My 22 Goals for 2019
Goal #1 — Spend More Time Doing What I Love
Miss Puggle Love and I had a nice relaxing week playing in the snow and bringing treats to the chickens. I also moved things around in the sun room a bit and vacuumed Lucy’s summer couch so she can hang out in there again. When the sun is shinning, it can get up to 70 degrees in the room this time of year…. Isn’t that crazy? The main reason for tidying up the sun room though is because I’ll be setting up the grow lights in there later today. 🙂
Goal #2 — Garden, Garden, Garden
I ordered a few packets of flower seeds for my flower garden from Seeds and Sundries. The seeds were collected by Susie Morris from her backyard garden in Maine {she has a blog Chiot’s Run, that I’ve been reading for years} and I noticed she was offering seeds for a beautiful peony poppy so I ordered those and some heirloom hollyhocks and a few other seed packets as well.
Goal #3 — Plant an Orchard
The ground is still frozen but I am hoping to find a Meyer lemon tree at the Connecticut garden show next weekend. The plan is to have the lemon tree in a nice pot out on the back patio during the late spring and summer months and then keep it in the sun room where it will get plenty of light during the winter months.
I also have a list of some local nurseries to check out for fruit trees {once the weather warms up a bit}.
Goal #4 — Gussy Up the Potting Shed
Not only did the HH get all the party lights up in the potting shed last week, but he also built me a potting bench! Wahoooo. Now all I need to do is stain the bench and then we’ll be able to move it out to the shed.
Goal #5 — Grow Enough Extra Vegetables, Eggs and Flowers to Earn $1500 at my little roadside vegetable stand.
So far this year I’ve planted:
English Lavender! 🙂 If you’ve never planted lavender seeds before, they can be kind of tricky. Basically, the seeds need to be refrigerated for a bit so they’ll germinate. If you’re interested, you can read all about it HERE.
Goal #6 — Finish Every Single Unfinished Rug Hooking Project in My Pattern Bin + 10 Things from back Issues of Magazines/Books I’ve Been Meaning to Make.
I didn’t get a single rug finished for my next Etsy Shop update on March 1st. One of my goals this year was to get several larger rug hooking patterns completed and the bee and flower rugs that I’ve been working on the past week is the first in that series. The larger rugs, they do take a lot of time, but they’re worth it in the end.
I started the year off with:
- 71 rugs {now down to 65}
- 183 hooked flowers {finished 62, now down to 121}
- 10 “things” from back issues of magazines {finished 0}
Goal #7 — Create 12 New Rug Hooking Patterns {with at least half of them being large ones}
2 down, 10 to go.
I am currently working on rug hooking pattern #3 and hope to have it finished in a couple of days. I’ll show it to you next week. 🙂
Goal #8 — Split and Stack 2 Cords of Wood for Next Winter
Not a lot of chopping going on these days but another round of snow fell on Tuesday, which of course was exciting. Especially for the snow plow guy. 😉 That tractor, it sure is coming in handy.
Goal #9 — Do Something with the 5,002 Photos on My Phone
Started with 5,002 photos, now down to 3,478 , 3516 , 3532, 3491 3628 3534 3321 photos. Slow and steady wins the race, right?
Goal #10 –Lose the Muffin Top
It’s still there. But hey, I’m down 2 pounds! I’ll do a photo update the first weekend in March
Goal #11 — Run, Walk or Crawl a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon
I caved in and ordered a treadmill. 😉 Getting past 8,000 steps in an average day during the winter months here is New England is TOUGH. And honestly, I don’t want to risk life and limb walking on patches of ice everyday around our neighborhood or have to drive to a mall {or anywhere else for that matter} to get exercise, or join a gym. It should be here in 2-3 weeks.
Goal #12 — Read or Listen to 26 New Books
Currently listening to : NOTHING!
We went to the library yesterday and as soon as I walked in I made a beeline for the DVD section and apparently I was looking to long {I only made it the the T’s} and Mr. Impatience pants was ready to leave. Soooooo, NO BOOKS FOR ME! But I did manage to grab a few dvd’s. All of which I’ve watched before thank you very much. And YES, I did just borrow Miss Potter but I wanted to watch it again. 😉 I also made the HH buy me a oreo pop the ladies at the library were selling as a fundraiser.
