and get the honey. One of our trees in front is just buzzing with bees; the sound is scary.

The raised beds are going to be a problem as it is an ant farm - all over with ants. Trying to figure out how to move that bed. Even when they get moved we'll have to deal with the ants as I want cukes again, and aphid farming ants destroy those plants fast. We've got things to try.

Man, my hands are shaking from the trimming I did. Nasty clippers are old, rusty, and need replacing - I think they were hand me downs, and I don't know where the newer one went to. Rob's gone back outside, and he will need my help soon. Oh, and the kids have a party to attend this afternoon.

I've spent this afternoon updating my web site, which really needs a whole new look, but I don't have that much free time right now. But updating a little is a good thing, so I did.

I added in random photos for the home page, uploaded a pile of French hood images that had piled up for awhile now. In fact some were worked up in 2009, but I forgot about them so they didn't get uploaded at all until now. I've also done minor updates to a few other pages to correct corrupted links, edits and general updates. And I finally updated the About Me page for recent changes.

I just realized that I have not updated the site for the black wool gown, aka the MAAS Embroideress outfit seen in the above icon. And I don't think I'll get to that anytime soon. The black wool gown still needs more red trim anyway, so technically it isn't fully finished, although I've been wearing it a lot lately. Soon, must finish it soon, and get the page done up soon. I've put in a marker at least on the dress diary page (at the bottom of the page).

I think for now, this is all. I'm getting a little tired of staring at this screen.

Will be cross posted to my creative blog, too.

Since I was working on stuff, I thought I'd make a new icon for both of my blogs.

That is all.

Man, I'm still tired and a little sore in odd places, but still happy from yesterday's event, The Festival of the Rose and Olde Timers Tourney, which was in Lake Balboa (northern Los Angeles area). It was a very good day for me. ( where I get long winded but share my happy news... )

To all my friends traveling to the Cooking Symposium, have fun!

I just did two dances to music on my iPhone, one of 7 minutes (it started out slow to help me warm up), and another for a little more than 3 minutes. I had to sit for a bit in between and get my breath back and not hurt my knees, but even a little bit of dancing is better than nothing. Once I get some dishes cleared, I'll go dance a little more.

And I need an icon for moving.

I am actually debating on not going to Costume College this year. I've not been able to get my mind into the woo hoo part of CoCo that I usually find, somewhere. I'm not sure if it is the dark season with rains outside, or what.

Ok, I think it may be the worry that I will pay for the tickets now, then not be able to afford to go later. I've got to sell my Mom's place, and I've no idea how quick or how long it will take to get it ready to sell, and then actually get onto the market, and hopefully sell.

Maybe it is a good idea to just sit this year's event out, and if I get the house sold, I can go with a last minute ticket or something.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!