Beyond the Garden Gate

a few new things collected last week...

2012-02-27T18:34:00.001-05:00

I found this little planter uptown at Martha's last week when Craig and I went snooping around town...

then this card came from Ann at A Sentimental Life...

she sent me 3 of the cutest vintage easter postcards...

pretty, huh?

and this one...

she knows I collect airbrushed embossed postcards...

thank you so much, Ann!

I love them all!

and then a few that I purchased online came in...

I also collect big letter postcards...

look at the colors in these...

makes it feel like spring in here...

love the lacy edge to this one...

and then what I snagged Sunday at the DG...

bins, a book and nail brush...

and these guys...

I wasn't sure if I would like them, so only got one pack of them...

I am going back for more!

you get 2 for $1...

chicky egg candy containers...

a future collectible, maybe?

who knows...

think I had a tummy flu thing...

woke up sick at 2am...

and it ran about 12 hours...

miserable hours...

but I seem fine now...

like someone flipped a switch and turned it off...

I also got my new camera today...

and the photos were taken with it...

I love it...

its a Canon Powershot SX150...

I looked and looked and decided to stick with what I knew...

my old powershot did so well...

I went with a newer model...

so be warned...

I see lots of photo shoots in the near future...

have a great night...

love is...

2012-02-26T22:14:00.001-05:00

joining Marydon once again...

my man is my comfort zone...

where ever he is...

is my favorite place to be...

he's the next best thing to Heaven and God for me...

a few shots of today...

things are greening up and sprouting up here and there...

and I am so eager to remove the left overs from the beds...

even though the sun has been so warm...

its still not time...

I look around at all the work that needs to be done...

making mental notes...

but its not time...

not yet...

the new growth is still going to need that protection for a few more weeks...

spent the day with my guys...

even lost power for awhile this afternoon...

perfect time for a nap...

then I spent so long on the phone with my bestie tonight...

Rebecca and I can go forever without having our long talks...

cause we just know each other so well...

but it was so nice to sit and talk...

dream...

compare notes on where we are...

where we want to be...

our options for the future...

girl talk...

best friend talk...

sharing, talking and just being in the same place at the same time...

even if we do it over the phone...

she is so many things to me...

I can't even begin to explain it all...

now, for a snack and off to bed, maybe...

been a long day...

but a good day!

March desktop calendars...

2012-02-26T07:25:00.000-05:00

got up early this morning...

4am!

way too early for breakfast...

so I made 6 desktop calendars for you all...

March is coming fast...

in like a lamb?

out like a lion?

and with the luck of the irish...

maybe it will come in and go out like a lamb...

I haven't done these for awhile...

and I missed not having one...

so take what you want...

click on the photo...

save it...

then go in and right click on it again...

and save it to your desktop background...

and it will pop up there...

grocery shopping this morning in Paris...

bringing home Whoppers for lunch!

have a great day today!

we are going back up to the 50s!

just words...

2012-02-25T09:23:00.001-05:00

its up to each of us to use them...

to take them to heart...

to look at things from a different angle...

to focus on what needs to be seen today...

and let the rest go...

you know...

those crazy little things that get in the way of joy...

smiles...

and contentment...

wishing you peace today...

and love...

something to do this weekend...

2012-02-24T16:34:00.000-05:00

found some pretty images...

thought you might like to use them, too...

chicks are one of my favorite little things...

and airbrushed embossed cards, too...

the real reason for Easter...

chicks cruising...

and you thought we invented it...

yellow and blues...

shades of lavender...

such a pretty angel...

love her hat...

and dancing bunnies...

so cute...

had a rough morning...

feeling all the aches and pains...

but doing better now...

have a great weekend...

DH has to work tomorrow...

its too cold to do anything anyway...

we could see some flurries here tonight and tomorrow...

then back to the 50s...

fish and shrimp tonight from the White House Cafe...

yum yum...

if I don't forget, I will get pics for you...

Dollar Tree finds...

2012-02-23T14:32:00.000-05:00

gearing up for Easter tree time...

we all were bored...

well, I was bored Tuesday night...

kind of a let down when you able to run around 3 whole days in a row...

(look, Donna, glitter on them eggs)

but don't get too excited- I haven't opened them yet...

so I made puppy dog eyes and the guys took me to town...

AFTER DARK!

I didn't want to really spend a lot of money...

didn't need a darn thing...

so it was the Dollar tree...

a candy duck for Craig...

'cause he's a rubber ducky kind of guy...

really- he has a collection of them...

and these little painted metal oval tubs...

a pink one...

and a blue one...

they had them in green, too...

thought they would be cute on the deck this spring...

and a little yellow bunny for the tree...

and spring ribbon...

then we stopped and got an ice cream cone...

and I was daring...

I did 4 licks...

and DH took another one for the team and finished it off...

been on this "diet" now for 3 1/2 weeks...

not doing milk products at all...

except for the 4 licks...

and...

my IBS symptoms have disappeared...

they have the same symptoms of being lactose intolerant...

could I have been LI all along and been misdiagnosed?

makes you wonder...

I am doing soy milk, no yogurt, no cottage cheese...

and ta-da...

staying out of the bathroom!