I am STILL patiently waiting my turn on the library wait list for the following books:
- Carnegie’s Maid #2 on the list
- The Four Tendencies #17 on the list
- Before We Were Yours #100 on the list
- This is the Story of a Happy Marriage #4
- The Coddling of the American Mind #14
- The Alice Network #27
- Marilla of Green Gables #2
- 12 Rules for Life #21
Books I’ve Read or Listened to So Far This Year:
Goal #13 — Try 52 New Recipes.
5 down, 47 recipes to go.
Goal #14 — Clean Up 52 Old Recipes.
Six recipes down, 46 to go.
Goal #15 — Fill 100 Canning Jars
No canning going on at the moment but I’m ready to go.
Goal #16 — Finish Furnishing Our House
I didn’t BUY any furniture this week but I should get an A for effort because The Girl and I stopped at four thrift/antique stores but came up empty handed each time. I did spot this pair of wing back chairs for $150 {price for 2 chairs} but passed on them because by the time I bought the fabric to recover them and paid to have them reupholstered it would have costed a fortune.
I also found this really cool hutch and wanted to take it home. The thing is though…. I don’t need a hutch. 🙁
Furniture pieces I’d like to acquire this year:
- Coffee table for the family room
- Console, cupboard or sideboard for the one and only tv in our house which is in the family room. I could totally live without a television, but my husband says the tv stays.
- Long rectangular table for the craft room.
- Table for the formal dining room that nobody will ever sit in.
- A wing back chair for the family room.
- I’d also like to decorate the mantel in the keeping room as well as put up some sort of decoration above the other 3 fireplaces in the house. I’m not one for a lot of things on the walls, but it would be nice to throw up a little pilgrim bling on the plaster.
Goal #17 – 52 Dates with the HH {6 down, 46 to go}
For date day this week the HH and I not only had breakfast at the Cracker Barrel {Mamma’s Pancake Breakfast} but we also checked out a sugar shack and bought a jug of maple syrup. I’ll tell you about it next week. 🙂
Goal #18 — Take One Adult Education Class
Seriously thinking about asking a local bake shop if they will come let me work for free a few days a month in exchange for baking lessons.
Goal #19 — Secret {for now} Holiday Project
I am having second thoughts about the project I choose and wondering if I should continue the whole trial and error period or move on to something else. I didn’t really have a plan B going into this years secret holiday project so I’m not sure what to do at this point.
Goal #20 — Create 12 Wowie Zowie Party Platters
1 down 11 to go.
Goal #21 — Visit 12 General Stores
1 down 11 to go.
Currently looking for a good old fashioned general store between Hartford, CT and Sturbridge, MA. Any ideas?
Goal #22 — Compete with Carole….. Get on My Front Door Game On
Yesterday I had the HH cut out a shamrock out of some scrap wood we had in the garage but I didn’t get around to painting it so I’ll need to do that today. I love the way it looks, but the HH thinks the petals need to be bigger so people will be able to see it from the road. I think it will be fine once it’s painted.
Guys, they can be so funny. They try not to care about our little craft projects…. but they always seem to have an opinion. 😉
Front Door Bling I’ve Made So Far This Year to Compete with Carole:
Late January : Valentine Heart ♥
**************
How about YOU? What are your goals for 2019? If you told us about them HERE, check in! We want to know how you are doing. Because seriously, it’s so much easier to get those goals checked off your list when you have people rooting for you! 🙂
♥ Mavis
You can read more about my 22 goals for 2019 HERE.
Ani says
That hutch is GORGEOUS! I love the color they’ve chosen for the inside.
Beth Patry says
I say, the bakery idea is a good one. Isn’t that called bartering? But, if you get hurt while you are there for some reason, insurance could be tricky. But, I think you should ask. I also think you should be persistent with that secret goal of yours. I know you can make it work somehow.
Betsy says
I would buy the hutch. It is lovely and could work for your craft items. Nice statement piece
Mel says
If you already have a hutch, you could just paint the inside. Even if it doesn’t have doors, jars of jam on the shelves should keep it from being too much of a pop of color.
