About Me

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MS Gulf Coast, United States
I am a Christian wife, mother and grandmother. I love to sew and create new and innovative items to share with my customers. The most popular area of my store is my Walnut Grove section which features clothing reminiscent of "Little House on the Prairie". Please take a moment to visit my store and see my latest creations. www.pattisoriginals.etsy.com

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sunday Phunnies

In case you weren't feeling very old today, this will certainly change things:

Almost everyone who started college this fall was born in 1985.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

Soft drink bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

The CD was introduced 2 years before they were born.

They have always had an answering machine.

They have always had cable.

They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: "Where's the Beef?," "I'd walk a mile for a Camel," or "de plane Boss, de plane."

They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The New Apartment

We are finally settled in our new duplex.  Before I share photos of the sparseness I must remind you that we have been living in a hotel and out of suitcases for over 6 months.  That living situation has made us very grateful for this apartment even though it reflects the bare minimum we are trying to get by on.

So here goes, this is the entryway. 


The heating for this house is under the floor, so all the floors are heated, including the garage-our car really appreciates this as the temperature keeps dropping outside.

The living room is big and rather empty.  We use it for the music room, see Larry's guitar in the corner.


The living room also has a gas fireplace which is really nice.  It is temperature controlled to regulate the flame.


The dining room is VERY portable as you can see.


When we want to have a romantic dinner we just move the 'furniture' in front of the fireplace.

The kitchen has a bar which we use as our computer center.


The kitchen is complete with refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher.  Of course, since we only have 2 plates, 2 glasses, 2 cups, etc.  I don't have much use for the dishwasher.


On the other side of the apartment is the laundry room, bedrooms, and bath.

The laundry room is really nice.  It has a washer, dryer, sink and table top for folding clothes. 


It is large enough for ironing and to store the vaccuum and mop.


This is the hall closet and it is about 8 feet long with 3 shelves all the way across.  We use it as our library and dresser, at last our clothes are out of suitcases!!


The apartment has 2 bedrooms.  We leave one empty and only use the closet.


The other bedroom has our beds, and I use the term loosely.  These are camp cots and we use our sleeping bags for padding under the blankets.  They are certainly not as comfortable as a bed but not too bad so far.  Twin beds is not the best but they will travel much better than anything larger.


The main reason we decided to go with such portable furnishings is because of the duration of our stay in Superior.  It looks like we will be here for 3 months and then head back to North Dakota.  Everything we have bought can be easily packed and hopefully we will have enough room to bring it all with us.

Our next challenge will be finding an apartment in Minot, ND.  Sure hope there is more availability this year!








Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sunday Phunnies

Then ... and Now

1972: Long hair
Now: Longing for hair

1972: KEG
Now: EKG

1972: Acid rock
Now: Acid reflux

1972: Moving to California because it's cool
Now: Moving to California because it's warm

1972: Trying to look like Marlin Brando or Liz Taylor
Now: Trying NOT to look like Marlin Brando or Liz Taylor

1972: Hoping for a BMW
Now: Hoping for a BM

1972: The Grateful Dead
Now: Dr. Kevorkian

1972: Going to a new, hip joint
Now: Receiving a new hip joint

1972: Rolling Stones
Now: Kidney Stones

1972: Being called into the principal's office
Now: Calling the principal's office

1972: Screw the system
Now: Upgrade the system

1972: Disco
Now: Costco

1972: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
Now: Children begging you to get their heads shaved

1972: Passing the drivers' test
Now: Passing the vision test

1972: Whatever
Now: Depends

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Setting up a Household, Again

I remember when we first got married, over 40 year ago, and the things we had to 'make-do' with-cinder block bookcases, inflatable furniture, boxes for end tables.  I think we are heading back to that in Superior, WI.

I have not been able to find a furnished apartment and our stay here may only be for 3 months, so we don't want to buy a lot of things we will not be taking with us.  I have found a nice duplex and am in the process of searching for inexpensive ways to furnish it.

At this point I am not sure if we will go with camp furniture or just some sale furniture which we won't mind leaving or giving away.  I guess, I forgot how easy our life is back in south MS, complete with all the furniture, appliances and luxuries we have.  Neither of us thought we would be starting over at our age!

Stay tuned for photos of whatever we decide to settle upon.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Back in Superior, WI

Well, after 6 months in North Dakota, with a few visits back home to south Mississippi, we are back in Wisconsin.

During the holidays we visited our home in MS, my brother in New Orleans and my sister and brother-in-law in Louisiana.  We also got to spend over a week with our son's family in Olive Branch, MS.  We had a wonderful holiday season with family and are very thankful for it.

Our oldest granddaughter got engaged over the holiday and they are planning a wedding for late October this year.  We were so happy to be there and share the excitement with her.  Her and her mom will sure be busy this year getting this wedding organized.  Congratulations to Lydia and Josh!!

We left Olive Branch around 5PM Friday drove overnight and arrived in Superior around noon Saturday.  We were saddle sore and tired of driving but so very thankful to have arrived safely and with no bad weather along the way.

