Sad attempt at making a skirt

I recently got a sewing machine. Not wanting it to go into disuse, I decided to try my hand at making a skirt (and perhaps later a handbag, a dress and a shirt ...). The possibilities were endless!

That is until it took me about 45 minutes to understand what the "Simplicity" instructions actually wanted me to do. One would assume that a college graduate with a 3.7 GPA could easily glean how to assemble some fabric. But, one would be incorrect in the assumption.

Once I figured out exactly how I should cut out my fabric -- it took two trips to Wal-Mart after an accidental snip -- I then had to assemble the pieces and figure out exactly how they wanted me to "bunch" the fabric. Literally had three dotted lines on the picture with no description. I did one dotted line and did my best.

I then proceeded to impede perfection by thinking "Well why would they want me to do that?" and then after a few pieces were attached saying "Well why the heck didn't I follow that direction?"

Above is the final product. Yes, that bow is hiding the horrible job I did on the zipper (one of those moments where I failed to comprehend why they wanted something done a certain way and I didn't think it make a difference until I tried to attach the zipper).

I guess my good, liberal arts education, which includes a minor in anthropology, could never prepare me for all things in life.

Though this post may seem like I'm being hard on myself and sound like I'm giving up, no worries. I'm not. I plan to make more horrible creations (hopefully without a bow to cover up the oopsies).

Get ready to receive your next birthday/holiday present! j/k

In the garden ...

No, you read right. In the garden.

Yes, I am aware that it is still winter -- but don't worry, I haven't totally lost my marbles. I am just getting a head start.

In the raised vegetable bed, I started spinach, onions and shallots. The collards, carrots and kale still are producing from the fall planting. However, my broccoli is kaput and my leafy greans are more like woody greens.

Already, we have some great growth on the spinach and either the onions or the shallots (that'll teach me not to put them next to each other and not mark which is which).

Today, I planted about 10 strawberry plants, 1 blueberry bush, 1 rasberry bush, and 1 blackberry bush. I also replanted about 10 tulips (they were in the containers that I needed for the berry bushes). The tulips are now home in one of the flower beds in the backyard.

I also planted 2 inside house plants. Very busy day.

One Way was underway, but they were pulled into Wilmington. I was able to drive down this morning to pick him up so he could spend the night at home. We ate at a great little restaurant called the Pink Pig Cafe in honor of Aiden's birthday -- and to appease to our appetite. We highly recommend as it is easy on the wallet, extremely clean, fabulous staff and delicious food.

Hopefully I will get Buttercup out to the National Forest tomorrow and I'll have some nice pictures to add to the blog. One Way and I have a picture of us under the sign for the Pink Pig Cafe, so I will try to post that later.

Happy Birthday Aiden!

Aunt Piggy and Uncle Henry/Ryan love you very much!!!

Family matters

Please visit http://hanahanhealth.blogspot.com .

On that same note, I'd like to post a prayer here. I think it is fitting for the situation.

May the One who blessed our ancestors, Sarah and Abraham, Rebecca and Isaac, Leah, Rachel and Jacob bless Tom Hanahan along with all of the ill among us. Grant insight to those who bring healing, courage and faith to those who are sick, love and strength to us and to all who love them. G-d, let your spirit rest upon all who are ill and comfort them. May they and we soon know a time of complete healing, a healing of the body and a healing of the spirit and let us say: Amen.

One Way wins!!!

Today One Way won the inaugural Tee Off for Charity and Chocolate Tournament for the Carolina Chocolate Festival.

He and his Coastie buddies had the low, low cumulative par of 65.

Here is the Chocolate Festival's Web site: www.carolinachocolatefestival.com

Time to celebrate with chocolate martinis!