Homeownership

If I didn't feel like a homeowner before, NOW I do. Yup, it's official... I received my first TAX BILL in the mail. Since taxes are pro-rated on the HUD, my first concern was whether I set aside enough to pay the first installment. I got out the worksheet they gave me at closing and figured out the difference between the pro-rated amount and the actual amount. Only $9 difference. *Whew* What's the big deal, you ask? I was lucky in that my mortage program doesn't MAKE me include escrowed taxes or insurance with my monthly payment. Why should they use my money when I can set it aside and earn interest on it myself? So each pay period, I set aside costs associated with taxes, homeowners insurance, and car insurance. That money is *never* touched until it comes time to pay one of those bills. Yay for me that I have been setting aside the correct amount. :)

I've finished the flower bed on the north side of the house on Wed. A coworker gave me a huge hosta plant that I was able to split in two. I probably could've split it into fourths, but I figure I'll leave that traumatization for next year. I also added the sedum that I brought from my last place. I'm really happy that at least ONE bed is finished and looks nice.

Before
After

Here's the garden in the backyard where lava rock was used as mulch, under which is a nice network of grass roots due to neglect. Notice the lovely brick border? This was created by one of the previous owners. I'm guessing two owners back because the one before me didn't strike me as the type to do yard work (obviously).


I planted iris and tulips in there temporarily. The camera decor is mine, too. Had to spruce it up a little!

SBQ - Whatever Possessed Me

Do you ever get to a point working on a project that you've had for so long, you start to wonder what possessed you to start it in the first place?


LOL, Yes. I've wondered that when I look at my two really old UFO's that were started in the early 90's. At the time, it seemed like a good idea and being new to the craft I was excited about them. Now, they're just projects I'm determined to get done. Of course, they're BAPs!

Mime was a gift from my oldest brother. I don't even know if he remembers giving it to me. I found it a year or so ago while going through my stash.

Treasured Memories Quilt Afghan was started as a gift for a family member and is really an easy stitch, but it gets boring doing the same color in huge blocks.

Mime and Treasured Memories Quilt Afghan

Third Time's The Charm!

Ever try to drill into brick without a hammer drill? I'm here to say that an itty bitty 9v cordless drill won't do the trick. Even with a 3/8" electric drill, it's not an easy job! What am I blabbering on about?

This is what the window wells looked like when I moved in last fall:


One had two layers of covers on it, the rest had three layers. Whatever happened to taking off the bad and replacing it? In this case, whoever did them just slapped the new ones over the old ones using caulk to hold it in place. Don'tcha just love the roofing material covering one? Hmpf!

After three different tries at getting these on, I've had success! Yay!! Here's what one looks like.


I mulched around the bushes, too. Not sure if it looks good, though. Opinions?

Summer Motif I

I received the round robin for Zarina in Malaysia this week. I started in on Friday night and finished it today. Summer Motif I is part of the Seasonal Motif II series by Brittercup Designs. Zarina chose an 18ct light tan aida and even included varigated floss to choose from in stitching the designs. It took me 8.5 hours to stitch. Here's what my portion looks like:


Here's what the entire piece looks like after Zarina, Rita in AZ, and I stitched our parts:

Marvelous Monday Update 4/26/08

School
Happy Dancin' here! My final grade in Business Law II was a "B". It was a *really* tough class for me. I am so relieved it's over and that I got a "B". Yay!

I also found out last week that my summer Investements class has been cancelled due to low enrollment. It's OK, though... it means I can get more stuff done around the house.


Stitchy Stuff
MY LNS called to say she had the last two double flip LK designs in... Encourage/Laugh and Create/Live. What was I saying about a stash diet? In my defense, those were ordered before the self-imposed diet.

I had a finish this week! Peace on Earth by Linda Stolz was a fun piece to stitch. It was a kit given to me by Shelleen. POE was stitched on 10ct gray aida with all specialty threads: two different mini suedes, fuzzy stuff, fyre works, perle cotton and over-dyed threads, plus included Mill Hill embellishments. It only took 6 hours to stitch up... pretty quick stitch.




Weather
Severe thunderstorms ripped through my area last night. For about 5 hours, there was loud thunder and lighnting and heavy rains and wind. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep!


Freebie
Here's a cute bookmark freebie.





Penguins
by Charles Craft