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Monday, February 20, 2017

A bit of news

First, have you ever seen a prettier pair of socks in your whole life? I haven't!
These socks were hand-knitted by Pam and came to me all the way from Wales. Wales! Seriously! Thank you Pam. I LOVE these socks! Pam blogs at "A new life in Wales".

These are the softest, most comfortable socks I've ever put on my feet! Now I shuffle around the house in my sock feet all the time, and wear holes in the heels of my socks. These socks are too nice for that and I probably should wear then only when my feet are going to be propped up on the coffee table...to be admired. I simply cannot wear holes in these socks!

by the way, which is correct, "hand-knit by Pam" or "hand-knitted by Pam"? I looked this up on the internet, but still don't know so went with what sounded right to me. 

and my second bit of news...two new followers, Donna Richards and Lady Jane. Thank you so much! Wow!


The plants in the teeny tiny greenhouse needed watering. Look what was blooming inside. Several pots of vinca and a couple of flowering quince. 


Last summer, the quince had limbs growing too long and reaching into the path, so I clipped them off and stuck a few pieces in pots. Had no idea these would take root and bloom this soon.

The little greenhouse looks terribly dirty and ugly right now and I don't know how to make it pretty again. Red dirt and dust, from the dirt road, has settled in the grooves in the panels and no amount of washing will make it clean again. 

Poppy says we might as well buy a new greenhouse and to try and replace the panels. 

and speaking of flowers...
the pink flowered apron is finished. The picture does not show the true pink color.


This would be my favorite apron, so far. I love the softness of the flowers and the soft pink and even the fabric is a soft cotton. My favorite!


and while we're in the sewing room...Poppy popped his head in the door and asked, what size table could you use in there? Look, he ordered the perfect 2' x 4' , easy to fold and slide under the bed. That huge 8' x 4' table was taking up the whole room! Why, I had to use mama's old picker-upper stick to reach over the bed to open and close the curtains. Men do come in handy, at times.

from soft pink to bright yellow...

I got smart and made this lemon meringue pie yesterday...


I always manage to take the pie out of the oven before it gets brown enough...but it was good.

Guess I should get busy. Poppy works on Mondays and Tuesdays, 6:00 am to 1:00 pm. That gives me time to mop the kitchen and vacuum real good, as mama used to say, oh, and time to blog a little!

Speaking of mama...she used to get so mad and ill as a hornet, trying to clean with my step-dad, Bill, in the house. They were older at the time and my step-dad spent most of the day sitting in his spot at the kitchen table. Mama, had her mop water and was bent over mopping the kitchen as hard as she could go when Bill asked, "you want me to move"?  "No! Mama snapped. If there is any dirt on the floor under your chair, I'm sure you will keep it covered up all day"!   It was best to stay out of mama's way when she was in cleaning mode.

Like mama, I'm fixing to get busy!

Love,
Henny










69 comments:

  1. Hi Henny - It's so nice to see flowers blooming. I am enjoying my violets and waiting for my potted tulips to bloom. Your mom sounded like me...Get out of my way when the cleaning bug hits. lol Your pie is a masterpiece. yum!

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    1. Hey Deb, I'm the same way when I get into cleaning. :)

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  2. I like that soft pink in the apron too! The green house flowers are so pretty. That does look like a handy table for your room. Anything you can fold up and store is great! Have a great day mopping!

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  3. I read Pam's blog too and saw the apron you sent her, so pretty. The quince is so pretty, must look for some. I know what you mean about a cleaning mode, when I get in one I don't want anyone or anything to slow me down. Now, I'll just take a slice of that lemon meringue pie!

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  4. Pam's socks are gorgeous! What a treasure.
    I have known Lady Jane for many years - she is a sweet blogger. I'll have to introduce myself to Donna. My quince we planted last year has buds on it. Thanks for sharing that I may can root the cuttings! Love the vinca too. That apron is so pretty and soft looking. OH! and the pie looks delicious; that was mama's favorite! I wait til John goes to the basement to try and clean floors. lol God bless your day.

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    1. I do love the socks. I want to look more at Lady Jane's blog. She sounds sweet. I don't know if Donna blogs. I haven't found her blog. I was surprised at how easy those cutting take root.

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  5. A friend is a sock-knitter; I only wish I were that accomplished!

