Until further notice.........

well it finally has happened.

I've decided to only write in one of my 6 blogs for the time being.

I tend to put way too many balls in the air and then yes.....the result is the inability to keep any in the air. So for all of you who may not know the blog I'll be using it is.....Olde Baggs n Stuft Shirts.

Hope you'll come by and visit the Cuckoos there. Oma Linda

What is a friend????

Someone who knows you well, relates to you, understands you and accepts who you are, just the way you are.

Someone who when you are in distress doesn't push for details but is willing to listen when you are ready to share.

Someone who asks you for something and you don't even hesitate but just do it because you know they wouldn't be asking if it were not important.

Someone you know is there for you.

this photo is titled 4 Queens and a Jack

I have in my life had lots of acquaintances and a few friends. None more than here in the blogosphere. I believe that is because we are more likely to read between the lines of blogs and after awhile you just know who someone is. The essence of the heart. The dirt under the fingernails. The passion of the soul.

If I had been asked who I was 5 years ago, I would have said a woman who was independent, crusty, directed and had no ties other than Sweet Man. And I didn't have many friends with whom I shared my life. If I wanted to can jam for days on end, I would. If I had a hankering to go to wherever, I went. If I wanted to sew for a month and never clean up the mess, I did. I was a bit of a hermit....not that that has changed all that much. I still like my own company better than most. But I am directed differently now.

Lots of situations have changed in the past 5 years. I started blogging, my daughter and grands moved in with us, I have reacquainted myself with life and living and I have many friends. All of these things have put me in a much better place mentally, physically, emotionally and most especially spiritually. It is hard to be selfish when you care about other people. It makes you bend, readjust, position and yield to what is shared.

There may be times when I sound like I am longing to be alone....and that is the case someties. But there are many more times when I know I have it good, just the way things are. Filled with love, laughter and others to care for, my life is full. I am blessed and today I needed to say so.

So to all of you who are my friends, thank you. For those who I don't know well yet......I think of you as "friends in waiting". For those that share my heart, I love you and owe you my fidelity and gratitude.

What shoes should I wear?? byline Hellen Heels

I've just been given the juiciest of all assignments. Queen Mabs great granddaughter Teriatania is getting married under the half moon and I have been invited to be a guest journalist. I am so excited. Cameras, of course, are not allowed but, I will sketch the ceremony as best as I can for next week's column.

So of course I got a pedicure with a flair and I've gone shoe shopping to find just the right pair to wear. I will be wearing a simple blue lace dress with a spot of red in the trim. Very summery and I hope the right choice. I'm to meet the faery that will transport me in the garden at a quarter to midnight on the night of the half moon. That gives me just a short amount of time to get ready.

Ms. Baggs has given me such a lovely opportunity at the Gazette and I am hoping that you will be of help as well. I have taken a photo of each of the shoes and ask that you tell me which pair you would chose for such a royal and important gathering?

Dress up is fun at any age, right ladies?

blue sparkles?

demur black princess heels?

charmed gold wrap heels?

flowered red sizzling red?

zipper back, silver strap heels

just kidding, but I thought these were to die for.

I'll be waiting for your choice. Thank you so much for your help.

Hellen Heels, your fashion reporter at YOCG.

Observation of an Olde Broad......no not Ms. Baggs

ME.

Long, long ago, when I was much, much younger, I would, on a whim, move furniture, clean a room from top to bottom, rearrange the furniture, pictures etc. I know that many of you used to, or now do the same thing. I found it very therapeutic to feather my nest in a different way.

That's what we, two peas and the carrot, Shelley, me and Sweet Man have been doing for two days now. I used to do it myself in one but back then I didn't just get in the way like I do now. I'm only good for fetch and tote....to be truthful fetch has got my hip and tote took my knees.

The living room just wasn't working the old configuration and besides it's about time that Sweet Man doesn't have to look to one side or the other to see the TV but straight on. I won't let him have the only chair because I can get in and out of it without too much difficulty. The couch is another song and dance.

So here's my observation: if you are over 60, leave your furniture where it is, (or pay someone to help) it isn't worth maiming yourself over. If you are under 40 move it while you still can and enjoy the view. If you are in between, surely to goodness you have more interesting and entertaining things to do than move your million pound TV and lardy leather furniture just so the love of your life can not have a neck ache. I fear the aches that he will have tomorrow will be a whole lot more painful. But in the long run.....well let's just hope he appreciates this as much as I appreciate having a new look to the living room.

