Watercolor Stream

Movie Review-Marmaduke

2012-02-17T01:30:00.000-05:00

We had recorded this movie because HBO gave a free weekend. It was a lighthearted comedy, and as I say you can't go wrong with animals that talk and dance. Marmadukes family had moved to California and he was trying to fit in the best he could being a big and tall dog. They would go to a dog park where they had the dog cool guys, nerdy dogs, silly dogs, dogs that exaggerate. He got into the "cool" crowd but it just went to his head. He had a party while the family was away and they tore up the house. It had a fun ending. We got lots of laughs and it's great to watch with boys-no matter what-farts are always funny.

Take a look:

Such the Colors

2012-02-15T01:30:00.000-05:00

I put this salad together so that we can pack it in our lunches each day. Adding that purple cabbage gives it such a pleasing look. I used my salad spinner so that it would stay nice and dry. Put some chicken on it and something crunchy-I used tortilla strips and its quite tasty and healthy.

I love potato soup. The Pampered Chef chopper works great on potatoes and gives it a decorative edge too.

Boil the potatoes with some salt and a few chicken bouillon cubes.

Make a nice white sauce to add and you have some soup to take for lunch during the week along with the salad.

As Mr. Food says......Oh so good!

Valentine Card Extravaganza

2012-02-13T22:26:00.001-05:00

My 3 stamping friends, Theresa, Toni Michelle and myself got together on Saturday and made valentine cards.

Here they are......

Hope you all have a wonderful valentines day also.

only if you're a cat lover

2012-02-07T01:30:00.000-05:00

Sebastian just makes me smile when he starts to play.

He has no finesse.

He was a stray who was so hungry and ragged looking when he picked our house to beg at.

I think word got out in the cat world that this lady was easy pickens.

She already had two cats so there was some cat food around to share.

He was tenacious enough and sweet and had the cutest face that he won me over.

I waited a month to see if he was house worthy, and he kept getting into fights and would be there the next morning with new scraps. We took him down to the vet, for all his shots and "fixins" and the vet said' this can't hurt as bad as getting into fights all the time'.

When he plays we are never really sure if he will give us a good bite or not. He hasn't totally lost that street cat mentality. It took awhile for us to train him not to bite, his nickname used to be "snapper". Now we call him Cabot. From Mr. French and the Family Affairs days of television.

He is a good guard cat. When ever he hears a noise that is not usual, he gets down, starts growling and walks around finding the source, like he is going to "kick their butt".

I am getting his picture framed to put into the Artlink exhibition of Animal Images. He is certainly gallery worthy.

A Vera Bag

2012-02-06T01:30:00.000-05:00

Recently I was given this Vera Brandly shopping tote with a gift inside it.

I hadn't even known that Vera had come out with this line but I absolutely love it.

It's made of that vinyl material and so beautiful!

Sunflower Card

2012-02-05T01:30:00.000-05:00

Here are the tools it took to make this sunflower card.

The Quickstick is a new one that I just purchased. It worked really well.

The one end has a poker that can be pulled out to be used separately. One end is pointed and the other is similar to a scraper.

The top of the Quickstick can be twisted to have a little bit of tacky substance emerge that aids in picking up (in my case) rhinestones, buttons, punched paper, etc. It helped immensely with the rhinestones and the placement of them. I would recommend one of these. It was $6.99.

The stamps I used:

The stem is Stamps by Judith

The Leaves and Flower are from Outlines

The great pot is from Endless Creations

and the saying is from Studio G

I embossed the white paper with my Cuttlebug

and used Tombow and Marvy Markers to color.

I love the foam tape, it is an item I don't like to run out of.

Corner cupboard treasures

2012-02-04T01:30:00.000-05:00

I was putting away some items in my corner cupboard and saw these treasures that I had not pull out for a while.

I was at a gift store in Indianapolis and saw these little hand blown hearts of many different colors.

I just had to have them. They had so many to choose from.

The green glass is Lake Erie Sea Glass from a vacation near Cleveland. I am always facinated by it.

These are butter pats. They are a great thing to collect because there are so many designs and usually they cost no more than $10.00. The hunt is always the most fun. Here is a nice history about butter pats.

Logo

2012-02-03T01:30:00.000-05:00

I put together this logo for a friend who is the head of the Allen County Water and Sewer District. They will use it for letterhead, business cards, door logo maybe even the wall.

Three

2012-02-02T01:30:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night our (great) nieces and nephew came to visit for a while.

Bedtime came and it took a while to fall asleep but they finally made it.

Sleeping children are so sweet to look at.

Too Cute

2012-02-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

I had to get a new flash drive for the digital imaging class. I found this guy at Office Depot and he was too cute for words. I even loved his little USB tag on the chain. He can hold 4 GB's.

Cookies-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-05:00

I took an oatmeal cookie recipe and added my own twist to it.

Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip

3/4 melted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cloves

3 cups quick cooking oatmeal

1/2 bag mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix thoroughly melted butter, sugars, egg, water and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Spray cookie pans with canola oil. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 1 inch apart onto baking sheet. Bake 13 minutes, let cool 1 minute and take off and put on cooling rack. Store in tightly covered container. ~ Approximately 5 dozen cookies.

The family gave the recipe a thumbs up.

Sam took the crumbs, put them in a bowl with ice cream and chocolate syrup.

Relief on Tag Board

2012-01-29T17:43:00.002-05:00

In my 3D Design class the assignment is to choose a picture and do a relief of it.

Here are my tools. A self sealing cutting mat, a bone folder, an 18 inch metal ruler with cork on the back, pencil and exacto knife.

The relief has to cover the whole length of the tag board. I chose this parrot because I decided I could use dimension with his tail feather and wings.

I am partially done and don't think it looks bad for my first try.

Later I will share the finished product.

I shot these by my front window, natural lighting makes such a difference!

(Later on this evening)

No more natural lighting, but here is my finished product.

It turned out ok-at least no pencil lines are showing. That was very important.

We will see what she says about it.

A New Semester

2012-01-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

I am two weeks into the new semester. Two art classes this time, Digital Design and 3-D Design. I am really going to learn the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop and also my DSLR Camera. I have already learned about Camera Raw which was a totally foreign term to me. I cannot use the auto setting on my camera now, but have to manually adjust my settings and then fix it in Photoshop. I was getting frustrated because I cannot find enough light and we cannot use flash because it takes away from the shadows. Then the light lit up above my head and BAZINGA-I can make it brighter in Photoshop. I just have to wrap my mind around this and hope I become fast, because auto just does the thinking for you.

The project for 3-D design that is due on Monday is taking a design and on the 2-D paper and cutting with an exacto knife and folding to make the design 3 Dimensional. I will share pictures of that tomorrow.

