Bible in a Year...2Chronicles, Romans, Psalm, Proverbs.

I haven't been one for much posting lately, not feeling the happiest and have no interest in anything other than knitting or spinning and even those are a strain---eeek, did I really write that??.

I have kept up with my reading.
2 Chronicles 20.

Romans 10. I enjoy reading Romans. I feel a positive message from this book and I always like that.

Psalm 20.

I end with a verse from Proverbs, always a good read.

Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

thank you BibleGateway.com for the links and the verse.

good day and have a great weekend!

Debt in the USA...

Here's and interesting article about debt from Yahoo.com.

Personally, I am using my credit cards much less and making a conscious effort to pay my debt down quickly. That's where the monthly spreadsheet has helped me in keeping my spending habits under control. Make certain you ask yourself, 'do you really need the item' you are about to purchase? If not, put it back. Or wait a week before you purchase the item. If you find yourself knowing you will use the item over and over again, go and get it. If not, forget it and move on.

Get rid of the cell phone, get rid of the internet, get rid of cable TV. That will save you a hefty sum each month so you can start paying down your debt. It doesn't mean you have to live without these items permanently, just until you can actually afford them. And if you find it absolutely necessary to have the cell phone get one without all the bells and whistles. Take the super simple one as its actually cheaper.

Thank you Yahoo for the link.

Remember, less is more. Good day!

Spinning... First ply.

The picture's not so great, but I just had to post that I finally plyed the yarn I have spun. Plying=twisting two yarns together in the opposite way that they were spun, which creates one yarn with two or more strands of fiber. It was fun. I never thought anything could be so fun and interesting to do. I just love learning about this art. I am currently spinning some fiber that has no memory. Memory is the curl that the fiber holds and usually the more memory the easier it will be to spin or hold the twist you are putting in the fiber. Memory is desirable for beginners like me.

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011... July 26.

I have been watching my garden closely these days as I have a squash almost ready to pick and lots of cucumbers and tomatoes. I came home and found the squash eaten by deer and my tomatoes trampled a bit. I had a green tomato on the ground and my yellow pear tomato was on the ground too. The lettuce surprisingly was unharmed. I ate the yellow pear tomato, it was yummy. I put the green tomato in a brown bag to help ripen it up.

Here are pics. Lets hope my garden survives the wildlife. You wouldn't think since I'm in the middle of town I wouldn't have to worry about deer. Ah, well such is life. Not certain what my plan should be from here on, will have to mull on it a bit.

Good day.

Financially Fit tips...

here is a link with several recommendations for becoming financially fit, if you are finding it hard to make ends meet. I like the "live below your means" tip best.

I also recommend writing down each and every purchase you make. Part of my mini-budget exercise recommended by BE MORE WITH LESS blog, which I have kept up. You must write down each purchase you make within 10 minutes of buying. It keeps you on your toes and makes you think about whether or not you need the item.

Thank you Yahoo for the link.

ta, ta, and happy budgeting.

Bible in a Year...2Chronicles, Romans, Psalm, Proverbs.

Here's the update:

2Chroncles - I just finished reading in Chapters 4-6. Its very trying to get through this book as its mostly about who is related to whom, which is very important, still difficult.

Romans 7 - Paul is speaking of sin, death, and faith. I remember as a kid being at a football game and this question was asked: What is sin? The answer: death.

Paul speaks of this very topic in this chapter and why. In fact it was quite the shock who the kid was who answered the question at the football game. We all thought he was someone different and when he answered this question correctly, our eyes were suddenly opened--to say the least. He loved the Lord and we all thought he was a "bad" boy. Its interesting the perceptions that we have of one another due to our own inadequacies and the judgements we make, isn't it?? Keep your eyes open to those around you.

Psalm 17 - a lovely prayer from David

I leave you with provoking thoughts from the lovely book of Proverbs:

Proverbs 19:22,23

22 What a person desires is unfailing love[b];
better to be poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

links and verses from BibleGateway.com.
Thank you,
and good day.

Tunisian Crochet...