Words to moan by.

Gnomes Beautiful presents: Potterish wands tutorial by The Angry Gnome's friends

 

“AAAAAHHHHHH, Yawnnnnnnn, I could have sworn it was bedtime. For some reason, I have been told I am hosting the Wand-Making Tutorial by The Angry Gnome’s Worker Gnomes. I’d better begin before I finish all my tea...”

 “Ichabob and Sam are showing you the various materials you can use as the base of your Harry Potter style Magic Wand. The least expensive thing, great for making large amounts of wands for parties or, ahem, Sleep-overs, is a plain piece of 8 1/2 X 11 inch paper. You need to roll up your paper into a long, slender cone, thin on one end and fat on the other. Tape the edge down and you are good to go. You can also use a wood dowel (Sanded on one end to a point) and the other end stuck into a larger piece of dowel. The Gnomes drilled a hole in the larger piece (The handle) and wood glued the end of the shorter dowel into the hole. You can also use an old paint brush or an old baton. If you use the paint brush, simply remove the bristles..no need to remove the metal end...it will be covered anyway. Just remember, whatever you use, to make one end pointy and the other end is your “Handle”.

“Trinculo is now going to plug in the hot glue gun. BE Careful!!!  It’s always a good idea to have a bowl of ice water ready in case of Burns. You will NOT be Sleepy if you burn yourself! What you will do next is completely cover your wand with hot glue. Take your time and do a bit at a time. Go up and down sections of the wand. Let that dry until the entire wand is done, then go round and round the wand. You can use a wood skewer or metal knitting needle to “Play” with the glue, once it’s not real hot but not yet set. The little thin webs add lots of personality! After Trinculo applied the hot glue, he would turn his wand around and around while it dried...or you can allow the glue to drip...however you like, It’s YOUR wand.

This is also the time to add on any trinkets or jewels.

“Now here’s Martin... showing you the paper wand all covered with dried hot glue...a few trinkets added and ready to paint.”

 “Flibbet has rushed in and grabbed the wand from Martin. Flibbet loves to paint, and he’s starting now. He is using Acrylic Burnt Umber as the base coat.”

“Horlicks the Gnome likes the shiny metallic paints. Once the Burnt Umber is dry, Horlicks will add some Worn Penny and Splendid Gold. Just a bit here and there to give it a Magical Look! That reminds me, ‘Horlicks’ is the best drink to make a Gnome Sleep like a baby...” .

Horlicks is showing off the finished wood dowel wand, complete with a small clay Crow. This wand is going to be for a splendid young man who lives in NM and has the BEST Gnoma in the world!!!!

“Whew....that’s about all I can stand! Thank goodness the wands are done, and my bed is calling! The top wand I’m holding is the wood one, the bottom wand is paper. Honestly, the paper wand is dandy and very strong, considering it’s just paper, glue, and paint. AAAHHHHHHH...Yawn...try it yourself...these wands are great fun! The Magic is YOUR responsibility!  Goodnight and till next Friday..........ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.........”

Keep in mind, no dwarfs were harmed in the making of this Potterish Wand Tutorial by April my dotty, rotty lovin' friend. Gnomes Beautiful, byline....Henry Rott/April Adorable

Wearable Wednesday Aug. 7...Hellen Heels reports on.Fae World Fashion Week

The air was electric as the models glided over the runway at the FaeWorld Fashion Week. There were three designers showing this week, Gustavo Bellini, a familiar face at the show with what this reporter would say is the old school approach, Miss Lavender Lockes, a rather newish addition to the role call of designers who this year hit a no rather than a go with her "borrowed looks" and a new comer to the fashion stage and the focus of this report....KAB. Now this designer has a flair with color, pattern and she is a very outside the box thinker.

This reporter was unable to get any full length pictures of the designs from The Winterberry Fairy collection but I was allowed to use the designers head shots of the models in their gorgeous creations. I do want to thank Karen Anne Brady for her lovely contribution to this reporters first ever fashion column here at Ye Olde Crones Gazette.

First we have: Hummingbird Protectoress. I love how the KAB has used coronet, flowers, feathers and color to bring out the detail of the piece. I only wish you could have seen the amazing detail on the long line of the dress which ended in a train that matched the stunning head piece. And the shoes, the most gorgeous shade of hummingbird blue I have ever seen. Envy reigns over this piece of art.