I am going to talk to my doctor about it the next time I see him...

of course, IBS goes in flairs...

and this could just be a quiet time...

we were up in the 50s, but got a front coming in...

thunderstorms are on their way but no snow here...

8 inches for Chicago...

lucky them...

Doug is here waiting to get into the dentist this afternoon...

getting at least 2 pulled...

then we go from there...

been for a walk...

a little breezy...

good thing I've got some lead in my pants, or I would be in Indiana by now...

gotta get moving again...

been trying to keep busy and keep moving as much as possible...

it lowers the blood sugar...

that and there's a bit to do around here always...

have a great afternoon...

and if you get snow...

well, I just didn't want it so sent it on...

a slack off kind of day...

2012-02-22T17:09:00.001-05:00

yeah, its that kind of a day...

but it is so warm out- in the 50s...

new bassinet that I bought off of Rebecca...

for the babies to sleep in...

dianthus has blooms on them!

can you believe that?

I have never seen it this early...

this bush never did lose all its leaves...

grape hyacynths...

iris...

Bebe is feeling so much better!

he was romping and wanted me to play with him...

this is the White House Cafe...

it is an original building to the square...

it once housed our lady photographer...

back in the day...

they are hosting a spaghetti supper tonight...

to raise money for new playground equipment for our grade school...

Craig is going with his friends...

the south side of the square...

waiting for Craig to get the mail...

and a box came...

part of Doug's easter clothes is in there...

then a drive through the cemetery...

I had concrete angels on my mind today...

and I know where to find them...

a little girl who died at 5...

this was placed in 1910...

she is missing her nose and one hand...

the carving on this one makes me smile...

the skill it took to make this just blows me away...

and this is the Rutherford section of the cemetery...

Dr Hiram Rutherford was our first educated doctor...

knew Lincoln...

housed children of color...

he was an abolitionist...

and just look at the stones!

someone has cleaned them!

they were turning black...

I had no idea that they would have ever been this bright before...

its windy out, but its so nice and warm...

been for a walk and thinking of doing another...

with ear muffs, of course...

the ground is very squishy...

so we will have to stick to the road for now...

DH should be home anytime...

so better get a move on...

have a great evening!

the rest of the weekend finds...

2012-02-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

I found this at Walgreen's on Sunday...

more Easter cards...

I now have enough...

a jar candle holder on sale...

$2.99...

it was $8.99...

then yesterday, we went to Arcola, Il...

and Vyverberg's...

THE best dime store around...

maybe the only one, now...

pink plate...

1/2 off...

matched that with a smaller yellow plate...

1/2 off...

doesn't it look like a sunflower?

2 spring dish towels...

$2.99 each...

a square pillow cover...

was marked $17.99...

and since I had a pile on the counter...

the owner said "you can have that for $10"...

and the pile grew...

one small doily...

and 2 larger ones...

ok, everyone is posting about these mirrors...

yeah, I snagged mine for $2...

clearance area in the back...

and another find in the back...

a cute little creamer...

$1.99...

then a stop at the Dollar General there...

and I found this...

$3.25...

love birds...

and I found one in lavender...

my new spring stash...

I am ready to rip apart the top of the mantle and get with it...

3 straight days of shopping...

bargain hunting...

and I am pupt, but doing ok...

today is about vacuuming, dusting...

folding laundry and a trip to the grocery store...

and taking it easy...

PT and a nap this afternoon...

its a dreary cloudy day...

windy and feels just achy cold out there...

but that's ok...

I had 3 wonderful sunny days to play in...

DH had a 3 day weekend...

and he is back to work today...

Ann, I got the postcards in the mail today...

love, love, love them!

I will post them later!

you really know what I like...

;)

just wait until you see what she sent me...

oh, my...

fun day...

2012-02-20T00:44:00.001-05:00

we went to town again today...

after we got the work done...

went to the new Walgreen's...

found a few things...

went to see Doug...

still swelled a little, but so much better...

grabbed some food and came home...

took a long nap...

got up and watched tv, played on the computer, ate...

did really nothing...

it was a good day...

what I found at Walmart yesterday...

2012-02-19T12:11:00.000-05:00

a composition book, small kitten calendar, stickers and easter cards...

ribbon and 2 small crosses...

I kind of stick these everywhere...

new make up...

I love Cover Girl and Maybelline...

the only things that don't break my face out...

sugar free reece's cups...

a new throw that was $7 on the clearance shelves...

plastic eggs for the trees outside...

2 bags of them...

84 eggs...

going to need some help getting those put out later...

these were .97...

they will be stuck in the flower beds...

we do not have any little ones at all...

so we shopped for Doug's best friend's little boy...

Malachi...

the one who helped with the Halloween stuff...

and a bucket and grass to go with it...

this little monkey poops candy!

and it makes sounds like a monkey when it does it...

DH found exciting things like transmission fluid and windshield wipers...

and of course there were the paper towels, paper plates, and shampoo...

he also needed vitamins...

so he has the energy to push me around...

bwahahaha!

I did find a brown pull over sweater for $7 and a purple T-shirt...

I also picked up 3 bras...