This little bear is probably 16 years old. As always in the process of organizing, cleaning and purging I found him. My Mom made a whole bunch of these to sell somewhere and of course she let us choose a favorite. I can see why I took this little guy as his fabric had little red hearts. When I found him one of his arms were loose and bow tie was in disarray. I fixed his arm and gave him a new bow tie. The bathroom always has bright lights and I liked the reflection in the faucets. It still wasn't bright enough so I adjusted it in photoshop. He makes me smile.

I love this plaque that was given to me by my niece and nephew brought from either England or Scotland. I really enjoy things that are pottery and painted. It is sitting where you can see it when you come in the front door.

I made it brighter and used a filter to achieve the look I wanted.

New Recipe-Chicken Spinach Parmesan

2012-01-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

This is the picture from the book, even though I had some spinach I didn't use it. I wanted the family to eat it. This recipe was very tasty and so fast. It was a great recipe to use for after work.

The recipe is for one chicken breast so just increase it by how many chicken breasts you have. .

Chicken-spinach Parm

1 T. Olive Oil

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 T. Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

1 tsp Parmesan, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

1 small clove garlic, crushed

1/4 c marinara sauce

3 handfuls baby spinach leaves

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

As the oil is heating, pound the chicken to 1/2 inch thickness, then sprinkle with bread crumbs, cheese, salt and pepper, pressing so the crumbs stick.

Place in the pan with the garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Top with hot marinara. Add the spinach, turning frequently with tongs until it wilts (about 6 minutes.)

I also made whole wheat penne pasta and put marinara sauce on it too. I then had some breadsticks and frozen peas.

Book Review-Heaven is for Real

2012-01-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

This book was a very quick and easy read, approximately 3 hours. It was written by Todd Burpo who is a Wesleyan Church Pastor in Nebraska. His son who was not quite 4 at the time had his appendix burst and then abcess. The little boy, Colton was very, very sick by the time the doctors operated. They were sceptical that he would even make it through the surgery. At the time of the surgery both parents were in separate rooms, the mother talking on the phone and praying and the father, praying and raging at God. Colton did make it through the surgery. A few months later Colton started to reveal what happened to him while he was in surgery. He went out of his body and met Jesus and many other people he had not met before. He would describe what Heaven was like, what Jesus looked like and many other interesting facts. He also revealed what his mother and father were doing while he was in surgery, something he could not have known and they had not shared. There were many things in this book to make you think about. I enjoyed it immensley.

Mandarin Orange Salad

2012-01-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

I took this recipe to my sisters house for Christmas. It had a nice flavor and was really easy to transport.
She asked me for the recipe, and I am happy to be of service.

Mandarin Orange Salad

1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted

1/4 head iceberg lettuce

1/4 head romaine lettuce

1 cup chopped celery

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp salt

2 T. sugar

1/4 c. canola oil

1/8 tsp. red pepper sauce

1 T. parsley

11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained

tear lettuce into bite size pieces, wash, dry and place into a plastic zip lock bag along with the celery.

In a container place the onion powder, pepper, salt sugar, canola oil, red pepper sauce and parsley, cover tightly and shake.

Place the mandarine oranges in a separate container and the toasted almonds in a separate container.

5 minutes before serving put dressing, mandarin oranges and almonds in the bag and shake until coated.

Place in a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Decoration organizing

2012-01-08T21:39:00.000-05:00

The tree came down this weekend.

I bet many feel the same way-that it looks so bare.

But it is nice to get the floor swept and things all cleaned up.

I found these great decoration organizers, called Snapware.

I have a small container like this and it was so handy that when I found these at K-mart I snatched up all they had, which was 4.

It has these cardboard dividers that you can make into smaller or bigger dividers.

Each container has two layers that snap together.

Then it has a lid that snaps on with a handle for easy carrying.

They worked as well as I thought they would.

memories

2012-01-06T06:01:00.001-05:00

My Dad would have been 87 today.

He has been gone almost 17 years and I can't picture him as an elderly person.

As you can tell he had a great laugh, and I really miss that.

Happy Birfday Dad.

We're thinking of you.

Two More Recipes

2012-01-05T21:28:00.000-05:00

More recipes from The Men's Health Big Book of Food and Nutrition.
Banana-Blueberry Smoothie

3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1/4 cup 1% milk

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 banana

2 tsp vanilla whey powder protein

6 ice cubes

1. combine ricotta, milk, blueberries, banana and protein powder in a blender.

2. Then add, ice and puree until smooth.

I have had this the past two mornings and just love it. It's nice and smooth and thick but not too sweet.

Canoodling Turkey Soup

4 oz. whole wheat noodles

1 T. canola oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 tsp. dried sage

1 lb ground turkey breast

32 oz. fat free chicken broth

4 cups water

1 T. balsamic vinegar

salt to taste

6 oz. baby spinach leaves.

pepper to taste

1. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Meanwhile in a pot over medium heat, warm the oil.

3.Add the onion, carrot, and the celery along with the sage to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Add the turkey, cook breaking up the turkey with the back of the spoon, until the turkey is no longer pink.

5. Add the broth, water, vinegar and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until hot. Do not boil.

6. Stir in the spinach and noodles.

7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serves 6

I had first used low sodium chicken broth and had to add salt anyways. I do not like the dish to be bland and with the turkey breast it was. After the salt was added this had a really nice, and tasty broth.

I hope you try and like these! [

How many

2012-01-04T22:11:00.002-05:00

Can you see.

They like to join us watching tv.

The excitement is just too much.

Meat Loaf tonight

2012-01-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

The Mens Health cookbook offered a meatloaf recipe that was fantastic. I didn't take a picture because it looked like any other meatloaf. Here is the recipe though:

Mom's Meatloaf

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 T. lemon juice

1 tsp. mustard powder

2 pounds lean ground beef

2-3 slices of whole grain bread pulled into tiny pieces

3/4 tsp onion powder

1 egg

1. preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. cover the inside bottom and sides of a 9 X 13 pan with foil

3. In a small bowl. mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice and mustard powder. Set aside.

4. In a large bowl mix together the ground beef, bread, onion, egg and 1/2 of the ketchup mixture.

Dump into the prepared pan and mound like a loaf. Bake for 1 hour.

5. Coat the top with the remaining ketchup mixture and bake for 10 additional minutes.

The texture was really smooth. I don't know if it had anything to do with the lemon juice, because I have never used it in meatloaf, but I would definitely use this recipe again.

Along with it we had the previous nights muffins, a baked potato and a salad with peas, carrots, celery and a little shredded cheese. A nice comfortable meal.

