Tuesday, October 14, 2014

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING


So, I came up with the brilliant idea of visiting some of the interesting towns and neighborhoods around here in Chicago on these rather quiet (boring) weekends.  We decided to drive north to Evanston, about an hour away.  My friend, Melanie, from Comfy House goes with her husband once in awhile for a little escape and they seem to have fun.  They even go down to the beach for a little picnic.  Unfortunately, the beaches are now closed.  So off we went on Saturday.  









We found a rare book store and I came across a book over 100 years old and it was actually only $8.00.  I was amazed.  And The Husband found an old book about Civil War weaponry and artillery...just up his alley.  I peeked over his shoulder to see what he was looking at and all I saw was Stonewall Jackson and I knew I had some time to kill.  And we also found a little boutique and I picked up a few things for the girls.  I saw a pair of oxfords that I really wanted but they didn't have my size.  Have you seen those in stores?  I am loving them.  They look so sharp with slim pants.  I'm on the hunt for the perfect pair!



 









So that's the last week in Blondieville.  I just take things day by day, try to keep myself busy during the day, and then blog or read in the evening.  I did a little work in the yard last week.  I carried armfuls of garden decor (birdhouses, outdoor candles and all sorts pots and tools) to the shed, making a little dent until I can get some manpower here to put away the furniture.  The same goes for the lake soon.  I just need to get my daily dose of fresh air.  It has been raining here since yesterday morning and it's supposed to continue until Thursday.  Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what sort of adventures arise!

Jane xx

47 comments:

Brenda Pruitt said...

Did you write "crackpot" instead of "crockpot" on purpose? I got quite a laugh. Well, if you just had The Smart Breville, you could do a lot more!
Brenda

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Love those candles that you made.....I bet you are glad that you got your cast off!

Helen said...

It would be lovely to visit Blondieville one day .. Sorry you didn't make it to the lake HOWEVER Evanston is one of my favorite places though I haven't visited in years. My sister and her family lived there in the late 60s. I would gather my three little boys, board the train in St. Louis and make the trip North. Oh how I loved those trips! Cannot imagine how it has changed with the decades. Your poor hand ~ it looks as painful as I know it is. Take good care, Jane.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Oh your hand looks sore...but I'm glad you are doing well and have been getting out and enjoying fall. The candles are so pretty!

Terra said...

Poor little hand, Blondie, but you are accomplishing a lot as it heals. That town you visited is cute. I grew up on the cliff above Lake Michigan, in Wisconsin. That lake has all the beautiful moods of the ocean, which is where we live now.

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
You sure are accomplishing a lot while recovering from surgery. Kudos to you for keeping busy while healing.
I enjoyed this post and think the harbor on Lake Michigan is beautiful. You know the restaurant you showed? Well it looks just like a chain around here called Brio Tuscan Grille... Foods yummy there.
Your grand doggie is so sweet and adorable.
Philadelphia tomorrow will experience strong thunderstorms that will usher in cooler Fall temps. Finally Fall is arriving for us.
xoxo,
Vera

NanaDiana said...

Glad you got your cast off. Looks bad but I know it is better! I love to visit those little towns, too. That sounds like a great way to spend a few weekends.
I have a CRACKpot, too. The kids call me the Crackpot with the Crockpot. lol I use ours a lot in Fall & Winter.
Hope you have a great rest of the week. xo Diana

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Jane, am so glad that you are doing better. It's hard when you don't have use of your hand and you want to do things.
Our weather is cooler and I am loving it! We are suppose to get some rain today, we'll see. Probably a drizzle, but I will take whatever God sends out way. I don't think I will be ever wearing long pants for a very long time.
Feeling better, so have more energy and I love that feeling. I actually decorated the house and porch and back patio with Fall decorations. Will do a post - still have a little more tweaking to do.
I am so glad that you ordered your new stove. You don't think much of them until they don't work anymore.
Sounds like you are keeping busy and that's good. Please take care of your self and do what the Dr says.
Have a wonderful weekend. I love driving to places on the weekend.
Mary

jp@A Green Ridge said...

As soon as cooler weather comes, we get out the slow cooker too! Love the jars!!!!..:)JP

Stacey said...

Ouch!! Your hand looks like it would really hurt. Take it easy.

Your weekend looks like so much fun. I love to visit quaint little towns like that.

Laura said...

There is nothing better than exploring, right?

Take care of your hand!

Now whether it is a crackpot or a crockpot remains to be seen!
In my house it is the first one-

Enjoyed visiting,
Laura
WSP

Theresa said...

Oh my goodness, your hand looks painful:( I am happy you are healing, got the cast off and now for the therapy to get your hand back to good health! I love those candles, great job! I will be trying to make these! Great Fall gifts!