I was so displeased with the clothing department...

it was a mess and the clothes were really bad...

who do they think is going to wear some of that stuff?

they sure didn't have a lot of seasonal things to choose from...

the produce was nasty looking...

well, its just going to pot here...

the crafting area was almost empty...

so sad...

we do not have a hobby lobby close at all...

we don't have a target close, either...

I would be there instead of walmart...

I miss our old K- mart...

I think I might get the old man to take me to Walgreen's next time...

we have a new one I haven't been in yet...

they used to have nice seasonal things...

fun stuff...

I'm all about fun...

we went out to the VFW for breakfast this morning...

got to sit and visit with a couple of old friends...

and $4 buys all you can eat...

and they have everything...

Marci, who is 81 now, waited on us...

she's a pearl...

she is going in for hip replacement next month...

but she's still going...

Marci and I go way back...

done quite a bit of fund raising together...

in our younger days...

LOL

all for the kids in town...

I could always count on her to help out...

the VFW is open every Sunday morning for breakfast...

well, better get off of here and get the rest of my work done...

and maybe we might head out and try something new today...

who knows...

have a great sunny (here) day!

worn out...

2012-02-18T20:47:00.001-05:00

we went to town today...

just Walmart and Rural King...

so aggravated at Walmart...

don't they have anything anymore?

ARG

but I did find some things...

and I will post about it tomorrow...

took my camera and took zero photos!

bad me...

I forgot I had it in my purse...

I had a senior moment, I guess...

but had to take a nap when we got home...

thank you to my guys who put up with me today...

I was a cranky pants at times...

I think I will stay out of Walmart for a while...

will be back with more tomorrow!

just had to share this...

2012-02-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

Me: God, can I ask You a question?

God: Sure

Me: Promise You won't get mad
... ... ... ...
God: I promise

Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?

God: What do u mean?

Me: Well, I woke up late

God: Yes

Me: My car took forever to start

God: Okay

Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait

God: Huummm

Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call

God: All right

Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?

God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one
of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that

Me (humbled): OH

GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.

Me: (ashamed)

God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.

Me (embarrassed):Okay

God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.

Me (softly): I see God

God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.

Me: I'm Sorry God

God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the bad.

Me: I will trust You.

God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.

Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.

God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...

this was on my facebook page today...

and after I hit share, I had to share it with you...

so if your day isn't going to your plan...

remember this...

there is a reason...

its not a BAD day...

its a GOD day!

this and that...

2012-02-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

Doug has an infected tooth...

called the dentist yesterday morning and they called in antibiotics and a pain killer...

it is worse today...

but should start going down by morning...

we talked on facebook last night and early this morning...

but just before noon he showed up here...

for mom to take care of him...

if its worse in the morning, we may hit the er...

you can see the swelling is up to just under his eye...

he is up long enough to eat and take meds...

and the rest of the time, he's been sleeping...

feverish...

achy...

the sun did come out and was shining through the curtains...

you can see the outline of the sheers...

and a little something on the valentine tree...

its all coming down tomorrow...

packed away for another time...

we ate and ran to walmart to get my test strips for my meter...

ice cream cone at KFC...

I got a a couple licks in...

DH was so brave- said he would take one for the team and ate the rest...

he's so gallant...

stopped by the deli on the way home...

and back in time to get ready for bed...

yeah, not quite ready for the nursing home...

but not youngin's anymore!

hope you have a blessed day...

delight...

2012-02-16T00:02:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to thank you all for all of your prayers and kind words...

the loss of a child must be the worst pain possible...

I can not even imagine and I pray that the Lord will not ask me to bury one of my own...

my family will be in God's hands as they lay to rest the shell of this sweet soul...

and He will see them through...

visitation is Thursday...

funeral on Friday...

and her birthday is on Sunday...

also, Rebecca's gram is being buried tomorrow...

the bible says to cry at birth and rejoice at death...

and somehow we have gotten that all messed up...

because the earthly death means a spiritual birth...

a new beginning that lasts forever...

no pain, no tears...

only peace, joy and love...

in the purest forms...

so rejoice as these 2 new souls make their rounds in Heaven...

embrace their peace, joy and love...

the ones left behind will be lost and lonely for a time...

until they find the strength to stand again...

and until they do...

we need to pray...

to lift them up...

there will be questions that can never be answered here...

pain that will fade over time...

but the wounds are fresh and they need to heal...

and the sting of this moment will leave...

we have all been through funerals and partings...

and there will probably be many more before our turn comes...

and that is why God gave us each other...

and I am so thankful He gave me you...

angels...

2012-02-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

thank you, Lord, for sending angels to keep us safe here below...

yesterday morning we woke to a small 2 inch snow...

nothing major in this neck of the woods...

but my DH hit a patch of it yesterday morning on his way to work...

and he ended up in the ditch on the other side of the road heading back in the other direction...

he didn't roll it...

the car stayed upright...

he didn't have his seat belt on...

but he is fine...

the car is fine...

and the license plate bent back into shape fine...

blessed beyond measure...

that I still have him...

but I do need your prayers today for my family...

my cousin lost his daughter yesterday...

on Valentine's Day...

5 days before her 28th birthday...