Oatmeal Muffins

2012-01-03T06:21:00.000-05:00

It was back to work today after 11 heavenly days off. I came home to make supper, with 3 hungry men wondering what it was going to be. One thing this year I wanted to do was make more thoughtful, healthier meals, so here is what I came up with.

Chicken Thighs and Legs with the skin removed and with Shake and Bake on each.

Baked in a foil lined 9 X 15 pan.

Frozen Peas (my favorite)

multigrain pasta bowties with a little butter and garlic pepper seasoning

oatmeal muffins

I thought I would share this recipe.

It turned out really well and is just slightly sweet.

Oatmeal Muffins

1 cup quick oats

1 cup buttermilk (I always keep the dried buttermilk on hand)

1 egg

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup white flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3/4 cup craisins (any dried fruit will do that you have on hand)

Made 15 muffins

Mix all ingredients and spoon into muffin papers 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

If you try these let me know what you think.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

A new start.

Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year.

The baby stamp is Baby Jane from Sweet Stamps.

A front came through today and it is now windy and cold. There were even tiny little white caps on the pond.

family sign

2011-12-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

I found this while Christmas shopping. I liked the message and the colors.

Sebastian

2011-12-29T13:48:00.000-05:00

I finished up a painting I had started earlier in the year.

Getting Ready for the New Year

2011-12-28T13:00:00.001-05:00

I found this book at Barnes and Noble bookstore yesterday. I thought it might jumpstart our way to healthy eating for the new year. I have no big resoulutions, just always trying to lose some pounds and cook healthy for my family. This book had easy to read font, large, colorful photos, LOTS of good tips. We will see how it goes.

Here is my new clean address book. My old one was looking pretty dingy.

The new purse calendar.

I am all ready for 2012!

Bring it on!

Gifts

2011-12-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

Here are a few treasures that I received this year.

I love this big fat bird from my niece Angie. He is sitting under a table in the foyer right now. When it turns warm he will probably make his way near some flowers.

We were given this beautiful ornament. I thought it was too pretty to put away so it went on the cross wall.

This is a bookmark. I am enjoying it in the little glass vase on my bedside table.

Kevin made this box in shop class. I think he did a great job and am so glad that I received it.

It is right now holding new Detroit Lions key chain from Sam. (Go Lions!)

Also from my niece some Polish Pottery. My coffee will be so tasty in that mug. The little woman will be holding cinnamon sugar. My sister Linda gave to me the Noah's Ark Santa. Every inch has something interesting to see. I especially like the cats in the doorway of the ark.

When we were in Detroit I picked up a couple Christmas Gifts from Tom to me. I wanted something with color to put on the fireplace mantle. This nice vase is a Pewabic Pottery.

This large plate is just the right color to go with the window valances and it will also be on the mantle after the decorations come down. Also Pewabic Pottery.

Tom saw me admiring this bottle. It has coconut pieces floating throughout and it is so pretty.

I love coconut rum in my diet coke.

Christmas Week

2011-12-27T22:08:00.000-05:00

Taken before we opened our gifts to each other on Christmas Eve. I always like to get a picture of them in front of the Christmas Tree for their scrapbooks.

I get this week off between Christmas and New Years every year because USF is closed. I so look forward to it. It is so nice to wake up and know I don't have to get ready for work. I can leisurely drink my coffee and think about what I want to do today. On my "to do" list was to watch The Help. Sam loves to watch movies and he will always watch them with me, so he joined me with this movie. I had read the book and equally enjoyed the movie. We went to the mall today and went to Barnes and Noble, ate at Cheddars, went to Phils Hobby Shop, Target-they have some of the best Christmas paper and I wanted to get some for half price. There was not a roll left and it's only two days after Christmas! Sam and I plan to go see the Twilight movie that's out, and he has it planned that we will go out to eat, watch a movie and play monopoly till the ball drops on New Years Eve.

The only bad thing about this week is that 3 out of 4 of us are battling a rotten cold.

Book Review-Dewey the Library Cat

2011-12-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

This book was given to my by my friend Leah last year. I needed to pick up something light since all I had been looking at for 5 months were text books. Oh my gosh, I fell in love with it. It was a two day read.

Dewey Readmore Books started out as just a tiny dirty kitten that was put into the book return slot at the Spencer Iowa Public Library on one of the coldest days of the year. This book is more than a story about a cat, its about a town and a family. It was just a feel good, heartwarming story. Dewey lived a good long life, he touched many people at the library and around the world. It was amazing how his story snowballed to world wide fame from tiny Spencer Iowa.

From the reviews on the back of the book there was one from W.P. Kinsella, author of Shoeless Joe-and yes I recognized the name from Field of Dreams-another Iowa setting. "I loved this heartwarming story, with a five-hankey ending, that is not just about an extraordinary cat, but of the resilience and humanity of the people of Iowa."

Final Photography Project

2011-12-27T21:02:00.000-05:00

Classes ended for the fall semester on December 14th for me.We had to show our final project. It was supposed to be a photo story. I chose the topic of porches. I decided that you could tell a lot about the inhabitants of the house by their porch. I walked up and down the streets of our historic west central neighborhood in Fort Wayne because the have some fabulous old houses with neat porches. It was a very sunny cool fall afternoon. I walked and took pictures from 2:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon, when most people weren't home. I didn't want to have to explain myself. The sun was my friend that day and offered great shadows. I took 3 rolls of 36 exposure film and had to choose 5 images.

This one I chose for the humor value. I loved their gnome standing sentry at the front door. Also the plaque on the door had a funny Halloween face on it. The house had four mailboxes so it had been made into apartments. So I wondered who was the person who added the interest on the front porch.

This one I chose especially for the easy chair. Also if you look closely a couple of walls have a diamond pattern painted design. I have been told this is kind of a party house.

I liked this one because it was so different from the others. It was pretty no nonsense with old kitchen chairs, discarded cardboard boxes and empty beer bottles. To me it seemed liked a definite mans house with not a touch of a woman at all.

This was a fabulous, patriotic porch, with pretty wicker furniture but they needed to keep something in with their extra gate. It could be a child or a pet.

I chose this for the shadows, the flag and the built in bench. The broken pumpkins were to feed the squirrels. I saw many eating from pumpkins like these along the streets. For being a small porch it had a lot of personality right down to its seasonal wreath on the door.

Christmas Goodies

2011-12-27T20:09:00.000-05:00

I love, love, love this cutout recipe. It was given to us for a wedding gift and I have used it every year (31). It needs no refrigeration, is just the right texture and consistency every time. The flavor is out of this world. I make, cutout and bake and the rest of the family decorates.