I couldn’t find the right fabric (it was discontinued) for my goal of sewing snow pants, so I’m changing that goal to sewing summer pants and shorts instead. My office is 80 degrees, and we’ll have maybe one more snow this season (if that), so summer pants are a better goal now since all my work clothes are heavier (I had to spend a fortune on sweaters in the fall when my office was running cold). I ordered summer-weight fabrics and bought my first sewing pattern (I usually make patterns or find free versions), so I’ll be able to start soon. And I’ll come back to snow pants later this year if I can find the right fabric.
It wasn’t an official goal, but I am also a bit tired with our door decor, so I bought a wreath frame and will use up some extra pip berries and branches to make an early spring wreath. I just need to pack up the last of our winter decorations.
Libby says
You’ll most likely be driving i84 between Sturbridge and Hartford. Rein’s New York Style Deli is FABULOUS and right off the highway in Vernon, CT. Here’s a link: http://www.reinsdeli.com/default.aspx
Not a general store suggestion, but I bet you would really like touring Mark Twain’s house in Hartford. He had it custom built and lived there with his family. It is rumored to be haunted! https://marktwainhouse.org/
Mavis Butterfield says
AWESOME! Thank you Libby.
Barb says
Re: Holiday project. If it’s not “calling” you any longer, bag it. You have so many other projects and interests, do you really want to spend time on something that no longer excites you?
Margery says
I look forward to this post every Sunday, and come back to check on the comments all day to see how others are doing in their goals. It is more fun when you have a group to encourage you, to get the things done that you said that you were going to. Here is my weekly update.
1. Read one non-fiction book per month :
OK I am just giving up on this goal, non fiction just isn’t inspiring right now. I have been enjoying a channel on You tube CrowsEyeProductions that show’s short films on dressing in the past, all the layers and how they were all assembled along with a bit of history. Makes the fiction I do enjoy reading come more alive.
2. Monthly date with the husband :
We did go on some family dates this month with the youngest who is the only one at home, as it was both my birthday and the husband’s this month. We did pull off an evening in our room with onion rings and chicken nuggets and watched the new show on Netflix the Umbrella Academy, while the son at home enjoyed Fortnight online with his brother who is 4 hours away at college.
3. Weekly Game Night :
This week it was just some two person games between Aidan and I ,as the husband was on odd work shifts so the games that I know how to play. This week since he is on a regular day shift we hope to fit in some chess lessons with Dad.
4. Try a new recipe each week –
This time I have been baking form this cookbook Baking With Friends I have made the Key Lime Squares, and the Chocolate Chip Muffins. The muffins used sour cream in them and they are the best Chocolate Chip muffins I have made, not to sweet and great with a cup of tea or glass of milk. The Key Lime bars were fast and easy to make I can see making them for a summer potluck or even just a summer dessert, even Aidan who can be very picky liked them. Next up I have two more cookbooks for this week, one using the electric pressure cooker and another that has a few chicken recipes I want to try.
5. Fall Garden- Spring Garden
Well the Cabbage, Broccoli and Bee Balm seeds were planted and have sprouted, today I will be planting the tomato and pepper seeds. The grow lights are working well and are not heating up so I feel okay leaving them on when we are not home. I did have to add some netting to the shelving unit where I have the grow lights as we have a puppy who likes to check everything out.
6. De-clutter-
Still working bit by bit, waiting till spring to get the garage de-clutter going. But did pick up some more boxes for under my bed, I got some last year on sale and they fit perfectly and was waiting for this years sale. I use them to store my tea cups and other decor that I switch out seasonally.
7. Loose some weight-
It wouldn’t be a list of goals with out at least one healthy living goal.
8. Learn a new skill –
This has been on past goal lists but this year I will learn to make soap. Still working on it.
9. Reduce trash-
During a break in the snow and cold I was able to get out to the compost bins to check on them and they look good. I do believe that I want to try worm composting this summer but need to do some more research. Thinking of adding a bin to the garage just for glass since we don’t have curbside recycling for that and that might help keep it in one spot.
10. A Financial goal-
I am not going to share to much on this publicly but I do have a saving goal.
Mavis Butterfield says
I want to learn to make soap too! 🙂
Tammy Apollo says
Have you looked at craigslist for your furniture? Great resource I’ve found. Especially for specific pieces
Mavis Butterfield says
Every.Single.Day. 🙂
LaToya says
Blerg.