I have no details at all except that...

her mom found her unresponsive Sunday night...

and that yesterday, my cousin, Bob and his wife had to make the decision to terminate her life...

its been 30 years since I have seen Bobby...

so I never met his baby girl...

but we have a group on facebook...

and we try to stay connected with it...

something my cousins and I can't do physically because we are scattered all over the US...

but I do know they are hurting...

and that this is going to be one of the hardest things they will have to face in their lives...

your prayers would help so much...

even with all of that going on...

knowing that God has a plan...

my family is still blessed beyond our wildest dreams...

and we are forever in His care...

2012-02-14T15:41:00.000-05:00

this is what DH left on the table for me this morning...

and these are my Valentine's Day gift this year...

my hubby learned to google! and found them at Sears online...

he found them and ordered them all by himself...

I am so proud...

I have them on right now...

I have this sock monkey thing going on now...

thanks to my son, Doug, who got me one for Christmas...

have a hat, too...

and you won't believe what is on the other end of these...

a shabby angel snowman...

from Rebecca...

thank you so much!

I love him!

see his little wings...

feathers!

and this might go on the table tonight...

we are eating out Thursday for Valentine's...

so hubby can get his favorite philly steak and cheese...

it is to die for...

I have all I need and more...

we are totally blessed...

and don't forget God's love for all of us...

and that we are supposed to share his love with the world...

happy heart day!

I heart you to the moon and back!

from me to you...

2012-02-14T01:01:00.000-05:00

I hope you have the best Valentine's Day...

ever...

unexpected fun...

2012-02-13T12:20:00.002-05:00

we took off yesterday...

for Walmart...

but, just before I got there...

I got sick and needed a bathroom fast...

Dollar General was easy access...

and look what I found there...

3 new friends...

perfect for Easter...

or anytime in my kitchen...

and my peace mug...

needed something to put my Crystal Lite in...

perfect fit...

and I got these on ebay...

and they came in the mail on Saturday...

I have been collecting embossed airbrushed postcards...

love them...

and a couple views of things on the mantle...

which will be moving outside when the deck is done...

construction begins next month...

can't wait...

I have already decorated it a million times in my mind...

can't wait to do it for real...

we've got snow headed this way...

this evening, tonight and tomorrow...

oh, well...

we need the nitrogen for the spring flowers...

and to make everything green up real nice when the warm weather comes in to stay...

so hope your Monday is going great...

its lunch time here and a trip to the store will round out the morning...

have a fun day!

I wonder...

2012-02-12T23:05:00.001-05:00

if I could talk the guys into making this for me...

looks like too much fun...

I would get too far behind on my weed pulling!

change...

2012-02-11T21:11:00.000-05:00

this morning, my best friend, Rebecca...

got a call from her mom...

her grams soul was set free...

and she left this earth behind...

we all know the bitter sweetness of letting someone go...

watching them close their eyes...

and flying away...

of the years that come until we meet again...

so, if you would...

pray for the family left behind...

to finish the journey of the earthly body...

to lay to rest a most amazing person in their lives...

Rebecca left nothing undone...

nothing unsaid...

she doted over her grams and all she asks is that we remember her mom...

who will be lost without her mom...

but remember Rebecca, too...

because even though she is at peace with the passing...

I know her heart is broken...

and she will so miss this beautiful lady that God blessed her with...

for they are kindred spirits...

so much alike...

the one that understood her when no one else did...

girl, you know you are always in my thoughts and prayers...

and I know so well the pain you have for yourself and the joy you have for her will be battling it out for awhile...

but God will walk you through each hour...

your grams was so proud of you...

and she loved you so...

I am only a phone call away...

but...

you know that...

vintage valentines...

2012-02-11T04:53:00.002-05:00

not sure what the day is going to bring...

too cold to go anywhere...

maybe a good day to start spring house cleaning...

if I can get the guys in the mood...

garden gate inspirations...

2012-02-10T07:16:00.003-05:00

I have this folder of garden gates...

some are so whimsical...

I thought you might like to see them...

beautiful and practical...

so take a moment and look around...

which one do you like the best?

more images...

2012-02-09T14:04:00.002-05:00

just for you...

for all that you do for me...

so you can play today...

good day here...

fear is the one thing that stops us from reaching our goals...

from going that extra step beyond our comfort zone...

step FORWARD!

live your life with courage...

with faith that God will clear your path...

will catch you if you stumble...

and will hold your hand the entire time...

if we all walk TOWARD the light...

we cannot fail...

and the path is always well lit...

have a great day...

going FORWARD!

while we were sleeping...

2012-02-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

this happened...

and it stuck...

to everything...

but its not deep and the roads are clear...

its just pretty...

Bebe, the wonder dog, is doing great!

no pain meds today at all...

and he didn't lose any of his back teeth...

so he can chew just fine...

been eating his hard doggie treats this morning with no problems at all...

rode down to the deli for supplies...

my BS is down to 103-130s...

so, its going...

not starving either...

next purchase is sugar free ice cream...

maybe after the snow melts...

this is so true...

we can't have all great days...

or..

what we call great days...

some of the roughest ones...

are pressing us to be better...

pressure days are good days, too...

have a fun day and don't forget to pray...

it makes all the nasties go away...

just picked up my little buddy...