Someone got a little crazy with the red hots.

I use lots of dipping chocolate on my peanut butter balls. They are not beautiful but they are sooo goood.

Here is some monkey bread. I used Pillsbury Grands Biscuits and cut them into fourths. Melted margarine and rolled them to coat, poured the rest of the ingredients into a bag. Added the buscuits and SHOOK IT UP. Put them into a bunt pan and Whala...this is what cha get. It was oh so good too.

I also made some Cinnamon Sticks...thank you Suzy Smith. Chocolate Chip cookie recipe but instead used mini Reese Peanut Butter Cups. Haystacks, Waffle Pretzels with kisses and pecans on top. We are just rolling around this house right now.

This Morning

2011-12-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

Little bit of ice on the pond, little bit of snow and a little bit of pink in the sky.

How serene!

decorating around the house

2011-12-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

Every year the Nativity goes in a different place.

I didn't have a nearby nail to hang the angel so I put an angel that my niece Wendy had made.

She is looking over everyone.

I made this set 31 years ago. Some pieces are chipped, some heads have been glued back on, but it's still a favorite of mine. It brings back memories of quiet nights I was home by myself, when Tom was working.

Baby Jesus

Since I have my tall bookcase this year, the Santas fit well on it.

This church I made the next year after the Nativity. I haven't put it out for a while. In fact the boys asked where it came from. I guess they didn't remember it.

The corner cabinet with the snowmen.

A gaggle of snowmen?

This whimsy Santa Tom gave me one year.

A Heartwood Creek Santa by Jim Shore

An old friend made this for me one year.

Wonderful Crosstitching!

My Mom poured these out of plaster of paris.

Painted and stained these Santas.

She made one for all her kids.

She was a very crafty lady.

Tom has a little tree with shiny ornaments in his box window.

It adds to the decor of the front of the house.

Crosses

2011-12-10T08:36:00.000-05:00

When we were in Detroit over Thanksgiving we stopped at the Solanus Casey Center. I try to find interesting crosses and thought this one was very nice.

This one I found at a florist. It has replicas of the roman nails that were used to crucify Christ.

Tree Pretties

2011-12-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

Here is a better picture of Mr. Wise Owl. I like him so well he is going to stay out all year round. We can always use more wisdom in the house.

This is handpainted.

Another handpainted ornament.

I have red ones just like this too. Picked them up at the dollar store.

Here is new Mr. Cardinal. Isn't he handsome.

Here is Gloria on top of our tree. I picked her up in 1981 on a shopping trip to Chicago at Carson-Pierie-Scott. Hopefully she will be handed down as a family heirloom.

Like this little fella. He was bought in 1951 by my Mom and Dad. His name is Wee Willie Wand.

Pretties

2011-12-09T22:47:00.000-05:00

I was on the lookout for a nice red wreath for my black door.

It is quite stunning.

Mr. Snowman greets at the front door.

Little kids loved to see him sticking up out of the cart on the way to checkout.

I just love houses.

I found this little block at Pewabic Pottery.

Geninne offered some original watercolors for sale. I bought the Cardinales and got them framed to hang in my bedroom. I love them!

Feel Good Alert

2011-12-02T14:02:00.002-05:00

The Walton's show was 40 years ago! Can you believe it. The cast members look great!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A Feel Good Alert

2011-12-02T09:35:00.003-05:00

I Love Animal Stories especially when it comes to the military.

The Christmas Tree is up

2011-11-30T22:24:00.000-05:00

The tree is tall to fit the great room

My new owl for the tree.

Visiting the Fords

2011-11-30T22:20:00.003-05:00

On Friday we visited the Edsel and Eleanor Ford home.

That is Lake St. Clair in the background.

I think that lake is fabulous!

Josephines playhouse given to her by her grandmother.

It cost $15000.00 to build

Here we are inside Josephines playhouse by the Christmas Tree.

Notice how close we are to the ceiling.

Our friend Nancy and her sister Mary.

Playhouse

This is the entrance house. It was used for Security.

Out the Hotel Window in Detroit

2011-11-30T22:11:00.000-05:00

The Detroit River

A Pretty November 25th.

Looking out the 19th floor hotel room.

Thanksgiving Day Football Game

2011-11-30T22:05:00.000-05:00

Televised Thanksgiving Day football game between Lions and Green Bay Packers.

Unfortunately they lost, but they had a huge crowd.

Nickleback was the halftime performace.

It was so so-not like last year with Kid rock.

Audience participation

Thanksgiving Morning Walk

2011-11-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

We were leaving our hotel to walk down to the start line.

Thanksgiving morning in Detroit was a cool, breezy, foggy morning.

I liked this tow truck with the old english D in the back window.

An imposter

Some elves who were going to walk in the parade.

quite a crowd in front of the Spirit of Detroit

Raggedy Ann made an appearance.

Fog going up

Donald and Daisy Duck

Happy 20th!

2011-11-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Day was Sam's 20th birthday.

To a wonderful sweet son-We Love You.

Mom and Dad

New Banner

2011-11-13T17:38:00.000-05:00

I hope you like my new banner I painted today.

I needed make something to go with the season.

This picture was taken on a frosty morning a couple of weeks ago, and I loved the red trees.

The banner was created from this image.

Pictures from the week

2011-11-13T17:10:00.000-05:00

Someone made himself comfortable.

What a fabulous full moon this was.

It looked like it was going to land on the house!

Snowman Head

2011-11-13T17:03:00.000-05:00

I went to a Christmas Open House and ordered this guy.

He is quite handsome.

We even has a little snow flying through the air a couple of days ago.

It's amazing how the weather can change so fast around here.

Photo Assignment-Recreate Art

2011-11-13T16:58:00.000-05:00

A Recent Photography Assignment was to recreate a work of art through photography.

I Chose Vincent Van Gogh's Dr. Gachet.

Here is Kevin with a sad look.

I was happy with the outcome.

Here is the original painting.

Halloween Faces 2011

2011-10-31T19:53:00.000-04:00

It was a cool Halloween night.

We had a visit from Scooby Doo.

Spiderman, Cat Woman and Super Woman, with all the crime fighters, it was a safe trick or treat night.

A Lady Bug and Cleopatra

A Smurf and a BumbleBee

A Princess and an Ostrich

Closeup of the pretty princess

Superman

The Princess's pretty shoes

Anna Banana

Padre

A Bookworm

The Joker and Princess in Pink

CamoKevin and His sidekick Tom

New Quilt Book

2011-10-31T06:34:00.000-04:00

I found a new quilt book at the grocery store this weekend.

It has so many pretty ideas that all use scraps.

I picked out a couple that I liked. I could have scanned the whole book.