Weight loss is at a stand still.
Also, I broke my knee.
So I have to be even more mindful now of what I eat to offset the immobility for now.
Annoying.
I have a reading goal too – because I haven’t read a book in like 20 years – and I’m truckin’ along on my second book.
Working for the baking lessons – fab idea!
We need to figure out this year’s garden here too. After your asparagus post I asked a local master gardener about growing it here. She said we could, but that it takes years for it to produce. Nah. I’m too impatient for that. I do want to grow something new though, so still thinking/and searching online for inspiration.
Mel says
Sorry to hear about your knee! You’d obviously want to check with your doctor, but I’ve heard you’re actually supposed to increase your calorie intake when you break a bone because healing requires so much energy. If that’s true, you might be able to eat about the same and not lose ground on weight loss.
In terms of growing something new, we’re doing saffron crocuses this year, so that might be an option depending on your zone. We had them before, but they were in the path of some trees we had to take out, so we need to replant. They are a fall blooming perennial crocus, and you use the red part in cooking (usually rice) and baking (St. Lucia buns and breads), so they wouldn’t need to go into the ground until later this year. And they spread over time, but you only use small quantities anyway, so you don’t need a huge number to start.
LaToya says
Saffron? I LOVE SAFFRON!
And eating more to heal? I LOVE EATING MORE – LOL; def gonna check in to that.
Mel says
Happy to help! We get our saffron crocuses from Baker Creek. They’re a little tedious to harvest, but the flowers are gorgeous, and it’s otherwise an extremely low maintenance crop, so it works out. And again, you don’t need a lot for most recipes.
Mavis Butterfield says
1. How did you break your knee?
2. I’ve always been to impatient for asparagus too but I’m going for it this year.
LaToya says
WWF: Walking While Fat. – – for serious.
Though I’m trying to think up something more exciting to tell people. :/ LOL!
Crystal says
Attacked by a mountain lion is my favorite for when people who have no business asking ask about an injury (like random people at the grocery store). Deliver in deadpan and then walk away while they try to come up with a response. Regardless of the injury, it is a great option.
CherylV says
Here in Colorado, attacked by a mountain lion is not far from the truth!
Mavis Butterfield says
I like the mountain lion idea and I’m pretty sure LaToya could pull off the delivery. HA!
LaToya says
LOVE IT.
And I think we have actually had some come down in to Boise, so it’s not totally far-fetched. Runnin’ with it!
E in Upstate NY says
With my hubby very ill, I couldn’t get out to the garden for days, and often missed asparagus prime cutting time. What I learned is that when the stalk has started to become a frond, the side growth looks like a tiny asparagus stalks. Yum, yum! just break them off and put into mouth! Doing this, the fern stem gets long before any side pieces, and getting to the ground for watering and weeding is actually easier.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you E in Upstate New York!
Mim says
Mavis, I think it was a wise decision to get a treadmill. Mine is the only thing that saves me from the winter weight gain. Boring, it’s true, but 40 minutes isn’t that long and it’s a good time to listen to an audiobook. My condolences to the HH if it’s assembly required….I think mine took a good 4 hours from unpacking to turning it on. Still, it’s absolutely doable and worth it.
But when you do walk outside on snow and ice, I recommend you wear a pair of ice cleats. My husband and I keep them on our barn boots all winter and believe me, they have saved us from many a fall when the driveway and barn yard are sheet ice. We use the Yaxtrax Pro, which has the advantage of a Velcro strap for extra security in keeping them on. (Helpful when you’re tromping through 2 feet of snow.) You can get them on Amazon.
Halfway through February! Spring is coming, truly! Well, by mid-April, anyway…
Mavis Butterfield says
We have been wearing the ice cleats which has been helpful. The HH and The Girl will be assembling the treadmill. 😉 I wouldn’t have the patience for it.
Marie says
Treadmills rock! Indoor exercising often bores me so I turn on a book, open a window and I’m “somewhere else” for 30 minutes!
Claudia says
LOVE LOVE LOVE that potting bench; HH wouldn’t happen to have any plans for building it would he? Even a napkin sketch would be awesome! Can’t wait to see your garden come summer!