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  6. I agree it is much harder to clean when the man of the house is home. Retirement is coming soon for my husband, so I'd better get use to it :) I tell him that once he retires we will have to split the chores around the house in half. That's only fair or I'll never be truly retired, right? Well, we'll see how that goes . . . sometimes it is easier to do something yourself than to wait on their timing, LOL.
    Your socks are gorgeous, I have never had a pair of hand-knitted socks, enjoy! Your apron is so pretty and as for the pie . . . well, "wish I was there" :)
    Have a lovely week, I hope that your weather stays warm and sunny.
    Connie :)

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    1. Hey Connie, I'm telling you, it does take some getting used to! Having Poppy home more does have it's advantages...we get more of the bigger jobs done outside and it sure is nice having him home when it's thundering. :)

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  7. Lovely socks! Such pretty colors!

    You have Vinca growing, in little pots. Now tell me, do you fear it, as in, it is very invasive and uncontrollable? This is what I read elsewhere. And that is why I ask. But if you are growing it, I doubt you do.....

    That apron is lovely!!!

    I have a problem with aprons, which tie behind the neck. Most do, of course. Wishing there was a pattern, which eliminated that issue. But, I am probably way in the minority. :-)

    Oh mercy, that pie!!! Yummmmmmmm!!!!!!! and it looks fine to me. But yes, it is difficult to not BURN the tips. Best to take it out before, than after burning!!!! ,-)

    Happy new week to you!!!!



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    1. Hey Luna Crone! I haven't had any problem with this type Vinca, but the smaller leaf Vinca is taking over a spot in my garden and I can't seem to get rid of it. It is a pain!Thank you for your comments. :)

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  8. Lovely to see all the flowers blooming in your greenhouse!
    I love handmade socks! They are so soft and comfy. Yours are such pretty colours.
    Your new apron is beautiful! I am amazed at all you bloggy ladies and your talent.
    Your pie looks absolutely delicious. Did it last long?
    Chuck right now is just working Tuesdays and Wednesdays so I too have time to get caught up on my cleaning and blogging.
    Have a good week.

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    1. Thank you! I've never owned handmade socks. I love them! It really is nice to have some time at home alone...to clean and get things done.

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  9. I always enjoy the stories about your mom. ;-)
    I am on a cleaning streak too. I want to get to our basement. I have a plan to move some items around and make myself a work area for my fresh cut flowers. The flowers stay cooler in the basement during our summer months. I need a better table to work on. The one I used last summer was an old card table that sat way to low. I hope to get started on this project this week.

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    1. Thank you Carla. The basement sounds perfect for your flower business. I used to dream of growing flower to sell. Hope your business keeps growing. Your flowers are beautiful!

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  10. I hand knit a lot of socks. If you treasure your new socks you will never wear them without shoes. No walking around the house in your sock feet! Hand knit socks are looser knit than commercial socks. Carpets and floors eat holes quickly eat holes in them. I pamper my socks because I knit love into every stitch. I also know how many stitches go into a pair of hand knit socks and how long it takes to knit a pair. I wear mine only with shoes. Because they're wool (I'm assuming) you can wear them more than one time before washing. Just be sure you air dry them good between washings. I usually wear mine two or three times between washings. I never wash hand knit socks in the washing machine, and NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put them in the dryer. I use Eucalan but a drop or two of Dawn dishwashing liquid works too. I soak them a few minutes in the bathroom sink in lukewarm to cool water, squeeze them out good, pat them to shape on the bathroom counter and throw them over the shower rod or a towel rack, and presto, they're as beautiful as ever the next time you want to wear them. There's nothing better than hand knit socks! I wear a size 13 shoe and have very narrow feet. My socks are custom knit to fit me. I spent a lifetime of ingrown toenails before I began knitting my own socks. You have a very nice friend in Wales.

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    1. Linda, thank you so much for all this good information. I had no idea how to care for these special socks. These are the most comfortable socks. It scares me to think that I might have ruined them the first time I washed them. Thank you!

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  11. They are indeed beautiful socks, she is one talented knitter. I love the soft hues of the pink apron, stunning. The plant cuttings are certainly coming along nicely.

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    1. Oh, thank you! You always leave the nicest comment.