This is highly recommended.

Photography assignment

2011-10-30T23:31:00.000-04:00

The assignment was creative printing and hand coloring.

The picture below was made from two negatives that I had already taken.

It is sandwiching the two in the enlarger and using filters to make the picture.

It is a heart that my sister had given me and the family bible.

This is Sebastian in the sunlight. This picture did not develop well and so I decided to make it better by hand coloring.

I made it his fairytail land. He used to be an outdoor cat and these were the things that he dreams of chasing again.

The next picture developed really well and I just took some things that he uses alot, like his phone and watch. Then I used colored pencils to make his shirt orange. I added all the elements of hobbies that he likes to do or watch I guess you could call them his passions.

The other picture I developed was of an old building and I scratched up the negative and then used waxed paper while developing the picture to make it look really old.

canned gifts

2011-10-30T16:25:00.000-04:00

This weekend we had some friends over for dinner. They brought us some of their canned goods from their garden. There is so much work that goes into canned goods and the colors are so beautiful. It is truly a work of art.

From left to right. Dilled Green Beans-I have been told they are good in Bloody Marys. Bar B Q Sauce, Salsa (We received both spicy and mild), Sauerkraut and Zesty Sweet Pickles.

Thank you Suzy and Steve for the wonderful gift.

A Day with the Girls

2011-10-23T21:18:00.002-04:00

Today we four gals who love to stamp got together at my house to make some cards.

Below is our controlled mess. We all know where our personal space ends and can find our "stuff" immediately.

We always have lots of fun when we get togerher.

A card Michelle made.

Here are some Halloween cards for her kids.

This is the inside.

This is a tree that she made all blingy.

These are decorated candy boxes.

A Pretty card made by Toni.

This is a Penny Black card called Peppermint Polly made by Toni.

A Denami apple basket.

A scoop of Denami Ice Cream made by Theresa.

A beautiful fall tree by Theresa.

Denami Triple blue flowers.

And an embossed card on vellum by Theresa.

A Halloween card made by me.

A lovely bunge jumper by me.

A lovely card with new ink.

Another version with different colors for the flowers.

We are able to get together twice a year for this, usually October and February.

Photography class

2011-10-16T23:03:00.000-04:00

We are working on portraits this week. This is one that I took of Allie-my niece. We had a really good time taking these. More to follow.

The Tigers are Done

2011-10-16T22:50:00.000-04:00

We watched the last game of the season for the Tigers last night. The Rangers had a LARGE lead and that didn't make us feel as bad as if it was a 3-2 victory. They ended up winning 15 to 5. It was a great season and we are already looking forward to spring training. Thank you Tigers-We Loved It.

Card

2011-10-14T22:56:00.001-04:00

Inside of the card.

A card I made up to have in reserve.

The flower pot is a morningstar and the square sentiment is from stampin up.

You will find patterned paper, items that are raised up with foam tape and bling.

These are some of the things I like the best.

Outside of the card

Do or Die Time

2011-10-14T08:56:00.001-04:00

Tigers were down 3 games to 1 and they had to win the last game to keep going. The post season is tough, there are injuries and weariness even though it is very exciting to be there. We have been watching every game, and we are tired too because we have been uptight along with them. Every strike out, home run, we feel it too. Yesterdays game was fabulous! There were some crazy flukes that happened to help the cause. Maybe there truly was an Angel in the Outfield. Here is a link, courtesy of MLB to see the highlights.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19897789&topic_id=11493214&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_19897789&v=3

GO TIGERS!
Next Game-Saturday in Texas.
We'll be watching.

Fall is Fabulous

2011-10-07T08:58:00.000-04:00

It's been a perfect week, with the temperature, sunshine, no humidity.

It's a beautiful morning!

I stopped at a roadside stand wednesday and picked up some pumpkins.

Between the changing trees and the shadows, I had to take this picture.

This is the field behind us. I enjoyed these shadows this morning.

One of our new mums showing off.

It's like halloween around here. Spiders everywhere!

A blue pincushion flower from the new landscaping.

This is where I bought the pumpkins from.

Elation!

2011-10-07T06:36:00.003-04:00

They did it-The Tigers Beat the Yankees!
Score 3-2-it was a tense game the whole nine innings, but they led the whole way.
It's sweet-beating the Yankees in their own house.

I copied this picture from the MSN site.
The guy in the middle is Valverde-the last pitcher who kept the lead.
He is known as Papa Grande, he has very high emotions and is great to watch.
The Tigers got on the plane and headed to Texas.
The next is a 7 game series, first game....Saturday night.

The front page of the Detroit Free Press e-edition.

One More Game, Darn it!

2011-10-05T08:25:00.000-04:00

I have no pictures. The Tigers did not play like Champions last night. They lost by a score of 10-1.
They have to go back to New York on Thursday and thats it.

31 Years

2011-10-04T06:41:00.000-04:00

31 years today. Lots of good memories. I am always amazed at how fast time has gone.

I am glad I spent it with you Tom Hawkins.

xoxoxoxo

Playoffs-Game 3

2011-10-04T06:37:00.000-04:00

It's A WIN against those Yankees!

Final Score 5-4

It was a nail biter to the end.

These post season games wear us out-we have to be with them to the end.

Game 4-tonight....8:37 pm

Tigers Playoff update

2011-10-02T22:18:00.002-04:00

The Tigers and the Yankees have won a game apiece.

Cabrera hit a homer with Magglio Ordonez on base along with other runs.

Ending score-5-3(Note-this is only a picture of the Tigers, not a picture from todays game. This is from a couple of years ago, they were playing the Orioles and #15 on base is Kevin Millar now the host of Intentional Talk on the MLB network. If you haven't seen that show and are a baseball fan, It Is Great. You're sides will hurt from laughing.)

They go back to Gods Country tomorrow-Comerica Park.

Justin Verlander vs C.C. -It should be good.

8:37 p m.

Happy Birthday

2011-10-02T22:02:00.000-04:00

This is my husband Tom.

If you see him today, wish him Happy Birthday.

He is kind, caring, funny and handsome too.

Like fine wine, he keeps getting better with age.

xoxoxox

Cabin #3

2011-10-01T06:57:00.000-04:00

This was one of the cabins offered at Burntside Lodge in Ely, MN. We stayed in Cabin #4 which was very charming. I plan to put this painting along with, hopefully others in a student art exhibit at the Goldfish Gallery at The University of Saint Francis in December. The dimensions for each entry are supposed to be postcard size 4 1/2 X 6 and many will be for sale.

Classes Update

2011-09-25T22:14:00.000-04:00

This is Saint Rose Church in Monroeville. We had to try exposure times, that is why there are stripes.