2012-02-07T19:58:00.002-05:00

Bebe is home...

the vet ended up pulling 13 teeth and cleaning what was left...

he was so groggy when we picked him up...

but a half hour later...

when we got home...

he really perked up...

and he ate good...

on the way home...

he slept most of the way...

but when he did open his eyes...

and saw Craig driving...

he growled at him...

LOL

but he made up with him after he ate...

but I'll bet he won't go for a ride with him any time soon...

gotta go take care of my baby...

thanks for your prayers...

Pray for Bebe...

2012-02-06T22:48:00.000-05:00

Bebe has to go in in the morning to the vet to have a tooth pulled...

so if you could say a prayer for him...

I know he would really appreciate it..

Foggy here today and colder...

no sun at all...

it was supposed to come out...

but it didn't...

DH came home with a fever and chills...

and just feeling crummy...

so now we both have colds...

Have a great night and I will be around to visit later this week...

I hope!

outlet mall...

2012-02-06T12:49:00.001-05:00

DH and I had a little outing yesterday...

we headed north to the outlet mall...

these photos are from their site...

because I forgot my camera...

this mall is in Tuscola, Illinois...

23 miles from here...

it's a very pretty place, but out in the middle of corn fields...

it can be nippy going from store to store...

but we had a great day...

we started off at the Reebok store...

both of us desperately needed sneakers...

and with that done, we went to my favorite stores...

the kitchen gadget store...

and the Paper Factory...

silicone oven mitts...

wooden spoons...

a medium sized cutting board...

love these, and needed one more...

stainless crock...

measuring spoons, on sale...

all my food has to be measured now, so you can't have too many of these...

and then on to the Paper Factory...

all occasion cards...

that are as pretty on the inside as they are on the outside...

a box of sympathy cards...

bulk blank cards...

a box of blank cards...

a wedding card for a guy that DH works with...

that's in 2 weeks...

and bulk Christmas cards...

seashells...

and santa with polar bears...

the detail inside these cards keeps me going back year after year for them...

and I made DH turn around so I could get his V Day card...

their cards are half off the original price on the back of the card...

I stock up on cards anytime I get up there...

then we went uptown and just drove around to see what had changed in the last 2 years...

yep, it had been that long...

then we hit the drive through at Burger King and home...

I am so happy that I can eat Whoppers!

well, I only do half of one at a time...

but that's better than nothing...

got my blood sugar down to 130s-150s...

so hoping in the next few days, I can have it in the normal range...

70-100...

the sinus infection is back and on day 5 of a head cold...

and the swelling is making vision blurry...

so I can't be on here long...

strains my eyes really bad...

when this gets better, I will be around to visit you all...

have a great day...

we are gray and foggy here...

staying home, staying in, and probably taking a nap after lunch!

peace to you...

2012-02-04T22:25:00.001-05:00

in whatever you are going through in this life...

at this time...

remember...

He is with you...

Thank you, Lord...

for all of your blessings...

a few of yesterday's finds...

2012-02-03T14:06:00.002-05:00

an angel for the garden...

$9.99 at CVS...

pretty...

with a little birdie...

a faux dream rock...

$2 at CVS...

it will stay here until spring planting time...

and heart post its...

$1 at CVS...

this is what happens when you have to wait on your meds...

its a beautiful day here...

got my list all done...

so made a new one...

feeling so good today...

waiting for the doctor's office to call me back...

talk to Clint this morning and they didn't have my test results back...

but one of the girls called me later and said that...

I do have a bladder infection and she was going to get with the doctor...

and see what antibiotic we are going to use and she will call me back this afternoon...

so another trip to CVS!

supposed to be 57 this afternoon...

this weather is just awesome!

and Bebe and Doofy are hitting the vet next Tuesday...

so that's done...

our vet, that we loved, retired and turned her practice over to a woman who does not like cats...

would rather have all the kittens that we rescue put down...

they are a waste of time and money...

phooey on her...

so I have been looking for just the right vet...

the trucks going in to have the back tires checked...

all the trips lately...

I noticed a wobble in the back end...

not bad, but its there...

Craig's van is in right now getting a belt put on....

paid the water bill and stopped up town to chat awhile...

back for lunch and meds again...

and so it goes...

have a great day...

receive His blessings with open arms...

;)

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

saw the ENT today...

he went up my nose with a camera!

the nerve...

but the polyp is a small one...

and I have to do a nasal spray once a day for 3 months...

then back to see what happens...

he thinks the spray will take care of it...

yippee...

went shopping at walmart and cvs...

ate lunch and back home...

pupt me out!

tried to take a nap...

but the phone kept ringing...

so, got up...

went for a walk...

another wonderful day...

I don't care what that stupid groundhog said this morning...

I'm not buying it...

we had really bad fog this morning...

but when the sun finally burnt it off...

there were blue skies and it warmed up fast...

DH needed gas in the car...

and the guys wanted fries tonight...

so Bebe and I rode along...

stopped at the furniture store...

bought a new kitchen table and chairs...

we will get it next week sometime...

got a cold coming on...

so tomorrow is going to be rest up time...

sleep as much as I want time...

and get ready for the weekend time...

have a great night!

it so feels like spring...