Enjoy your day dear friend, take care of that hand! HUGS!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your mason jar candles turned out so cute! Your hand does look painful!!

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Jane, ooch, your hand looks so sore. I love those jars, look so pretty with the candles lite, saw that on FB. Love my slow cooker, nice and easy peasy.Blessings Francine.

Susie said...

Ouch Blondie girl. That does look painful. But so glad you are healing nicely. Some days I hate cooking...then other days it is a treat to have food cooked at home. Tell your husband , you both need to go to Gettysburg. I went there on a trip and we had a step on guide..my gosh he was so good telling the story of that battlefield. He was a teacher and stopped teaching to do the step on guide job. I learned more in the 2 1/2 -3 hours with him , about the Civil War and Gettysburg, than I can remember from school. Plus in the town of Gettysburg, you can see shell marks on some of the really old buildings ..it's just amazing. Bless you, xoxo,Susie

Julie Marie said...

Hello Jane... looks like your hand is healing, but I'm sure it still hurts... so glad you are able to do some things though, like cooking and making those jars... they are beautiful!... no wonder your son wanted them, I would too!... and it's always fun do visit places close to home... by the way, tell Al my great~great~great grandfather was Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden, the commander of the Monitor in the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack in 1862 in the civil war... my great grandpa, Howard Monitor Worden is buried in SLC where he lived and I visit his graveside often... so proud of my mama's side of the family too!... (Phyllis Ann Worden)... just thought he might like to hear that since he is a Civil War buff!... xoxo... Julie Marie

Shirley said...

Good Morning, I have enjoyed catching up with you this morning. I get to stay home until later this afternoon when I meet hubby at the eye doctor's office. Hopefully the eye injection is working. I loved the Candles that you made. Fall is my favorite time of the year with all of the leaves turning. We are a cold 39 degrees, but we have sunshine that is the main thing. I just wish I could find a little crockpot for one person, but I haven't found one like I want as of yet. Your hand is healing and that is the main thing. Have a great day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

bj said...

So glad you are doing good now...and I adore your candles..:)

Something Nice and Pretty said...

The candles are so cute, cracks me up about the Pinterest remark from you! Glad your feeling a little better!

podso said...

The Stew looks good, as does your candles. It's a nice idea to visit nearby towns, we do that and feel like we've been on a little trip. Hope your next surgery goes well too ...

Unknown said...

Glad your hand is healing well. I know it's the pitts not being able to do a lot.

Your son's home looks beautiful. He did a great job!

Hope you continue to do well and good luck with your next surgery.

It's me said...

Hi Jane....how are you....?...lovely shop you show today...love from me enjoy the week...x!

Traci said...

That little town looks so pretty! We had a Bravo in Baton Rouge for several years & it closed last year. I'd been a few times & it was always good. Your hand looks painful! Dean made a delicious beef stew the other night! Crackpot made me laugh!!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Hi lady,

Not sure why but yet again another case of losing your blog on my reading roster - this has to be about a dozen or so and counting. SO I am so far behind missing your posts, so sorry.

I am REALLY sad to learn about your surgery - ouch ouch ouch. I will keep you in my prayers. Do all your PT, you will be in bad shape if you don't, and I know it hurts. ♥

Fast healing for you, God bless!

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh that looks painful, very painful, your jars look great and I don't blame your son for wanting them,lol, it must be very hard for you right now, you need lots of TLC, your cooking ingenuity is doing you justice, very yummy!!

Melanie said...

Glad you made it to Evanston...there's a lot of independent stores on Dempster and Main streets - more away from the downtown area. Though Davis St has quite a few independent shops, too. I scope out restaurants by looking at Yelp reviews. ;-)Oh my goodness, your hand looks awful. You had that done with just local numbing?! My right wrist/hand is in a splint right now. No official diagnosis yet, but probably tendonitis in the wrist. Online recipes...do you have a laptop or a tablet? Just bring either into the kitchen with you; no need to print the recipe out. Take care, hope your hand is feeling better.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I love to visit little towns like that. Sounds like you had a good time. Your hand looks like it hurts! I know you'll be so glad when all the surgeries are over with. I had to laugh when you said Jeff will be pinning craft ideas! Lol! Tulo looks adorable, as always. :)

Gina said...

Looks like you had a nice time visiting Evanston. I love visiting places like that...always quaint with the best little shops & eateries.

Your mason jar candles turned out wonderfully!

waleedgazdar said...
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Kit said...

Your hand is looking good! I just love those candle jars. I am definitely going to make some. You keep healing and doing your stretches. :) Kit

Doreen@househoneys said...