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  12. Your socks are gorgeous, your pie looks delicious!
    And I love your flowers. Have a blessed day!

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    1. Well, thank you very much! You have a blessed day too, Linda.

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  13. The new apron is lush, a word used a lot in Wales, it means beautiful and luscious. I have a flowering quince that is trying to take over, now I know that cutting will root I will be trying some. I set my tomato and chilli seeds today and have some more to get into trays of compost tomorrow. I have split up some parsley and potted that on, I love starting the gardening year.

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    1. Oh Pam, everyone loves my new socks, including me! You should try rooting the quince. It's amazing how easily it rooted. How exciting that you got some seeds started. I was tempted to buy seeds at the feed and seed store yesterday.

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  14. What a fun visit this was...love popping in...it is almost like a real visit.

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    1. Thank you Rose. I will get back to visit you. :)

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  15. What a nice surprise in your greenhouse -- blooming flowers. And such a handy folding table. I just love hand knit socks and I always darn them until there is almost nothing left of the foot. Yours are almost too pretty to use.

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    1. Thank you Cynthia. I've never owned hand knit socks before. Seems like you showed how to darn socks once in a post?? I need to look back.

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  16. Your Mom must have been a hoot!! Mind you, once I get going on cleaning I prefer everyone out of the way too.
    I love the soft pastel pink apron. And your lovely socks!!

    Your lemon meringue pie makes me want some and since they don't seem to "just appear by magic" I guess I'll have to make my own.
    You have often said you don't have a green thumb but seeing the flowers in your greenhouse tells me otherwise. Have a great week.

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    1. Hey Granny Marigold! You know, I thought about you while I was making that pie. I rarely make anything (baking) that turns out right and your are such a great baker! So, I took a picture of the pie, with the "store bought pie crust". :)

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  17. I absolutely love the bright pretty socks too!! Lucky you! And that PIE??----OH MY--- the meringue is perfect--the old fashioned way, not many people do that anymore. I love pies like that. My grandmas used to do that. I do once in a great while! LOL HOpe you had a real nice weekend. We were busy at the Wildlife Expo enjoying all the animals and the bluegrass music and the hot sunny day, almost 80 degrees! And we got to meet Jeff Corwin, that was so neat!

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    1. I have missed your last few posts but I'll be over to visit. Sounds like you had a great weekend! Anything with bluegrass music included is fun. Hope you posted about it.

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  18. I follow Pam's blog too and as soon as I saw that lovely apron I thought it must have been one of yours! I love the one you sent her and this new pink one as well. Both are so pretty! Those socks are beautiful! Pam is a talented person and so are you!

    That pie sure looks good Henny. I bet you and Poppy have enjoyed it!

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    1. Thank you Bonnie. It was funny seeing my apron on Pam's blog, way over in Wales. I like Pam a lot. She is very talented!! Yes, we are enjoying the pie. I should have my head examined...I lose ten pounds and then gain it back!!!

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  19. Nice to have some blooms this time of year so pretty ! Oh Papa and I will be right over for some home made lemon meringue pie looks perfect YUMMY ! How wonderful to receive those socks they look cozy . It has been warm and sunny here to a taste of spring and I like it just hope it stays . Thanks for sharing and congrats on the new followers . Have a good day !

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    1. Hey Country Gal! Wish you all could come over for a piece of pie...and bring Miggs too. :) Thank you!

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  20. Oh Henny...that apron is so so pretty! Another of your beautiful creations!

    And that lemon meringue is beautiful! Did it make up for the peanut brittle that didn't turn out? If I were Poppy I think I'd be sure to tell you it did. :-)

    I loved hearing the story about your mama when she was in the cleaning mode!

    Hugs to you, my friend,
    Dianna

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    1. Hey Dianna, Well the pie did turn out okay and it sort of did make up for that awful batch of peanut brittle. :) Thank you!

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  21. I like old Bill's question. It's pretty innocent.

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  22. Don't know which I liked better in your post...the lovely looking pie or the story of Mama. Enjoyed this time with you today as always.

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  23. If I were your dress form, I might throw a little fit when you tried to take away the beautiful pink-flowered apron! It surely does dress up your sewing room!

