Sandy's Project (Part 2)

Remember this project? Where this



 turned into this:

Well, we have started on the main floor - the future home of Rubi J in downtown Harlan. This time, husband Ron is working with me. He recently retired and is at my disposal. (There's been a few raised eyebrows at that situation.) During our 46 year marriage, we have attempted to work together a few times. It got ugly.

But we were willing to try again. And guess what? It's working out great. No one's more surprised than me. Could it be we both have matured?

Our first objections were to remove the drywall and baseboards; then remove the plaster on the long wall down to the original bricks. Then clean and seal them.  Here's where we were after the first few days:

We decided a pickup wasn't going to do the job, so we had a dumpster moved in to the back door. It was a very good decision.

For a week we came home covered in plaster dust and extremely tired. To clean the bricks, we used vinegar and water for the acid wash. It worked great and no chemical fumes. Perfect.

We finished the sealing last weekend and are taking a few days off. Here's what it looks like now.

That's the same wall as the previous picture.

Now it's on to painting the 14' high ceiling. Go Team Ronfeldt!!!

Changing of seasons.

As some of you might already know, I love flower gardening. It ranks right below reading. In the spring, I'm possessed; cleaning out the beds, getting my hands dirtied and running to all the garden centers to grab my bounty.

Then, all summer long, I go to my havens. I love weeding, feeding and watering. You gardeners know the feelings. You love the nuturing, the satisfaction of the beauty you created; and the peace.

Then, around September, my motherly instinct turns to something else. My "children" are getting on my nerves - always wanting water, needing more Miracle Grow, begging to be weeded. Plus, they're just not so cute anymore.

So, two nights ago, we had our first major freeze. I knew what I should have done; but that involved blankets and making space in the garage. I pretended to be too busy. I decided to let Nature do my dirty work. Here's a little of the carnage:

First: The Gerber Daisies.

Then comes the Mexican Heather:

Then there is my herb garden:

And that's just on my deck.

(Burial services will be this weekend.)

Start walking!!!

I love living here in Iowa. Both my husband and I were born and raised in the state; but couldn't wait to leave when we grew up.

Then, after living in Denver, Texas and Louisiana and adding  a baby to our family, we decided to moved back to Iowa to raise her. We have never regretted that decision.

According to the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index; Iowa is rated 19th in the nation for health. Our governor wants Iowa to be number one by 2016. 

I agree. Health officials have declared today's children will not live as long as our generation. How sad. We have become victims of our environment.

But it's never too late. The governor's office has started a program for us to come together to change this trend. It's called the Healthiest State Initiative. The kick-off program starts this October 7, 2011.

As we all know, the hardest part of any project is to just start. We are starting with "Start Somewhere Walk". A simple 1K (7 blocks) walk. This is slated for the whole state. Our 2 local grocery stores are even suppling lunch. Thank you, HyVee and Fareway.

To learn more about this program, go to www.iowahealthieststate.com and take the pledge.

Once again, Iowa will be "first in the nation".

I've found out that I can hate!!!

First things, first.

I'm a gentle soul.

I can find good in everything.

It's a blessing, our Father has given me.

But, I have learned. I do have the power to hate; a word I don't allow in our house; but now I feel it.

I hate cancer.

There's too much of it.

More than before.

Let's find the reason.

Let's find the answer.

It can't beat us if we are united.

We will win.

We will be victorious; (if we keep on fighting).

Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noahpetersen1 to join the fight.

Thank you.

New oneies in stock!!!!

We're making some changes at the Rubi J Store. I'm in the process of adding new colors to our onesies collection and discontinuing some others. There will be still three sizes to choose from and these are great for personalizing as well.

The Sunset Pink has been popular in the organic tees and it is now available in the baby bodysuit.

Our new blue is Sky Blue.

Our new green is Sage Green.

All are, of course, GOTS certified organic cotton.

We still have a few of the discontinued colors in stock at clearance prices. Check them out at http://www.rubij.com/CLEARANCE_c8.htm

It's nice to be noticed.

I recently ran across this article on organic clothing. I was please to notice our website listed on it.
The article is quite interesting. I've been saying the same things.
Go to:

http://www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/eco-clothes/organic-childrens-clothing.htm

Getting back to my center.

I'm usually a pretty laid back type of individual. Not many things upset or rile me. I also can be the blunt of many jokes. Ask my family. I've given them plenty of material. I usually laugh the loudest.

But, every once in a while, I allow disappointments to bother me. It's been one thing after another. Yikes, is the whole world against me??? Answer: "Probably not."  Second answer: "So what if it is?"

I like both answers.

When I feel a little blue or overwhelmed, I turn to my Oracle Cards.

They never let me down.

One of my favorite authors and spiritual guides is Sonia Choquette. Man, she is one happy person. I would recommend any of her books. She also published Soul Lesson and Soul Purpose Oracle Cards. It's a 63-Card Deck with a guidebook. Just pick a card at randon and read the guidance. I always seem to pick the right one for my current mood.

These cards are also fun for a group. You can get them at most book stores or online.

I'm already back to my old lovable self.

Update on Lucy:

She's feeling great!!!!! Her left "false" eye looks better all the time. Amazing how she adjusted to seeing with just one day.