2012-02-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

what a way to start a winter month...

we are in the 50s...

and it is wonderful out there...

there are remnants of seasons past...

and glimpses of things collected through time...

and surprises of things coming soon enough...

I hope you are all having a day like this...

with wonderful blue skies...

and you can just sit somewhere like this and soak it all up...

because winter isn't finished yet...

and if you don't have a day like this...

you can borrow mine...

there's plenty of sunshine for everyone...

squirrels have been dragging corn from the field and eating it in my garden...

what a great day!

even the animals are soaking it up...

got a head start on planting...

and then a much needed rest...

the babies are big enough for the big snip...

probably going next week...

trying to get me straightened out a bit more...

I will be around to visit later...

good weather can't wait...

got up at 3am with a gall bladder attack...

6 hours of yuck, but better now...

so...

I am going back outside!

come on, let's go!

2012-01-31T17:19:00.002-05:00

another trip to the doctor and he wasn't happy at all...

he thought the ER doctor should have admitted me...

and he almost did today...

he did change my meds...

and I have to collect my pee for a whole 24 hours...

and keep it in my fridge...

I take it back Thursday when I see the ENT...

so, we finally got out of there...

and stopped at the new CVS...

all nice and pretty but their prices are still HIGH!

still didn't get my scripts...

they will have them ready on Thursday...

I have enough meds to do until then...

I didn't get my B12 shot, but found liquid vitamins...

I cannot swallow those big pills!

and now I am home, while DH runs to Walmart to get my test strips that CVS didn't have...

and I am tired again, several hours there...

I had my BS down to 171 but it spiked big time after breakfast...

trial and error till I get this right...

later...

just slap me and call me Ethel...

2012-01-30T21:35:00.001-05:00

would you believe that we had a 50 degree day?

and that I went for a couple walks?

and rode up to the post office with Craig this afternoon?

and that we walked around the yard, checking all the flower beds?

AND THAT I DIDN'T TAKE THE CAMERA WITH ME ONE TIME?

so, there are no photos to post...

to go along with a mid winter report on what is coming up in the beds...

EVERYTHING!

daffodils, crocus, tulips...

iris, day lilies, columbine!

its too early!

the dusty miller is still green and growing...

onions, too...

and those crazy dianthus...

just as green as can be...

so here's the scoop on my morning...

hit the bathroom at 1am, sicker than a dog...

one of 10 trips today...

its one of the medicines they put me on...

finally got to sleep just before 5am...

got up and made my doctor's appointment for 11 tomorrow...

and talked to a nutritionist...

to find something that I could eat...

well, you remember that the ER doctor told me 0 carbs and 0 sugar?

that could kill me

so she told me to eat smart carbs

finally

and the diet that I do for my IBS

is perfectly fine for this...

and everyone is different, so I need to find what I tolerate and what I don't...

I was concerned about the size of meals...

they are too large for me to do at one time...

so I asked her it I could cut it in half and eat more often...

and she said that would be the best way to do it...

it will keep me more level without spiking and bottoming out...

and exercise makes a major difference...

so got plenty of that today, too...

well, for me anyway...

my BS was 198 a bit ago...

and with the infection...

my sister in law, who has dealt with this for years...

said if she can keep hers around 300, she's happy...

so, I guess I am doing ok...

I am going to ask the doctor tomorrow for a B12 shot...

and pick up some vitamins at the pharmacy when we go...

can't do my insure right now...

the nutritionist said it is very possible that with my self made diet for the IBS...

that I could have had diabetes for years...

and just kept it under control until now...

and when all the infection is gone, it may not be such a problem...

as long as I keep an eye on things and eat like I have been...

I had chicken breast, mashed potatoes and french green beans for supper...

and ate until I was full...

all I need to do is find some diet cadbury eggs and I'll be good to go!

you all have a great night!

I will use my camera tomorrow!

another 50+ day coming!

couples...

2012-01-30T02:38:00.000-05:00

are you ready for Valentine's Day?

I'm so not...

ask me next week...

have a great day...

not a bad day...

2012-01-29T20:58:00.001-05:00

I love all of the prayers going up for me!

blogging sisters are the best kind...

you all just give and give and give...

;)

thought I would give you some information on what happened this weekend...

I have been hypoglycemic since I was very little...

my mom was, too...

always had to watch out for low blood sugar, because the bottom could drop out so fast...

totally the opposite of a diabetic...

and then the last two weeks, I was determined not to get dehydrated or constipated coming off of a 39 day spell of diarrhea...

from my IBS and all the antibiotics...

I was weak and shaky most of the time...

so I started eating and drinking...

larger amounts for me so I could keep my strength up and to stop what usually happens when I get my IBS lined out...

with IBS, when things start changing, there is a time when I will get constipated..

it can go back and forth for days...

it is during that time that I can get blocked enough to where I could throw up my bowels...

I have never done it yet, but have come close many times...

so I was trying to avoid this...

changing my diet greatly...

I have had these symptoms for only about a week to 10 days...

so here is what the theory is...

I have either completely over done it and with the infection...

spiked my blood sugar so high...

infection will spike it...

or...

I have acquired Type 2 diabetes...

which can happen...