If I lived nearby, I'd make sure you had a home cooked meal every day!

Sounds like your son is a chip off the ol block Jane ;).

Keep doing what you're doing and in a few weeks you'll be back to your old self.

Bluebird49 said...

Hey Jane--I'm still in the process of writing back to you---been in a "fibro-fog" this past week, besides, there was a lot to think about, as I wrote!!
This post, was aptly titled, Sweetpea! I loved all of it--but, well, I love new craft ideas--and those pretty Mason jars with the leaves are going to be on my mind until I do one or two. They could be made for all seasons (and holidays) with different shapes and colors of tissue paper inside of the jars. Battery run tea lights flickering inside would work, too.
I love your grand-dogs, and your soup was really beautiful. You've really done so well without your stove, (your grill this summer, and now the crockpot and your electric skillet!) Why even get a stove! (Well, the holidays are approaching, for one thing!) I am not sure we've ever eaten out enough for me to get tired of it..but I'm willing to try it---and my hubby would not be, I'm sure.
I know your poor wrist is sore, and how on earth did you cut up all those veggies for the beautiful soup? It's amazing how much you are getting done with your hand all bruised and stitched up!! I don't get all that done with mine in it's ordinary form--well, there's the annoying arthritis, but that's not going anywhere. A little while longer and both your hands will both feel fine--that's my hope for you,kiddo.
And, an e-mail will pop up in a day or two--even if it's just a short one. ;)

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

i had to laugh at Jeff wanting your craft jars...as I recall him being the picky one about this or that decor / color, etc stuff in the past! :)

So clearly they were a winner ! :)

Ouch your hand does look sore!

Kathleen Grace said...

Yow! Your hand looks painful, hope it heals quickly, and before your next surgery so at least one hand can feel good! The crockpot chicken and tomatoes looks really good, I am so ready for hot dishes and comfort food. The jars with leaves would look so adorable lining a long table outside in the fall for dinner :>)

Low Tide High Style said...

You're a trooper to be doing so much with your hand looking so painful! Those candleholders are beautiful, and I know your son will enjoy them. Glad you are able to cook a little, but I hope you get that stove soon. Be sure to take it easy and enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and let that hand heal.

xo Kat

Debbie said...

The meals you are putting together sound good to me. I'm glad you are out and about, and able to enjoy the fresh Fall air.
The candle project turned out cute. No wonder your son scooped them right up!
It's been rainy here, too. Good time to get some shopping done.
Enjoy the weekend.
Debbie
xoxo

Maggie said...

Great to catch up with life in Blondie's world at last, our internet connection has been very hit & miss recently.
Glad to see the cast is off at last.
Wishing you beautiful fall weather this weekend.
Hugs
Maggie

Maggie said...
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Unknown said...
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Debby said...

I don't know why I am missing so many blogs lately.
So glad you got to enjoy the beautiful weather, chilly, but beautiful.
They did a number on your hand. My incisions were half that size and no cast. I went to the doctor one day after surgery and they put on two small bandaids. But as I said before I still had issues before the next surgery. Maybe the cast has helped you not to move your hand. But at the same time that may be why it is hurting.
Love the water color of your porch. Your son's dog is so cute.
My daughter used to say I had clutter. Now she has the clutter. My house is almost clutter free because it is on the market. I could use a little clutter, hah.
Feel better.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Reading all the words and DROOLING over all the food, but my goodness, how do you function with one hand. Trying it with one foot is tough enough, but ONE HAND? And another surgery to come. I am so sorry dear Jane.

I have been out of blogdom loop for awhile, but as you saw I shared lots of photos and words. Maybe too many!

Loved hearing from you. Now heal quickly! And then heal quickly again!

Love,
Sharon

xinex said...

I hope you hand does not hurt like it looks, Janie. What a nice compliment of your son Jeff asking for the jars you made! Visiting nearby towns is so much fun. That one looks very quaint....Christine

Elaine said...

I am so sorry I have not been checking in on you. Glad to know you are recuperating nicely.

Great idea to take small trips to surrounding towns. I love to drive no more than an hour away and discover some secret gems in the area.

TexWisGirl said...

hooray for cast off! really cute candle jars!

Leslie said...

Your candles are so pretty! ..very festive:) So sorry to hear about your hand ~ ouch! Glad you are enjoying your weekend and were able to make a trip to visit this adorable town.

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, bless your heart - your hand looks painful. Hopefully it will heal fast for you. Your candles jars are so cute and you just never know what those boys will want! ;) I enjoyed my little town tour too! You take care of yourself and I really do appreciate you commenting on my blog - I hope your dainty fingers didn't hurt too much.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Unknown said...

nice candles...
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