Next above the runway was: Bunny Love. This brightly woven and beflowered head piece had a Native American design element as did the short squaw dress and moccasins beaded with pearls and semi precious stones. Loved it.

The next to follow was: Mystic. Like all the Winterberry Fairy collection this head piece was stunning. This time KAB used Grecian flair with lots of swirls and an off the shoulder long dress with a bit of a puddle train. The shoes were demur flats with just a touch of sparkle. Perfection.

Next above the runway was: Cleopatra. This design has been done by other designers but never with the flair and panache that KAB accomplished with the total diva look of this outfit. From the woven and plumed head piece to the pleated gown and on to the turned up toe golden shoes, this design rocked the runway.

The next design was: She Who Loves Yellow Flowers. This all over color scheme has such power and punch. From the lovely yellow roses to the yellow on yellow effect of the zentangled gown to the yellow spiked heels with tiny yellow roses painted up the heels this modern edgy piece is a winner.

And our last and this reporter's favorite look: Rainbow Guardian. This design is like a party. The head piece is so enchanting and extends almost to the models waist. The flapper style dress itself is so much like the headdress it is hard to tell where one ends or begins. And the shoes are a flame red wedgies and match the color of the design exactly. There are hearts in the heels, very similar to the stars in my own fave pair of heels.

The fashion week spirit and fun was more than this reporter could have dreamed of for a first assignment. KAB was a doll to work with and I am so happy that I was able to show you her work. If you are interested in any of her art pieces please go by Ireland Brady and tell her that Helen Heels sent you.

Until next week, keep your chic showing. Tah.

Clean up your mess......by The Olde Crone, Ms. Baggs

The laundry has never been one of my most favorite jobs. Luckily, I pretty much wear the same outfit every day so it has never been really difficult for me to wash out my day clothes when I put on my night clothes, but when you're made a wood it really doesn't matter does it?

Anyway, the family here at the Cuckoos Nest has for a months worth of laundry spent:
$18.00 for the laundry soap
$  6.00 for the dryer sheets
$  2.50 for the bleach
$  4.00 for stain remover
$30.50/month for a family of 5 to just wash the clothes.

So upon my suggestion, by doing it the "new" old fashioned way,
$5.00 for the 5 gallon container to mix the ingredients (a one time expense)
$1.00 for Fels Naptha bar of soap
$3.00 for Borax (but you only use 1/5 or 1 cup of the box) = .60
$3.00 for Washing Soda (not baking soda) (but you only use 1/5 or 1 cup of the box) = .60
    .00 for 4 1/2 gallons of water
$14.00 for the initial start up and that makes 5 gallons of laundry detergent = between 32-48 loads of laundry per gallon bottle (we have saved bottles vinegar, tea gallons etc)
That means 240 loads of laundry......about 3 months worth or longer, at less than $5 for the detergent.

So there ya go.
The recipe is for a regular liquid detergent.

Here's the recipe:
8-12 cups of water
1 Bar of Fel Naptha soap (or Ivory or any other brand you would like)
1 cup of Arm and Hammer washing soda
1 cup of 20 mule team Borax
4.5 gallons of water

put finely grated soap into large saucepan with 8-12 cups of water.
heat on med high until dissolve but do not boil the mixture.
add 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of Borax and mix well.
make sure all ingredients are dissolved well.
put 2 gallons of hot water into bucket, then add soap mixture.
stir to combine well.
add remaining 2 gallons and stir to mix well.
allow this mixture to cool overnight as it will thicken.
pour into 5 one gallon jugs. if you spill some on the floor, oh well....it also makes a great general cleaner too. (we had a paint stirring attachment for the drill and use that the next day to whip our soap before jugging it. A lot of fun)

The only warning I have is please do stick to the order in which the ingredients are added. It is after all a chemical recipe. We had the unfortunate first experience of adding things rather willy nilly and the ingredients separated badly. You will need to shake the contents of the bottles before you use them or you might have glumps (that's the technical term) come out of the bottle rather quickly.
You need only use 1/2 to 1 cup of water. We have actually found that we only use less than 1/2 on a medium load.

Next Monday I will have the recipe for our favorite Fabric Softener and Homemade Bleach and Stain removers.