Superior, along with much of the northwest, is experiencing a mild winter with minimal snow.  We took advantage of the gorgeous weather and drove up the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superior yesterday.  We went to church in Two Harbors, MN.  The service was nice and the people very friendly so we will definitely give it another try.

The first order of business in town is to find a place to live so we can vacate the hotel.  We are very thankful for the Lord providing rooms for us during our adventure but are both extremely tired of hotel living. 

Apartment, duplex or single family home, we are starting our quest this afternoon!!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sunday Phunnies

State Mottos

Alabama:
Litterasy Ain't Everthing

Alaska:
11,623 Eskimos Can't Be Wrong!
Arizona:
But It's a Dry Heat

Arkansas:
We Made Him Governor Because We're Idiots ... What's Your Excuse for Making Him President?

California:
Our Women Have More Plastic Than Your Honda

Colorado:
If You Don't Ski, Don't Bother

Connecticut:
Like Massachusetts, Only The Kennedy's Don't Own It Yet

Delaware:
We Really Do Like The Chemicals In Our Water.

Florida:
Ask Us About Our Grandkids

Georgia:
Just as Good as Alabama ... Without Their High IQ

Hawaii:
Haka Tiki Mou Sha'ami Leeki Toru
(Death To Mainland Scum, But Leave Your Money)

Idaho:
More Than Just Potatoes ... Well Okay, We're Not, But The Potatoes Sure Are Real Good

Illinois:
Please Don't Pronounce the "S"

Indiana:
2 Billion Years Tidal Wave Free

Iowa:
We Do Amazing Things With Corn

Kansas:
First Of The Rectangle States

Kentucky:
Five Million People; Fifteen Last Names

Louisiana:
We're Not ALL Drunk Cajun Wackos, But That's Our Tourism Campaign

Maine:
We're Really Cold, But We Have Cheap Lobster

Maryland:
If You Can Dream It, We Can Tax It

Massachusetts:
Our Taxes Are Lower Than Sweden's (For Most Tax Brackets)

Michigan:
First Line Of Defense From The Canadians

Minnesota:
10,000 Lakes And 10,000,000 Mosquitoes

Mississippi:
Yes, We Have Electricity!

Missouri:
Your Federal Flood Relief Tax Dollars At Work

Montana:
And Very Little Else

Nebraska:
Ask About Our State Motto Contest

Nevada:
Prostitutes and Poker!

New Hampshire:
Go Away and Leave Us Alone

New Jersey:
You Want A ##$%##! Motto? I Got Yer ##$%##! Motto Right Here, You ##$%##!!

New Mexico:
Lizards Make Excellent Pets

New York:
You Have The Right To Remain Silent, You Have The Right To An Attorney

North Carolina:
Tobacco Is A Vegetable

North Dakota:
We Really Are One Of The 50 States!

Ohio:
At Least We're Not Michigan

Oklahoma:
Like The Play, Only No Singing

Oregon:
Spotted Owl ... It's What's For Dinner

Pennsylvania:
Cook With Coal

Rhode Island:
We're Not REALLY An Island

South Carolina:
Remember The Civil War? We Didn't Actually Surrender

South Dakota:
Closer Than North Dakota

Tennessee:
The Educashun State

Texas:
Si, Hablo Ingles
(Yes, I Speak English)

Utah:
Our Jesus Is Better Than Your Jesus

Vermont:
Yep

Virginia:
Who Says Government Stiffs And Slackjaw Yokels Don't Mix?

Washington:
Help! We're Overrun By Computer Nerds And Grunge-Slackers!

Washington, D.C.:
Wanna Be Mayor?

West Virginia:
One Big Happy Family ... Just Ask Uncle Daddy!

Wisconsin:
Come Cut The Cheese

Wyoming:
Where Men Are Men ... And Sheep Are Afraid

Bowling Alley: Please be quiet. We need to hear a pin drop.
Cafeteria: Shoes are required to eat in the cafeteria. Socks can eat any place they want.
Music Library: Bach in a minuet.
Funeral Home: Drive carefully, we'll wait.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Sunday Phunnies

Signs! Signs!
Actual Signs Posted by Businesses

On an electrician's truck: Let us remove your shorts.

Maternity Clothes Shop: We are open on Labor Day.

On a Front Door: Everyone on the premises is a vegetarian except the dog.

On a Maternity Room Door: Push, Push, Push!

Non-smoking area: If we see you smoking we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action.

Optometrist's Office: If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place.

Scientist's Door: Gone Fission.

Taxidermist Window: We really know our stuff.

Podiatrist's Window: Time wounds all heels.

Sign on Fence: Salesmen welcome. Dog food is expensive.

Car Dealership: The best way to get back on your feet ... miss a car payment.

Muffler Shop: No appointment necessary. We'll hear you coming.

Hotel: Help! We need inn - experienced people.

Butcher's Window: Pleased to meat you.

Sign in an office: We shoot every 3rd salesman, and the 2nd one just left.

Veterinarians Waiting Room: Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!

The Electric Company: We would be delighted if you send in your bill. However, if you don't, you will be.

Beauty Shop: Dye now!

Garbage Truck: We've got what it takes to take what you've got.

Computer Store: Out for a quick byte.

Diner Window: Don't stand there and be hungry, come in and get fed up.