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  24. Those socks are really beautiful! I can't believe they are hand knit. I agree that you will need to treat them well. :) I tend to run around in stocking feet, wearing holes in my socks too, but I don't have any socks that pretty! Your apron is also pretty and the pie is making my hungry!

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    1. Thank you Mari. I wear socks all the time around the house and wear the out fast! I'll have to take care of these special socks.

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  25. That is a pretty apron and I love the socks!! I would be afraid to wear them very much. Nice of your hubby to get you that smaller table! Nancy

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    1. Thank you Nancy. It was nice of him to think of me like that. But you get flowers! :)

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  26. Oh Henny, what an absolutely beautiful lemon meringue pie you made. I wish that I lived right next door to you! And I love your pink apron too...such lovely soft colors! Also love your new socks from Wales...what a sweet gift. Thanks for the always awesome blog! Love it!

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    1. Hey, I wish you were next door too! :) Thank you Dianna, way up north! You always leave the nicest comment.

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  27. Oh yes, they are a beautiful pair of socks. I've tried my hand at knitting socks a few times but just can't seem to get the hang of it. That pie sure looks good, it is my favorite.
    How thoughtful of Poppy to get the table for you. : )
    Our natural fence is also good for some of the critters around HT.

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    1. Thank you happyone! Oh, I would never be able to knit like that. I would be happy just to learn to crochet a little. It was nice of Poppy. :)

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  28. Oh, Henny, there is so much here, and it is all wonderful and lovely and fun!

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  29. Hi, Henny Penny, new follower here. I am blogger buddies with Mildred and Lady Jane. I'm happy to find your blog. We have a lot in common. I sew baby quilts, garden (a lot), go on cleaning and refurbishing rants and I love animals. Love the socks, the apron is really pretty and the doll is so cute. I love the outfit that you made for her! See you! Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Thank you Jean! I sure appreciate your friendship and can't wait to visit your blog. Sounds like we do have a lot in common. Today has been warm and sunny again and I worked outside. This weather is just beautiful, but I'm afraid spring got here too soon. Freezing weather now would kill everything. I will be over to visit.

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  30. I'm envious of your teeny tiny greenhouse....and I'm drooling over that pie! You are quite the baker, that looks like a professional baker made it!

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    1. Oh if you only knew. I rarely bake anything that turns out right...that's why I wanted a picture of the pie...a pie that turned out halfway right. :) Thank you!

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  31. Those are some pretty socks, I can only imagine their softness.
    Your flowers are really coming along nicely, your little greenhouse is worth its weight in gold.....
    Beautiful fabric on your latest apron, very soft looking and feminine.
    Wow, that pie looks scrumptious, one of my favorites, and you made the perfect meringue.
    Hugs,
    Jo

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  32. Oh my your Mama was a pistol! So funny! Your blooming flowers are beautiful! Sorry to hear about the dirty greenhouse groves...isn't there anything that would work to clean the grooves? That is a pretty apron, and I have several of those folding tables they work great! :)

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  33. Grandma and Bill were a mess. I miss them both so much. I want a little green house so bad. I love all the little things that you have on your farm. I want to get our farm ready for planting. Our collard patch finally has some beautiful collards. I will be freezing some tomorrow.

    Love you bunches

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  34. Your socks are very pretty and look like they would be so soft. How nice to have some flowers in bloom. We woke up to a bit of snow this morning. Your apron is very pretty and I like your sewing room. You have made good use of your space. I use a couple of those plastic tables myself in my sewing room. And after visiting your garden and sewing you still have time to bake a pie! I am impressed. The pie looks delicious.

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  35. What colourful socks and flowers! All so pretty! I have a similar greenhouse and have to scrub it each year. Well actually I use the pressure washer on it. It's a pain in the you know what! I'd love to replace the roof with something else.

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  36. Mama, your greenhouse is so sweet! That makes me want another little greenhouse. And those socks! Oh my! They are lovely indeed. I can't wait to seem them. I love you, Mama! ~your oldest girl

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  37. Those socks are wonderful!!! I have never attempted to knit socks as they look to be a pain to make. I love that apron. Where did you get the pattern? And that lovely bonnet next to it is pretty cool. Thank you for following my blog and I will be back to view your interesting posts. Oh, my mom was a bit like yours lol... She had this cleaning mode and you better of stayed out of her way. Hugs, LJ

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