I am currently hooked (forgive the pun) on Tunisian crochet. It's really addictive. I am taking a class and hope to have a mesh vest as the outcome. It was pretty dicey at first. I can't stand to crochet--no offense meant to those who enjoy it. Here's a progress picture and a close up.

Bible in a Year...Romans, Proverbs.

Romans: Paul is currently speaking to the Romans and informing them that the only reason why Our Lord Your God chose Abraham as the father of his chosen people is the fact that he was the only one in the world who had faith to believe in Our Lord Your God. Makes you think, doesn't it?? Paul goes on to emphasize living by faith and how important it is.

Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will reward them for what they have done.

I just love Proverbs, its a book that really makes you think. It reminds me of all the "wise" sayings that have come after, like Confucius.

Thank you BibleGateway.com for the verse.

good day.

Help...Is it really???

I am finding that people around me would like to "help" me and have their own idea of what "helping" me is. Do you run into that too??? It would be amusing if it wasn't so darn irritating, wouldn't it??? Case in point, DD decided she wanted to "help" me clean out my extra bedroom, which is great and I do need the help. She decided this past weekend was when we needed to do this. Its not like she has another job and can't do it on another day. I already had plans. So it doesn't really "help" me much if I am already doing something else. Instead she informs me that I refused her help and to never mind. Gee, thanks for the "help."

Another example: I loaned out my weed eater and the person decided to "help" me by weed eating my place too even though I had politely refused the offer. I have some plants that I do not consider weeds and did not want them "wacked." I unfortunately came home to them being "wacked." Besides weed-eating is easy, quick work. I would rather the person mow my lawn. Now, that's helping. Or weed my garden, help again, and in the exact way that I need it, not the way they need or think I need. and I had politely refused the offer. Doesn't anyone listen anymore??? and they got offended that I wasn't pleased with the "help."

Yet another example: after the drain pipe incident I had a pile of dirt in the middle of my yard, which I didn't mind. It did happen to bother someone else and they insisted it be moved. They did help with moving the dirt pile, which was extremely hard work and took at least 3 hours with both of us working on it. After they were done, they replied, "now isn't that better. you don't have to worry about the dirt pile anymore." (You remember -the dirt pile that I wasn't worried about in the first place) I will admit in this instance the work did need to be done sooner rather than later and I am thankful that the work is done.

One out of two ain't bad, eh??

I think it would be nice if when actually offering the so-called "help" the person would ask what I need done not what they "think" or "feel" I need done.

I bet most of you are thinking I should just shut-up and be grateful, right? Well, you would be right too. We are all emotional characters and some of my feelings are good and some not so great. This happens to be one of those times when I am not so logical.

What I learned from this is that when I offer my help in the future to others is to ask them what they want or need done, and to listen to what they say. There's two parts to that with the main one being to listen.

Good day!

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011... more adventures. part 2-G1.

Thought you would like to see pics of the favorite raised bed garden, G1. These are from this morning too.

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011... more adventures.

GG-July2011-4-squash
GG-july2011-3
GG-July2011-2
GGJuly 2011-1
Decided an update on what the garden looks like and what better way than pictures. Took these this morning. A thousand words...right? I just harvested from the lettuce a 4th time. Yeah me. I pulled a carrot and ate it last night. It was a little small but tasted good. My yellow squash is looking great!! The cucumbers too. and lots of leaves on the tomatoes. All the neighbors are totally surprised at my success. Me too!!

and yes, I do need to weed! I got way behind and I've been diligently working on it. I almost need a shovel now.

Good day!

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011... echinacea.

White Echinacea
Here is what my white echinacea flower looks like now. You mostly see purple echinacea, I decided to be different. Its beautiful, isn't it??

Fabric Flip-flops.

Remember this tutorial for making your own fabric flip-flops??? I finally got around to getting some done for me and my best friend. I am actually putting together a goody bag and these will be part of that. Mine are the orange ones and the BF likes blue.

They are so cute! and comfortable. Much better than the plastic. I put them together in about 20 minutes. Really!! What took the longest was going out to purchase the flip-flops. The yo-yos are quick and easy to make too.

Mix wants some too!!
Good day!