Here is is close to the right exposure time.

I have made contact sheets.

And developed pictures.

Sorry everything is so crooked.

Obviously I put it in the scanner that way.

Speech is going well, actually kind of fun. I have been up in front and have lived.

I am just plugging away at the online sociology class.

So Ornery

2011-09-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

If I am at the computer, he has to be right there too.

Scratch my Chin please.

Rubbing and Rubbing on the bag.

Stonewall is so territorial about the bed.

Sebastian is sleeping on the bed.

Stonewall jumps up there and attacks Sebastian.

It looks like a cartoon with the cats fighting.

He is so ornery!

2011 AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL CHAMPIONS

2011-09-18T14:17:00.000-04:00

Hear The Roar!

So Exciting.

We See You TIGERS.

Beauty planted

2011-09-15T22:05:00.000-04:00

This week we finally got our landscaping.

I have a three tier fountain that will go in the bare spot in the middle.

There is a lot of space for growing.

I really love this ornamental grass. It should do well by the dryer vents.

These two bushes are burning bushes and there are very feathery coreopsis.

The little garden off the deck with Saint Francis in the middle.

This is behind the garage. It is such a long space that I had them leave a bare spot so that I may plant tall plants like sunflowers, lupins, hollyhock and big zinnias.

This is the side of the garage that faces the street. That is a magnolia tree in the middle and it works around the dish, the well head and the gas meter.

Birch tree with knock-out roses, daylilies etc.

I feel it will be wonderful when they start to grow.

School Days are back

2011-09-09T22:46:00.001-04:00

It has been a busy two weeks at work and since school has started so has the homework. The three classes I am taking this semester are Photography (actual manual, film developing photography, Online Sociology and Speech (one of my biggest phobias) this class will be so good for me. This is why I haven't been able to post much. We did work in the dark room this last Wednesday and made a photogram, which essentially is taking photo paper and laying items on it that can be seen through. The photopaper is put on the enlarger and a light is shined for a few seconds. Then it gets developed with the chemicals and above is my photogram. It has my pill bottle with ibuprofen and acetaminophen that can be seen through it. A decorative key with a leather strap from my purse. A paperclip with a flower design. My necklace and a pen that has a see through middle. I think photo paper is really magical. You put it in chemicals and wha-la it has something developed on it. The photo paper is in a box in a black bag and it cannot be opened in the light or it will turn black and be no good. It will be fun sharing my experiences with the dark room.

One Stamp

2011-09-09T22:17:00.001-04:00

I used this one stamp and made three different cards. The stamp is from The Artful Stamper and it is stamped on white paper and also on vellum. I cut out the windows of the stamp and colored both the white paper and the vellum. I love patterened paper and enjoy the chance to use it as often as possible.

Here is a pink vellum envelope. Even the mail person can enjoy a pretty card.

Pretty muffin cups

2011-09-09T22:11:00.001-04:00

I found all these pretty muffin cups at Michaels Crafts. I threw them in this bowl to store them in the pantry and thought they were so appealing they deserved their own picture.

Poster Picture

2011-09-09T22:08:00.001-04:00

I found this poster and immediately loved it. I found a nice frame for it and Tom put it up last week. The photographer discovered hearts in all different places.

African Violet

2011-08-28T21:18:00.001-04:00

I purchased a couple of African Violets yesterday and the store also had these nifty African violet pots.

I know it is better to water these plants from the bottom. Conveniently the plants could be taken out of the plastic pot they were bought in and be dropped into the first half of the ceramic pot. You then put water in the second pot and fit the plant pot into it. That way the water soaks through to water the bottom of the plant.

Here the blue pot is in the sunroom.

The new clock for the sunroom also.

Here is a green pot in the refurbished bird cage.

Random Acts of Kindness Story

2011-08-28T15:47:00.000-04:00

Taken from the Book "Random Acts of Kindness-An Illustrated Celebration
I was living in Chicago and going through what was a particularly cold winter-both in temperature and in my personal life. One evening I was walking home from a bar where I had been drinking alone, feeling sorry for myself, when I saw a homeless man standing over an exhaust grate in front of a department store. He was wearing a filthy sportcoat and approaching everyone who passed by for money.

I was too immersed in my own troubles to deal with him so I crossed the street. As I went by, I looked over and saw a businessman come out of the store and pull a ski parka out of a bag and hand it to the homeless man. For a moment both the man and I were frozen in time as the businessman turned and walked away. Then the man looked across the street at me. He shook his head slowly and I knew he was crying. It was the last time I have ever been able to disappear into my own sorrow.

Come on readers, post a random act of kindness story that happened to you in my comments section.

Bales

2011-08-28T15:35:00.001-04:00

I pass this field twice a week and am amazed at the hay bales that are put randomly out there. It seems as if they multiply each time I go by. Maybe they don't but I think it is amazing how they look. The field is very wide and deep. A lot of work and time went into it.

Corners

2011-08-28T15:30:00.001-04:00

I have this corner cabinet in my studio and use it to keep my ink pads. The way I was doing it before I could not see what I had to work with. They were just jumbled together. I found these corner shelves and am really happy that the pads can be on layers now, it makes it so much easier.

Card

2011-08-25T22:24:00.001-04:00

Some of my favorite things to use when I make a card are of course the rubberstamp, watercolor pencils, little fiscar scissors that don't stick when you cut doublesided foam. As you can tell, watercolor pencils are so bright on cards. My rubberstamp is a Magenta cling. Also on my cards I raise elements and use glitter.

We have no wind today and thought the fountain looked pretty. The water spray made the design of a flower.

They love small spaces

2011-08-25T22:13:00.003-04:00

Cats and Quilts, they go together.

The finishing touch

2011-08-25T21:57:00.001-04:00

The valances that we got made were installed today. It softens up the area without taking away from the pretty design in the window or the view. We are very happy with them. Tom also installed the TV on the wall so now I can decorate the mantle. Not sure about the cords yet...I suppose they could be painted the same color as the walls or I will put something in front so they are not so noticeable.

Can you say MMMMmmm

2011-08-21T16:56:00.000-04:00

That just says it all!

Hoping for Landscaping Soon

2011-08-21T12:44:00.000-04:00

As we all know it has been a hot dry summer. We are having Cornerstone Landscape Group

put in the landscaping and we opted to wait until the end of August or beginning of September, when it is cooler and little wetter. We have all areas ready for it.

I am looking forward to having something growing around the house. It is dead, no birds, bees, hummingbirds, butterfly's, just dry dirt, with an occasional weed that Tom has to eliminate.

This is the landscape plan (be sure to click on it to make it bigger). I added some daylilies and replaced some bushes behind the garage with some others.

