Kainga, where Roses bloom, life is lived at a gentler pace.Living Simply, doing all those good things like stitching, gardening, cooking and reading.

Monday, October 3, 2011

"Makes Me Happy Monday"

Hello and a very Happy Monday to you.

This week I am happy to be crocheting again. I was recently given some thread and pattern books. I chose this little pattern called "Petal."


The pattern needed 25 grams of thread and the balls come in 20grams each. So I decided to make the centre petal out of white thread. I have two more petals to do then it comes to joining them together then doing several rows for the border. I am using a Coats thread in size 20 with a Number 1.00 hook.

On Sunday I took a drive with Mum to an open garden that was part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme that was open in Gidgegannup. The property was on several acres and the garden was watered by tank and bore water. They have a much larger annual rainfall then us but never the less it was interesting to see the garden. They had the same problems a lot of gardeners do. That is it keeps growing and the fences have to be moved.


I loved how they had trimmed the Rosemary bush. We have lots of Rosemary growing here at Kainga so must give this a try. Rosemary is one of the easiest plants to grow by cuttings.



There were many interesting and unusual things to see in the garden. I loved this Pencil Sculpture. It is very creative. Visiting gardens always makes me happy. Of course I couldn't come home without buying some plants and purchased a pot of Agapanthus from the plant stall.

Now you never know what you will find here on "Makes Me Happy Monday" postings. It can range from patchwork, family, roses, stitching etc and of course the unusual. This week I have one of the best hints you are ever going to read.  I knew there had to be a better way of doing things. So after some brainstorming and trials. I introduce you to the best cleaning tip ever.


Now if you thought I was going to say get someone else to clean. Well yes that is a great tip. I have found out that "Citric Acid" is the best cleaner for the edge around the hot plate on the stove top. Just put some on where it needs cleaning and use a damp steel wool to scrub of all that brown muck. Just make sure the stove top isn't hot. Believe me you don't want to be breathing this stuff in. You will be coughing like billy-o. I have also found out that "Citric Acid" is great for cleaning the grout on your tiled floors. Just shake some on the grout and wet with some water and use your tile brush to remove the grime. Citric Acid can be bought in bulk if needed and this certainly would be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than the  cleaning stuff you buy in the supermarket.

I hope you all have a very Happy Monday.

Happy days.
Bev C

13 comments:

Michelle said...

I love visiting other peoples gardens too... very clever way to trim the Rosemary! We have our annual Rhodo festival coming up lot's of gardens to visit... cant wait! Thanks for the cleaning tip I will definitely try this one out.
Blessings

Anonymous said...

Bev what great information about cleaning,i have citric acid so i will give it a ago,thankyou

marina said...

can't wait to see that doilie finished. It makes me want to get out my crochet hook too!
Too much quilting to do I am afraid...
Lovely garden pics, thanks for the cleaning tip.

Ullan tilkut said...

Hi! Greetings from Finland! Thank you for your lovely blog! Your works are fantastic!!! It's so nice to find other quilters from the other side of the world!! :)

Melody said...

Thank you for the cleaning hints. I too, love the Open Garden scheme. So many beautiful gardens to enjoy.

Terriaw said...

Wow, beautiful crochet project! I do love to crochet too, so I might have to find a project to cozy up with in front of the fireplace. Always love seeing garden art - clever sculpture with those pencils!

Sally said...

Loving that pink... and I'm not an especially pink person. Looking forward to seeing all the petals joined together.
YAY the rosemary bush - isn't that uber cool.

...and citric acid has now been put on the shopping list. The floor grout in the bathroom the kids use is disgusting. The entire bathroom is grotty except for the five minutes after I clean it - but the grout needs a good scrub down. Thanks for sharing.

rosie said...

I love that you are doing some heirloom crocheting Bev! Can't wait to see it finished.. Love the hint about citric acid, must pass that one on to family.. Have a lovely day.xx

Nat Palaskas said...

Happy Monday and the whole week Bev. Love your pink rose - Hugs Nat

Sweet Cinnamon Stitches said...

Your crocheting looks beautiful Bev....the pink cotton is a gorgeous colour!
Cheers....Jane.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Happy crocheting Bev...not much stitching happening here...I have 2 grandies here!!! Good tip on the citric acid...must try that!!!

Bobbie Lynn said...

Hi Bev,
Can't wait to see your completed crotched doilie. Thanks for showing that rosemary hedge. It's amazing how fast and large they can grow. I have tried growing them in containers, but they do not do well at all.
Have a wonderful day. Good to hear that you and your Mom had a nice outing.
Blessings.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Pretty crochet! I would love to have those big pencils in my garden!I have never heard of citric acid..........I will have to do some research. blessings,Kathleen