Actually we used to take our clothing down to the river bank and beat them on rocks to get the dirt out, but this "new" old laundry detergent is so much better than the store bought and actually in combination with our fabric softener leaves the clothes with no residue. The towels are fluffier and the whole of the wash is cleaner with no soap odor. Just CLEAN.

Here comes the weekend update...........

I feel like I'm on Saturday night live with that intro.

I was thrilled to read Ms. April from The Angry Gnomes article on our column called Better Gnomials and Environments. April has such a wonderful imagination and I just love all her "toys" and goodies. Keep in mind that all the those environs are constructed and decorations gathered by the dotty (red and white polka dots rule), rotty (Rottweiler that is) lovin' April to make the stories that much more interesting.... I am looking forward to next week.

Ms. Baggs will begin her, "Clean up your mess" series on Monday. You may want to check back in because to hear her talk about it, the new old way of cleaning is sweeping the country.

As to the Cuckoos. We are doing as best as we can in the grieving department. I am in awe of and so proud of my family and how good we really can be to each other. It makes me very happy to see us pull together. When we got the call from the vet, Sweet Man came home and comforted GK and Ry like no one else could. In years to come, the grands most certainly will remember this. They have a memorial planned next week for our Ms. Cybella.

And some good news.....for a change of mood. Ry (FINALLY) is going to the Autism specialty school. Mr. Sisneros the head of special ed at the new school called and said that Ry is in. This is the same location where he went to summer program for the past two years so not only is he familiar with the buildings but also some his "buds" from this year are there as well. So it is settled and he begins school Tuesday. He is a happy little bird, no more having to make eye contact in order to be correct, no more holding him back because he processes differently. And as he says no more of the kids who made him eat dirt on the playground. And yes, my lovelies, we did complain and complain and call attention to and yet...no help or intervention. We never wanted special handling, only what was right.

Odd thing...his old school, who were supposed to do all of this transfer of information etc still has not even gotten in touch with Mr. Sisneros. If it were not for the tenacity and pure unadulterated drive that Shelley has, none of this would have happened. I know I brag on my own way too much but Shelley is quite a pain in the ass and I am so proud of that. Nut....not far from tree. She didn't take no for an answer, she didn't just let it slide by and leave it to someone else to take care of, she stood her ground, asked for what RyLeigh deserves and made it happen. Halledamlujah, amen. RyLeigh is a very fortunate little boy to have a Momma who is willing to do anything, and I do mean anything to make sure he gets what's rightfully his. It took her awhile because of the stupidity and lack of motivation to do the right thing by APS but she did her end run and finished the race sans any assistance from the powers that be.

The monsoon rages on and the swamp cooler doesn't work in humidity so there ya go. If it were not for fans we would be more drippy than we are. But it's good that the rain is here. After 3-5 years (depending on whose telling you) of drought, the whole countryside is awakening. Going past the Rio Grande river every day for a week, the level increased daily and it's the first time in years that on some days there were no sand bars in the middle of the river. It was just lovely life renewing water.

Hope your weekend is sparkling and that you get a moment to look up into the sky and see the beginning of the meteor showers of August.

Oma Linda

“Hello readers of ‘Ye Olde Crone’s Gazette’...Isn’t this exciting! My name is Happy, this here’s Doc, and we’ve gathered all the other Dwarfs to start our first Report for Ms. Esmeralda Baggs, CEO!”

“For Crying Out Loud, Sleepy..WAKE UP!” yells Doc, “This is going to be a Photo OP!!!”

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Children, and Gnomes...I am actually standing inside the home of The Angry Gnome, himself. I arranged this Interview 6 months ago. And believe me, this will be a first. No one, No how, has ever been able to secure an Interview with The Angry Gnome...I am so thrilled.....Gee,  where to begin????”

“Well, as you can see, he is a Gnome of few words..but he does get his point across. I’ll have my Secretary call and schedule another Personal Interview...

This is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship, we’re sure! Please be sure to come back and read all the news...each Dwarf will take a turn, weekly, to bring you the latest. And you won’t want to miss Miss Helen Heels and her trend-setting fashions. Maybe we’ll even end up with spiffy Make-Overs! Ya’ll come back!” 

Don't miss next Fridays column from the newest reporters of Ye Olde Crone's Gazette......Dwarf's of Note