These are called Strawberry Candy Daylilies.

I just think they will be gorgeous.

Random Acts of Kindness

2011-08-21T12:16:00.003-04:00

I always enjoy the commercials on TV when one person does something nice and then that leads another person to do something nice and it is just the domino effect. When I am driving I always let people in, or go in front of me, I try not to lay on my horn instead I beep it gently in case the person is daydreaming at the light. I think of Gone With the Wind when Melanie and Scarlett are feeding the soldiers and Scarlett was begrudging the food to the soldiers. Melanie said that she hoped some woman was feeding Ashley like they are feeding some other woman's husband. I hope that people treat my family with the same respect in driving because we all need help sometimes. That's why this book caught my eye. It has good quotes from people and nice stories.

So Sundays will be Random Acts of Kindness Day.

I Would Love to Read about Random Acts of Kindness that have happened to you.

I will open up the comments so that everyone can read the good things that have happened and get enjoyment out of them too.

Each Sunday I will put on one of the stories from the book.

Here is a video that makes you think about how daily things can be turned into Random Acts of Kindness.

(Story from the book)
Several Years ago, when I was living in Chicago, I read in the newspaper about a little boy who had leukemia. Every time he was feeling discouraged or particularly sick, a package would arrive for him containing some little toy or book to cheer him up with a note saying the present was from the Magic Dragon. No one knew who it was. Eventually the boy died and his parents thought the Magic Dragon would finally come forth and reveal him or herself. But that never happened. After hearing the story, I resolved to become a Magic Dragon whenever I could, and have had many occasions.

All Done

2011-08-11T22:01:00.000-04:00

The last of the furniture for the house came this week.

I will share the rest, I have been waiting to have the room all done.

This is the sunroom and we ordered side tables.

It added six storage places.

What a pretty little chest.

They go with the ladder shelf.

Don't know what I am going to put on it yet.

Here is our sleigh bed. The wood is so smooth and the color warm.

I am loving this king size bed.

We got a Wolf Mattress from our good friend Dave Rauch.

It is fabulous!

This is the duvet for the bed. I chose it for the green, red and blue but it is very subtle.

My beloved bookcase.

For my quilt, drawing, scrapbook, rubberstamp, art books.

I was so happy to bring them out.

Another bunch of old friends.

Mr. Boyd Bear gets the top shelf to keep an eye on everything.

I have both the Desa Ivy Chests.

Room to put my quilting basket underneath.

It is easy to get to it.

Here is the chest that goes with the sleigh bed.

I just love that wood.

We are able to cover up the television.

The room is quite pretty.

Perfect Night Out

2011-08-11T21:43:00.000-04:00

When Dad golfs on Wednesday nights starting in April and ending in September my guys and I have a night out. We have been doing this for a long time and I feel they really look forward to it. This last Wednesday was such a beautiful night, I don't think we had one like this since last year. We did things that all of us like. The first thing was to eat at Steak and Shake-this is Sam's favorite place, after that we went into Game Stop, another favorite haunt for the guys then we went putt putting. I needed to be outside as I am in my office for many hours a day. There was just a nice breeze, music, laughter and we had a fun time.

Sam won, then Kevin and Mom pulled up the rear.

Since we were so close to the mall we stopped at Barnes and Noble-Kevin and I love bookstores.

We spent about 30 minutes there.

When we walked out the sun was setting, the breeze was lightly blowing and the great big flag by the highway looked so majestic I had to take the picture.

A nice end to a nice evening with my guys.

Wonderful Bread

2011-08-07T22:59:00.000-04:00

I tried a new recipe for bread today. It turned out soft and tasty. I am definitely using it again.

Here is the recipe.

Honey-Whole Wheat Bread

2 pkg. active dry yeast or I used a jar of yeast and 4 1/2 tsp. worked for me.

1/2 cup warm water

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup shortening

1 T. salt

1 3/4 cups warm water

3 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups white flour

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in large mixing bowl. Stir in honey, shortening, salt, 1 3/4 cups warm water and the whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Mix in enough all-purpose flour to make dough east to handle.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a grease bowl, turn greased side up. Cover; let rise in warm place until double; about 1 hour.

Punch down dough, divide into halves. Flatten each half with hands or rolling pin into rectangle. 18X9 inches. Roll up tightly, beginning at one of the open ends. Flip both ends under and placed into greased bread pan.

Let rise until double-about an hour.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake until the loaves are golden and they sound hollow when tapped. 30 to 40 minutes. Pull out and rub a stick of margarine over the top to coat with margarine.

Framed

2011-08-06T07:34:00.000-04:00

I just picked up this picture I got framed from Northside Galleries.

My friend Theresa brought it from Assisi, Italy. It is a print on canvas then there was some overlaying of paint on some of the poppies. I just love it so much. It is going in my bedroom and goes well with the Ivy Chests that I got recently. Thank you again Theresa, I do cherish this.

All Cleaned up

2011-08-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

From This

and This

He does have a nice bunch of great hair.

To This.

Everybody had a nick name at camp.....Sam's was Mohawkins.

Pretty Clever.

The sweatshirt is because he still isn't used to the air conditioning.

Delivery

2011-08-02T22:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a new chair and ottoman for the upstairs. See how well it goes with the rug?

Also ordered an ottoman to go with the chair. It goes so well with it.

Here is a step shelf that belongs in the sunroom. It fits that spot perfectly.

This little birdcage was formerly my Mother-in-Laws. It was a light green. I have given it a new coat of black paint. I am going to get an African violet to put inside of it.

Everyone is home now

2011-08-02T22:11:00.000-04:00

Sam got home yesterday from working a boyscout camp for 8 weeks. He is sporting quite a new doo, the soft Mohawk. It had to do with some kind of skit. I had to get a picture before he had it neatly cut.

Kudos to Sam for working up at camp and sometimes losing their water and electricity during the hottest July on record.

We picked Kevin up from Minnesota on July 12th. He had a fantastic time and will for sure go back next year. These are prestigious awards he won. A high award in canoeing and also in archery.

He also received his canoe paddle of which he decorated and polyurethanes on his own.

Now we are preparing for college (Sam and I) and Senior year for Kevin. He starts the earliest on August 17th.

Thursday we have an appointment for the Senior Picture. Where did that time go?

Herb Pot Update

2011-07-31T22:12:00.000-04:00

Here are my sorry looking herb pots.

I can definitely get smell off the catnip but the leaves are so small the cats would probably be insulted if I tried to give them a piece of the plant.

I don't know if my poor result is from a combination of inferior dirt and the heat, but I will try again next year for sure. I am not disillusioned at all.