Bible in a Year...Romans, Proverbs.

Romans has always been a favorite book of mine. It instructs knowledge and wisdom, ie, make good, right choices in your life and encourage others to do the same. I am currently in the second chapter. I am now beginning Proverbs 19 and as always it is thought provoking.

Proverbs 19:1
Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than a fool whose lips are perverse.

Thank you BibleGateway.com for the link.

happy weekend...

I'm a bit bummed out with life right at the moment and am looking forward to my weekend where I can be me and no performance issues, i.e., in not worrying about offending anyone, not having to entertain anyone, not worrying about the silence, etc.

Saturday, I will start a Tunisian Crochet class to make a really cute mesh pullover. I really need to examine my head as I really am a 2 stick girl not one (I can't stand to crochet--I apologize to those who don't feel this way, its true for me). I do feel it will be a useful technique to be able to use as there are a few items that I would like to knit that finish with crochet. Wish me luck.

Sunday, will hopefully be my private lessons for spinning unless the instructor cancels on me again. I have lots of questions--mostly about plying and yarn prep after its spun and a few question about my wheel. Such as: when do you take the yarn off the bobbin?, how do you get the yarn off the bobbin?, why won't my bobbin turn when I had no problems a moment ago?, what do you do with the yarn after you miraculously get the yarn off the bobbin? How do you know to spin lace weight or heavier weight? What is plying? Why do you ply?---Doesn't spinning sound all magical and stuff???

I am finally getting the hang of clockwise spinning, yeah me. I spun for about 2 hours last night, which helped immensely with my bad attitude with life these days. I read somewhere that you can use 100% essential oils (has to be 100%--nothing watered down) for lubricating the areas on the wheel that need oil and I purchased clove and lemon balm/eucalyptus. I used the clove oil last night as I felt the need to have a little spice in my life.

Have a good weekend. Enjoy life, the highs and lows, its all a learning process.
Good day!

More time...

The only thing that I will ever regret in life is not spending more time with good people like my brother, G, and my friend CB. I just got off the phone with CB after laughing and laughing. I just love being with people and talking with people that are able to accept me for all that I am, good and bad, and can laugh and laugh and laugh.

I bet you know people like this too. I encourage you to give them a call.
The picture is of the sunset near my home. The mountain to the left is Pikes Peak. Its blurry, good thing I like them that way.
Good day!

Happy Birthday G.

You are greatly missed.

Knitting... Anna is finished.

Spinning lessons had to be rescheduled to next Sunday.

Here are pictures of my Anna Shawl (another wip bites the dust--yeah me). She's done and looks very nice. I believe I may actually even send her to the cousin I thought I would give her (I have a bad habit of keeping the stuff I make---I just can't seem to help myself).

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011...July 10. weeding

Part of gardening is the weeding process. Weeding takes a lot out of me and I have neglected to keep up like I should. My weekend was taken up by tending to the weeds between rain storms.

I had helpers too. Mix-the cat and Kasey-the dog. Truly they are helping!! I just love this picture.

Spinning... First yarn.

Here's a picture of the first yarn I am not ashamed to post. My actual first spun yarn has lots and lots of knots in it and it is totally unusable. This might be usable (crosses fingers). I still have trouble getting the wheel to go clockwise and am really considering counterclockwise for the first draft of my roving and then clockwise for plying, which is backwards but hey, I bang the drum to my own tune, so to speak. Besides this is supposed to be enjoyable not frustrating.

The bad part is going through all that roving for practice. eek! it can get expensive. I am thinking of brushing the dog and spinning that up, ha.

Ta,ta for now.

Home Loans v Personal loan.

As promised my post about home financing as I need to get the $4,000 home improvement loan from 28% interest to much less. The best way to do this is to obtain a home equity loan so the interest will be deductible on my tax return -- if I can itemize as its only deductible on the Schedule A.