Mavis Butterfield says
No, he just whipped it up but I will try and get some dimensions and take a better picture for you and share on my next garden update.
Stephanie N DeKeyser says
Have you made it down to Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, CT yet? (I can’t remember if you have, my apologies.) They have a very nice general store called Franklin’s (the fudge there is unbelievable). All the shops there are really neat and they have (or at least they did when I was there in the mid-2000’s) the sweetest little duck pond. I used to take my son there all the time when he was little. I suggest going there when it’s warmer out, since there are so many shops and neat places to look around in. And don’t miss the Scandinavian shop, Bestemor’s. I loved that place!
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, but we haven’t been to Franklin’s. I LOVE Mystic!
Gail N says
You should make red ware shamrocks and then fashion them into a wreath.
Lolly says
*We’re keeping up with our savings, which is great!!
*I don’t think I sewed at all this week. Nor did I even prep for sewing. But it’s been a crazy-busy week AND I didn’t hide for too long, either. I did putz around one morning, but durn it was the only time I wasn’t busy all week and I spent it chit chatting with friends…..so I kinda enjoyed my down time. 🙂
*I could’ve putzed another day, but chose instead to take care of some things at home, and it was good!
*I worked in the spare room (what was supposed to be the nursery).
I organized some in the closet, filled a bag to donate, and threw away a bag of stuff. I bought and cleaned and set up the bedding for that room. I also cleaned up the extra things that had gathered on the bed, lol.
*Dh and I had date night on wed, and we enjoyed time alone together fri-sat, too, while the kids spent the night at their friends.
Lolly says
Also, I saw a pin during the week for 52 different door wreaths….and all I could think was how much game Mavis could have with a new door decoration EVERY WEEK! lol. https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/wreath-for-every-week-of-the-year-pictures?fbclid=IwAR2B8Ad1e04IZNJ9APV1iaqWBz-1_dlRMNWoKY-yJksURKoYOPEKZqJF6LA&sf98393192=1&soc=fb
Mavis Butterfield says
The crushed can wreath!!!! She’d never see that coming.
Rebecca in MD says
Thanks so much for this link, Lolly. Lots of interesting ideas for wreaths here – – – – it would be fun, but I can’t imagine storing all those wreaths!
Lolly says
Me neither! And lol, I have exactly zero wreaths and zero front door decor. But I do have a window on the door, and I love the light that comes through….and something hanging there would block light, AND, with two kids banging in and out all day, it would possibly break the glass. But also, I’m pretty plain-jane with outside decor….so not having stuff on the door is ok for me. 🙂 I always see other people’s pretties, and they look nice for them.
Karen says
If you like mysteries try Louise Penny. She is a Canadian author and her stories take place in Quebec. The audible version is read by a man who has a wonderful French accent. The stories build on each other so it is nice to start with the first if possible. She develops the characters so well that they feel like old friends.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Karen, I’ll check them out.
Katie W says
Yes! Louise Penny is a favorite! I started her first book during the 2017 holidays and read right on through the series. I just finished up her latest that was out in November. Today she announced her next book will be out in August. Definitely read them in order 🙂
Mim says
Don’t know about Connecticut, but if you come back to VT, did you go to Gillinghams when you were in Woodstock? If you can get past the surreal $15 sandwich you had last time and visit again, it’s worth a stop. I think you would also like Billings Farm and Museum, which is wonderful. Oh dear, and then you should go to the Justin Merrill Homestead in Strafford…….
When you next go to King Arthur, be sure to stop at Dan and Whit’s in Norwich. Classic country store that goes on forever, has everything (okay, not bridal gowns), and has been a staple of the region for generations.
And of course, if you’re driving up 91, the Vermont Country Store in Weston is amazing. Check out their catalog to get an idea of what’s in store.
Does Lucy accompany you on all these trips?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes! We went in to Gillingham’s and it was lovely.
Dan and Whit’s in Norwich is on my list. The store looks AWESOME!
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/woodstock-vermont-the-cutest-downtown-ever-beautiful-homes-and-the-14-50-sandwich/
Donna El-Shazly says
There used to be a pretty good General Store in Granville MA- not sure if it’s still there as I live in Ohio now, but that area is home. While you are in the area be sure to stop at the Westfield whip manufacturing company in Westfield Massachusetts to get a taste of history from that area. It is a fascinating trip back into pre-Civil War manufacturing.