I could can from being one thing to another if the pancreas decides to quit working right...

and it has been a lifetime of not working right the other way...

so it's never been normal...

I always had too much insulin in my system...

I can't do coffee...

3 sips and I'm shaking all over...

so I did pop...

but not more than 2 glasses a day...

and it maintained my sugar so I didn't dip low and then high again...

teas are hard for me to do, too...

so when they tested me and the blood sugar was so high...

I had a little idea of what to do, but they also wanted me to cut out carbs, too...

everything has carbs or sugar!

well, almost everything....

and they did not send me home with a diet...

told me to look it up online...

ok...

so I still can't do a diabetic diet because of the carbs...

so we have been reading labels all day...

looking certain things up...

and I so can't wait to talk to the dietitian about what I can do...

yesterday, I was afraid to eat anything...

but today, I have done veggies and lots of water...

one glass of that Coke zero so I don't get a caffeine head ache...

slept and rested a lot...

cleaned and puttered a little and got my shower...

thanks for all the suggestions of diet drinks...

the guys have lined the counter with different pops and will look for crystal lite next time...

I miss my juice...

but I will adjust to whatever I have to do...

short term or long term...

I am in a strange place right now learning new things...

and so it goes...

there is a reason...

pray for my guys...

its one more thing they have to worry about and deal with...

I have so many cracks, there must be a lot of light...

LOL

Happy Sunday...

2012-01-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

today, I am...

adjusting...

catching up on much needed sleep...

haven't been able to sleep very well for the last 2 weeks...

researching on the internet...

DH just got back from Kroger and Walmart...

will be cooking veggies this afternoon...

the insulin pills have all the side effects of what I deal with everyday...

so won't know if its them or the IBS...

LOL

I have decided that Coke Zero tastes better than Diet Pepsi...

if anyone has any other suggestions for diet drinks, please let me know...

thank you for all your prayers...

need to go help the guys get things started here and put away...

later...

well, its been a different kind of day...

2012-01-28T18:36:00.001-05:00

thought I might have a UTI...

got up this morning and headed for the doctor's office...

they have a weekend clinic...

my doctor wasn't in today and I saw a NP...

tested my urine...

bacteria 0...

sugar 1000...

so they did a couple blood tests and were going to send me home...

but I asked for a glucose test before I left and they dug up a meter...

425...

that got me a trip to the ER and a shot fast acting insulin...

I came home with 2 pill insulins and a test meter...

my doctor is out on Mondays, so I have to see him on Tuesday...

no sugars and no carbs for 4 days until I see him to get this down...

it could be Type 2 diabeties...

or...

it could be the infection...

so have more antibiotics...

so we have been there all day...

I had breakfast before I could go...

and supper when we got home...

they gave me water and crackers in the ER for my IBS...

but I ate light and tested...

277...

so it's coming down already...

I only had about 3 hours of sleep last night, so I am heading for bed...

it wore me out...

I will try to get on later, but it may be tomorrow...

hope you are all ok...

more images for you to use...

2012-01-27T07:24:00.002-05:00

not sure if I have posted some of these before or not...

but trying to go through some of my folders here...

looking for things that you might like to use...

because these days are coming soon enough...

feeling much better this morning...

I can tell when people pray for me...

I have better days...

aren't these the most colorful vintage postcard images?

just bright enough to lift your spirits on cloudy wintery days...

I think it may be time to start painting again...

not sure what I want to do yet...

looking around for ideas and inspiration...

have a happy day...

been playing around...

2012-01-26T14:47:00.000-05:00

in fotoflexer...

I have a new toy!

these are photos of my living room ...

and I used color sketch on them...

this one is without adding any color saturation...

and this one is adding some color to it...

not doing so hot today...

please pray...

could be a bladder infection from all the anitibiotics...

its not fun...

drank too much cranberry juice and my tummy doesn't like it one bit...

too sick to get into the doctor today, so shooting for tomorrow...

it did warm up through the night and the ice is all gone!

one good thing there, for sure...

some of you have been boo hooing over picnik closing shop...

2012-01-26T06:10:00.001-05:00

well, I have a place for you...

are you ready?

it's called fotoflexer...

so go on over and check it out...

a lot like picnik, but with a lot more options...

so don't hurt yourself over there...

I just did these 2 over there in about 5 minutes...

I was playing around...

so- there you go...

now git!

you can thank me later...

chocolate works for me...

ps- it can even get rid of wrinkles...

Nana Diana, this one's for you!

we've got freezing rain mixed with sleet...

2012-01-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

what a winter's day we are having here...

its freezing on surfaces now...

a very dreary looking day indeed...

and slicker than owl poop on a doorknob...

got that saying from living in the south, but they didn't say poop...

so we are staying inside...

we've cleaned, ate, watched a little tv, did my pt and played a game...

had my shower and smell good now...

and would you believe its so quiet here except for the sleet hitting the kitchen windows...

and Craig snoring on the couch...

all the critters are nappin'...

I need to do an ensure and it just might be nap time for me, too...

just praying the temp rises just a tad for rain and that my guy gets home from work later, safe and sound...

having a pretty good, mellow kind of day...

we all need those every now and then...

so glad I am in here and not out there!

for Donna...