I cooked a chicken in the slow cooker and had to do something with it so I am making homemade chicken noodle soup. My it does smell good. It called for the herbs marjoram and thyme and I had some, but I thought it would have been nice to go to my "pots" and get some fresh. But I didn't plant those flavors.

Here is a picture of my simmering pot.

I like chunks of everything instead of chopped. That way it is easier to remove the offending piece of vegetable that the person doesn't like. I am meaning Kevin as he doesn't like onions. When he was little he called them 'yunyions'. He likes the flavor just not the actual yunyion.

I will have this tasty soup for my lunches this week.

Here is the recipe.

I found it in a Taste of Home

Heartwarming Soups Magazine and then did it "My Way".

Chicken Noodle Soup

1 cooked chicken done in a crock pot, cut or pull apart the cooked meat.

In a large pot add:

2 1/2 quarts of water

3 tsp. salt

6 chicken bouillon cubes

1/2 medium onion cut into large chunks

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. dried marjoram

1/4 tsp. dried thyme

1 can of baby carrots

1 cup chunked celery.

Let simmer until vegetables are tender.

Add the noodles and cook till soft.

Enjoy with warm bread, and a cool side salad.

to cool off

2011-07-19T22:07:00.003-04:00

Tom's new sprinkler.

It covers a lot of ground.

IT'S HOT and DRY.

Here are some pictures that make me think cool.

Why you are looking at them, play this sound of rain.

I knew it would be this way.

After we had all the rain in the spring.

Why....I don't know.

But we will get through this.

It will get better.

Who doesn't love a snow cone to let melt in your mouth.

Aaaaah, the look of green, wet grass.

Frozen Cokes, so cold and refreshing.

Niagara Falls, amazing amount of water.

If you go on the Maid of the Mist,

when you get close to the falls,

the mist and the power of the falls cools you off.

I love these water fountains to walk in.

You never know when they are going to start squirting.

The kids have such fun with them.

flash mobs

2011-07-19T21:51:00.001-04:00

I think these are just the neatest thing. I hope I get to see one in person some time.
People are just happy and dancing in the streets. How great is that.

Here are a few I have found.

furniture

2011-07-19T21:29:00.000-04:00

This is one of the new chairs and ottomens.

This chair is so comfortable, immediately.

This is one of a pair of matching ottomens.

We got these as extra sitting room that is mobile and doesn't take up much space.

My collection of colored glass for the mantle.

I got this idea from an insert that was sent from Better Homes and Gardens trying to sell the magazine.

That little insert had lots of good ideas.

You can see it below.

Books

2011-07-19T21:18:00.001-04:00

When at the library a few weeks ago I found this fabulous book.

I enjoy it very much.

So much, I had to have one of my own.

So I ordered it off Amazon used books.

I always try to use the BetterWorld Books because this person is in Indiana and I get the books in jig time.

Here is a sampling of the pictures.

Lots of ideas.

I just think these two rooms are so pretty with the checks, and stripes. Of course you know I love the book shelves.

The one chair is covered in chenille.

So pretty.

Sometimes I like to just pick up no brainer romance stories.

I am a sucker for a good romance.

This one took me probably 7 days to read.

It wasn't a "I just have to finish this" book.

It is set in 1925 in Missouri.

It is during prohibition and is a fight between the bootleggers, the police and the crime people of Chicago.

In leu of the Casy Anthony case I decided to find a book on the JonBonet murder case since no closure had ever come about.

This book was written by a detective on the case.

I have come to my own conclusion about the murder and I wonder if you would come to that same conclusion.

Money talks, the police have to control the crime scene and we will never truly find out who snuffed out that beautiful life.

Guest Cottage

2011-07-19T20:57:00.000-04:00

As we are getting our new bedroom furniture piece by piece we are slowly moving the current furniture down for the guest room.

I ordered this sign from the Pottery Barn because when you are in the room it is like you are all by yourself.

It is nice and quiet with an attached bathroom.

We will eventually put it on the wall.

Here is the bed put together with a new skirt and shams, quilt and duvet.

When in Minnesota we stopped at Two Harbors and they were having a Heritage Festival.

I was looking for handmade rag rugs and hit the jackpot.

This red and green one goes well beside the bed.

This blue and black one is downstairs in the basement.

On Tom's side of the bed is green, black and red.

My side has one with many shades of green.

The disabled make these rugs along with many other things.

People donate clothes and they make them into rugs.

I had a hard time deciding which ones to buy.

Little Robin

2011-07-18T21:54:00.000-04:00

One morning I heard that little Robin chirping and found that he had made his way up on the wagon.

These trees are outside of Eau Claire Wisconsin. I thought they were very unusual as they look like they were all trimmed like that.

This is not a sign that can be found in Indiana.

I don't think he wants us to travel anymore. He has taken up residence in my suitcase.

still waiting

2011-07-06T06:53:00.000-04:00

I have been watching the progress of my matching green chest from the earlier post "piece by piece". It had been stopped in Hodgins Illinois since June 24th, so I called UPS last night. They looked into it and said that there were no other scannings of that piece and that I should have Pottery Barn start a tracking investigation. Well when the word investigation comes up that never seems to be good.

I called Pottery Barn to start this "investigation", he immediately said that their policy is to replace the piece. I said innocently (picturing that is has just been missed) why don't you just call UPS to look into this. Well he said sometimes these things just come up missing. I said you mean someone swiped it? He said.....uhhhh huh. So somebody out there has a stolen chest in their house. Shame on them!

Pottery Barn is sending the replacement by July 21st. I hope it makes it to its destination and that the thief isn't trying to get a matching set, like I am.

Pictures from the last few days

2011-07-05T23:11:00.001-04:00

Recently we have been having some fabulous sunsets. This sky was such a beautiful color, I just couldn't not share it with you.

Some fireworks the neighbors were lighting.

Here it is with a slow shutter speed.

This little guy is a baby robin.

He does a lot of chirping.

I thought I was going to have to do a rescue as he got startled and flew into the pond.

I have not seen robins floating on water ever. I didn't know if they could swim since they don't have feet like ducks.

He stayed afloat but got himself quickly as he could back on dry land.

I now have my hutch full of books. It was like meeting many old friends while I was unpacking them. Have I Mentioned that I love books?

New Recipe

2011-07-05T23:01:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe in the May 2011 Country Living Magazine.

I love a good bread recipe and this was was Great!

I just used what I had on hand and it turned out fine. I used 1% milk, regular sugar, regular flour, a pkg. of active dry yeast. Be sure to give yourself at least 3 hours to make this recipe. It tasted fantastic dipped in the olive oil, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Click on the picture to make the recipe larger.