Becka says
I was actually attacked by my neighbors cat last summer and badly bitten on both hands and arms. I ended up spending two days in the hospital and had many shots and seven IVs. You would not believe the comments I heard after that experience.
Tracy says
Before you make yourself crazy trying to target walking 10,000 steps per day, keep in mind that the 10,000 number was a marketing invention, NOT something identified by the medical community. A manufacturer of a very early fitness machine could not develop calibration beyond “10,000” and so marketed that as the goal. And while I suspect more steps are better than fewer steps, the 10,000 is pure marketing fiction!
C Cannon says
So, Is Carole aware of this competition you are having? I sort of think she isn’t. If she ever finds out you have a blog and reads about this competition I do hope she has a sense of humor or ‘you got some ‘splainin to do Lucy’. hahaha
Katie W says
I love following your goals and your new adventure in the NE! I didn’t get any books at the library this weekend either! I’m trying to hold off for as long as possible since I spent a ton of Christmas money on increasing my personal library 🙂 I see you have The Four Tendencies on your list! I really enjoyed that book – I’m a questioner! I did get The Greatest Showman on DVD though – hubs and I have never seen it, but have been meaning to. I’ve been working on making more time at night to do my crafty projects after the kids go to bed, rather than zoning out on Facebook. So far I’ve finished a crochet blanket for my mom and am about 80% done with a baby blanket for my little girl due in May. Next up I’ve got a fun London cross stitch pattern.
Christy says
Mavis, what Proform treadmill did you buy? How did you decide on it?
Melissa says
In Union CT, Traveler’s Restaurant. Rustic look, giant library- ready and a free book!
If you haven’t been, I think you will enjoy. 🙂
https://m.facebook.com/Traveler-Restaurant-234049429993458/
Julia Tracey says
I ditto the commenters who say “buy that hutch” and “ditch the Holiday Project”. Does it spark joy? SKIP IT.
Would you consider fabric painting a wingback chair? Look at Pinterest — there are lots of good ideas there.
My goals:
*Bakeries: I’ve visited 3 of 12 new bakeries.
*Restaurants: We’ve been to one new restaurant and one new bar, out of 12.
*Get healthy: I have lost 3 pounds since beginning of the year and started jogging (trotting?) about 10 days ago. I’m enjoying it much more than I expected to. Six weeks til my 5K! (Smart move with the treadmill. Also consider humidity and bugs in summer. You may use this more than you expected to.)
* Have written 5 out of 52 letters for the year so far. (Sending cards counts.)
* Have written one poem and one essay for the year; a dozen each is the goal. (I have a friend who is writing 100 poems PER MONTH. I can’t keep up!
Thanks for keeping yourself honest, and for keeping us honest along with you.
Torry says
1. Sew: I started cutting out the squares to make fabric corner bookmarks as found on the blog, Crafty Staci. She makes the instructions clear and concise, and I’ve decided that everyone on my gift list will get one. I will say that it took only minutes to get the squares cut out with my Accuquilt Go Cutter. So a win! This has been the easy goal for me!
2. Use up my fabric stash: I used only fabric I already had for the bookmarks, so hurrah!
3. Find and finish half done projects. I have them corralled and will be trying to get them done in the summer.
4.Walk every day: Well, I was going to moan over my knee; However, since I didn’t actually break it, I guess I should just be quiet. However, I couldn’t put any weight on it and when my friend brought me home, my husband wouldn’t even let me in the house. He just put me in the car and took me to urgent care. So my Friday was shot. It still really, really hurts. I have to see an orthopedic doctor to see what actually happened. Severe arthritis may be the issue, but might not be as X-rays only show the bones and not the soft tissue.
5. 1 new recipe each week. Nope.
6. Clean more often. I did get cleaning done before the knee went over to the dark side.
7. Husband date night. Well, he went to the Flight Museum without me on Saturday because of the knee damage. But he went out of his way to get me egg bagels. Every bite has been a love message.
8. Read more: Several magazines, two craft books, some recipe books, and 3 fiction.
9. Retire?? I had decided not to , but my knee is making me think twice. Sigh.
The knee is also why I’m late on doing this!