The types of loans:

1. Home Equity Loan
2. Home Equity Line of Credit
3. Personal Loan

1. The Home Equity Loan has the lowest interest rate at approximately 3.75%-6.75% (this percentage goes up or down depending upon your credit rating) and is paid in one lump sum to the borrower and is done over a long period of time. Usually 10 years and up to 30 years. Its a one-time shot and the closing costs runs from a little over $100 up to a little over $500 depending on whether you need an appraisal for the home. Interest paid is deductible on tax return if you itemize.

Appraisal Note: to avoid the appraisal you can use the tax assessment (usually lower than an appraised amount) from the county or parish you live in. Keep in mind Financial Institutions only like to loan up to 80% of the value on your home and that will include your first mortgage. If you have had a recent appraisal done you can ask for a waiver regarding this issue. Cost of an appraisal is approximately $400.

Important Income note: Financial Institutions only like your debt to income ratio to be 50%. If you have a good credit rating you can possibly sneak by with this being a little higher.

2. Home Equity Line of Credit has an interest rate of 4.75% - 7.75% (depending upon credit rating) is paid out in increments on an as needed basis, preferably for home improvements. Its for 5 years only and at the end of 5 years any amount still outstanding becomes a Home Equity Loan (see #1 above). You can take and pay as needed, so to speak on this one during the 5 year period. Interest only accrues on the actual money that you have taken. An appraisal is also required on this one too (see appraisal note above) and closing costs are the same as above---approximately $100 to $500. Interest paid is deductible on your tax return if you itemize.

3. Personal Loan. has an interest rate starting at approximately 5% and goes up depending on your credit rating. Your debt to income ratio will also come into play but not as much. Proof of income will be needed, so a month of pay stubs and a tax return. Interest paid is NOT deductible on your tax return.

Currently I am waiting on approval for a home loan (crosses fingers). Then maybe the $4,000 hole won't look so bad and make me cringe each time I see it. but I do flush the toilet confidently now.

Bible...2Kings, 1Chronicles, Acts, Psalm, Proverbs

I am keeping up with reading my 'bible in a year' commitment. I don't know if its because I've been doing a lot of praying lately (for money) or because it hurts to go out into my backyard to view my $4,000 hole, but I am up to date on the reading.

2Kings reads like a bad soap opera and most of the kings, and there are hundreds of them, have or are doing "evil in the eyes of the Lord". On to 1Chronicles and the importance of were everyone comes.

Acts is refreshing and is uplifting and as I have stated before an exciting time period in history. Paul has been arrested and is being tried in court for following and preaching "the Way". Felix keeps him in prison for two years hoping for a bribe from Paul--this doesn't happen. So Paul gets to stay in prison although its pretty cushy (he has dinner with Felix and his wife) and his friends are allowed to take care of him and visit and he is well taken care of. He was flogged though, and that's gotta hurt.

Psalm and Proverbs are always good to read.

Proverbs 18 - here's one fourth of it:

1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
and so deprive the innocent of justice.

6 The lips of fools bring them strife,
and their mouths invite a beating.

Courtesy of BibleGateway.com

Good day and watch what you say!!

Introducing...Thumbelina.

I am now the proud owner of a spinning wheel. A lovely upright, parlor wheel, Thumbelina made by Sleeping Beauty Company from New Zealand. Sadly the company is no longer in existence. Ashford purchased them long ago and sold the parts off. I am in love with her and she is just gorgeous. I even have roving purchased already from Cupcake. Will wait to spin it as its gorgeous too.

She is a 15 inch, double drive wheel, a floating single treadle, has a built in Crafty Kate (she's not lazy), and 4 bobbins.

I have found that spinning looks easy; its not. I have no trouble with counter-clockwise spinning. Its very tricky to do clockwise spinning and then you have to add drafting your roving to it. I bow to all spinners and will be taking private lessons on Sunday. I can't wait. Right now I am just practicing with foot, wheel coordination. I have tried to spin a little and ended up with knots. back to foot, wheel coordination, which is fun too.

The dog is Kasey and she is almost 4 years old and she's a sweetheart (have had her since puppyhood).

Good day!

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011...July 5. update.

G1
GGG
Hello. Thought I would provide an update on my garden (GGG=Garden Goddess Garden) with a picture of it and a picture of my favorite raised bed garden, G1.

Harvest: I have gotten 3 harvests off the lettuce to date!!! Its fantastic that all you have to do is snip the leaves off and they re-grow. A row of radishes have been great eating. I replanted more but they don't seem to be coming up will have to plant some more. Everything else is still growing. My tomatoes like to leaf out and no flowers. Don't really understand what is up with them. The squash has flowered and I look forward to sometime in August for harvest there. The cucumbers are growing, growing and the snap peas are snapping.

Water cost: of note my water bill last month was $140.00 (Yikes!!), which is normally $70-$90 per summer months.

The positive of having a garden is my trips to the grocery store have been less and this saves on gas and purchasing more items than I actually need. In the long run I believe it saves the amount equal to the increase in water cost (crosses fingers, hoping this is true).

Happy gardening! Its still not too late to plant lettuce, carrots and radishes.

Sewer Drain...partial replacement...$4,000.

All done-$4000 dirt pile -6
Mini backhoe -5
Y join and drain access -4
Fence removal -3
Fence access for equipment-2
Equipment used-the beginning -1

Hello, I know its been awhile since you've heard from me. I've had several issues happen to me that have:
1. thrown me for a loop;
2. made me nauseous--ad infinite;
3. made me numb, as in...Is this really happening to me??? You're joking right?? Are you certain??;
4. gotten to me, although I am not down for the count yet;
5. made me speechless;

Pick one and you would be right. Pick all four and you "hit the nail on the head" so to speak.

Anyhoo, the title speaks for itself regarding my subject today and one of the "issues" that has (pick one choice above). I even have pictures. The final picture shows you what a $4,000 pile of dirt looks like. Enough about me and my emotional state let's get to the topic.

Sewer Drain: replacement or partial replacement --- Cost = So much money you will faint! Let's do a pre-story information. I decided to be proactive and have the drain pipe cleaned out now in the summer instead of having a problem in the winter, which I have had before. And I had a coupon. I am so all about saving money. Next time I'm going to throw the coupon away!! Yeah me.

Informative information: You need to have your drain pipe cleaned every 2-5 years on an older home otherwise if there is a backage (this is not a word but my own interpretation of what could happen) problem then your utility company will not cover any possible damage. You especially need to do this if you have clay pipe. So be proactive and have them cleaned out--or wait and have backage thereby saving money as your insurance company will pay for the problem. Of note: insurance usually does not cover when you are proactive and doing preventive maintenance.

On older homes like mine, built in 1952, the pipe used as the drain pipe was made out of clay as that was the material they had. If you have a newer home you will not need to do this as they use PVC now and PVC lasts forever (supposedly). The problem with clay pipe is that roots can and do grow through it, thereby possibly causing a backup in the pipe. Hence the reason why you have them cleaned out.

Back to my story: yes, preventive maintenance, proactive. While having the drain pipe cabled out the guy claims to have pulled out mud.

Informative information: mud is bad. Very, very bad. It means you have at best, a crack and at worst a crushed pipe. Recommendation: have the pipe camara'ed. This is really coolio but will cost you --- $300.00. But hey, they happen to be running a special -- its $150.00! yeah me...??? At this time, my suspicious mind and highly sarcastic tongue is very close to being unleashed. Am I being taken for a bunch of money??? Or what?? Do I have sucker written on my head somewhere???

Back to the story: I have the drain camara'ed. Now this is pretty interesting. It's like you get to be the rat and head through a tunnel that is 4 feet underground and take a look around. Well, I did see one really bad spot and earth worms.

Informative information: earth worms in your pipe is really bad news as they are not supposed to be there and it means you have a crack that could be big, or could be small.

Back to the story: my home, since its so old has not one (which is the usual) but two drain pipes. I have one from the kitchen, laundry area and one from the bathroom and I got to see that they meet in the middle of my yard at a 'Y' join. yeah, oh yeah me. This means I have twice as much pipe as everyone else. yeah me. Interpretation --- it costs more to replace. yeah, yeah me.

Informative information: most homes have one main pipe underneath to where all your other pipes meet, congregate, have a come to Jesus meeting, etc. and then one 4 inch pipe goes out to your main utility line. Of note: you want this main drain line to be PVC pipe. In fact, you will be praying that this is so about now in this story.

Back to the story: the recommendation is to dig down, find the break and replace with PVC pipe (aka 'the new Jesus'--at least you will think it so after experiencing clay pipe issues). Here's how that conversation goes: the cost $5,000. hmmm, no thanks I'll wait. But wait my boss says he'll give you $650 off and your $150 check back and we'll do the work tomorrow. Nope, not gonna happen until I see where I can obtain financing, I can wait if that's all the piddly amount you are going to discount. I mean, really. Oh, but wait we finance. Oh, yeah?? at what 22% interest. uh, no 28%. Say, what??? (insert high, incredulous voice here). WOW, I'm in the wrong business. Talk about loan-sharking, she-eeesh. No thanks, load your stuff up and move along. Clean up is done, I am pacing back and forth, and then I say, I'll do it for $1000 off and my check back and you can start tomorrow. let me call the boss. done. View the pictures at your leisure. That's what $4,000 worth of work looks like.

Important information: make certain you have access for equipment to get into your yard before putting up all kinds of fence posts in cement. Make certain they are spaced wide enough apart so that a backhoe can get in. and also don't put up a shed or building without making certain there is access somewhere else too. see pictures above.

Important information: after the hole is dug, the camara guy tries to get you to replace all your pipes. hmmm, now I feel like I got took. They just want to give you the opportunity to really get your pipes cleaned (and your bank account). You have a two option pipe replacement: 1. a deal called busting or bursting where they have a coolio shark fin thing that comes in from another hole that they have to dig out by the main utility join and this shark fin comes in and pulls pipe behind it while cutting the other pipe out of the way and viola, one pipe out of the way and the other pipe inserted all in one move; yep, bursting; 2. the second option is doing a liner pipe. The cost is incredibly expensive and keep in mind your home owner's insurance won't pay for preventive maintenance. Why do I even pay for this insurance??? Does it cover anything??? oh yeah, the traumatic event (backage--actual sh*t in my home!!!) actually has to happen first before they pay.

I am also told at this point that it looks like my house settled a little and the pipe from my bathroom goes down then up and where it goes down stuff is pooling there. At this point, I am finally catching on, yeah me. This is common and it actually sounds worse than it is. The stuff does eventually move on and there is no way to prevent this from happening even if you replace it. It will most likely happen with the new pipe too, except the new pipe will be PVC aka 'the new Jesus'.

Back to the story: ok so I'm supposed to make a "johnny on the spot" decision now. $4,000 now or $15,000 now. Gee, I can only afford $4,000 now (and did I just get cleaned out??? of all my money???). so fill the hole in and move along.

Informative information: at this point the utility inspector arrives to check to see if the replacement pipe was correctly done and also gives the ok to fill the hole in. Also unknown to me,I now have 4 drain clean outs in the middle of my yard, which is a pain and no one informed me that this was going to be the case, but it is up to code and that's why they are there. Its the code. ugh. Gee thanks for telling me.

Side note: stay home for all of this 'crap' as I believe I got better service (at least I think I did...maybe).
Side note #2: access had to be through my garden in the front. Miraculously, it survived.

Recommendations:
1. stay home when doing this kind of repair
2. make d**n certain you have equipment access
3. pray you have PVC pipe
4. pray you never, ever have back up
5. its questionable whether or not to do preventive maintenance but your home owners insurance won't pay if you don't do it. and they won't pay if you do do it. huh. but they will pay if you have backup and do preventive maintenance. oh, ok now I get it.

The end of my story is:
1. I have a new 'Y' join in the middle of my yard, including 4 drain clean outs;
2. the 'Y' join is PVC aka 'the new Jesus';
3. I am $4,000 poorer, in the hole---literally;
4. I am numb;
5. I am learning about home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (my next post after the numbness wears off a bit);
6. I am up to code, yeah me.

I think that's all for now. quite the week for me--I'm exhausted, so's my bank account.

Good day!!