2012-01-24T21:36:00.000-05:00

our best glitter girl had surgery today...

so sending this love message her way...

if you don't know Donna, aka glitter queen, from MyShabby Chateau...

well, you better check her out...

she's awesome!

and she needs prayers as she heals...

cuz us girlies miss her posts already...

Donna, you know you have been in my prayers...

and I am sending glittery angels to watch over you...

and you know how hard it is for me to be around all this glitter...

but I had to do it...

you are special...

and here is a wand for the angels to use to bonk you on the head with...

so you can go out and play again...

see, I can glitter, too...

there is some anxiety...

magic glitter...

the kind that fixes everything...

but most of all, I just wanted you to know that I am praying and thinking about you...

others have done posts for you today as well...

because you are that loved...

and we wanted to know- you are not alone...

no how, no way...

(from Donna's blog)

AND...

walk, walk, walk!

strut your stuff, Queenie!

Love you- Tete

create you own happy place...

2012-01-23T19:33:00.000-05:00

mine might look something like this...

I am so happy today!

and I'm passing it onto you...

so here it comes...

get ready...

set...

I'm tossing it now...

did you catch it?

;)

are ya grinnin' yet...

come on...

just let go...

you can feel it...

ha!

you couldn't hold a straight face, could ya?

now- go toss it to someone else!

flip flopping...

2012-01-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

and piddle fartin'...

do you ever spend time doing that?

that's what the guys and I did yesterday morning...

moving things from one side to the other...

got that bright yellow bedspread on a facebook garage sale...

$7...

queen size micro fiber with shams...

it is bright for sure...

and someone here is slackin'...

woke him up soon after to clean out and rearrange kitchen cabinets...

there are many colors in here right now...

my way of fighting off the winter gloom...

and the cabinet that was in the booth is sitting here now...

and Craig and I just unloaded on of the totes in it for me to work from now...

there should be plenty to start with...

I just need to figure the shipping out...

and then I will be up and running again...

Beau Beau on the couch...

see! isn't that cover bright!

I have no clue what happened to his ear...

its there now...

???

well, its been a weekend for sure...

the weather has been nuttier than a snicker's bar...

we have rising temps, upper 40s and fog...

Friday night was so cold and ice and sleet...

but we are closer to getting this month over...

not long now to wait...

we're out of there...

2012-01-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

DH and his friend went in this morning and got our stuff out of the antique mall...

the one that asked me to leave without an explanation except that even though I was making my booth rent...

my sales weren't high enough for them...

they take no commission...

????

we usually deal with the mother of the mother/ daughter owners...

it was the daughter who called me...

the mother is wonderful!

always cheerful and always helpful...

so DH and friend walk in...

and were greeted...

daughter-"What are you doing here?"

?????

she had no idea of who they were...

they could have been shopping....

like customers...

so sad...

"Packing up my wife's booth"...

then she got nasty...

just hateful tones and comments...

I am so proud of DH for not telling her where to go and how to do it...

he so wanted to...

she had my check ready...

there were others packing out, too...

one was a new booth that hadn't been in there very long...

daughter even had to make a phone call to Rebecca before they could take my cabinet out...

my cabinet...

they didn't wait for her to get back...

it was already in the back of the truck before she could dial...

she did offer a box to help pack out...

and then came back with one...

7x18...

held 3 things...

DH still isn't sure if she was being nasty on that one...

LOL

thank you, Lord, for delivering us from evil...

we had no clue that the daughter was like this...

always having dealt with the mother...

His plan is to keep us safe and He's on it...

Lord, help the dealers still in there and about to go in...

you don't treat people that way...

no way, no how...

I never treated my dealers like that...

or my customers...

everyone was greeted with a smile and a cheerful greeting...

every single time...

why would anyone want to shop in a place like this?

I had no clue or we would have been out of there a long time ago...

so if God is trying to tell you something...

and you don't understand it...

He has a reason...

blindly following Him will keep you safe and happy...

go with it...

something better is coming...

He's got it all lined out...

forgotten dreams...

2012-01-22T01:14:00.002-05:00

left behind...

forgotten...

through time...

discarded...

what was once filled with laughter...

tears...

hopes...

dreams...

became no longer needed...

empty...

decay...

earthly...

not eternal...

where are your dreams?

here?

or there?

on earth where all things pass away?

or in heaven, where the soul never dies?

empty shells left behind, no longer needed...

gone HOME, to a better place...

what will become of our dreams when we go to the other side?

if they are earthly...

they will crumble...

and be forgotten...

so...

how much time do we spend putting energy into something that will crumble...

compared to what we put into something that will never fade away?...

where are you storing up your treasures?

here?

or there?

in 100 years...

what will be left of your energy now?

your time?

here...

and there...

God bless and have a wonderful Sunday...

Happy Saturday!

2012-01-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

I have been hopping around in cyberspace and found some really fun and cute ideas...

love this simple little bathroom...

isn't she cute?

I would never get out of the tub...

check this out...

love this idea...

putting this in my folder for things to do...

need more birdhouses...

I have one like this that I could use...

now that's a swing...

looks like it could be big enough to take a nap on...

I can see me there...

now this is cute and simple...

you could 2 or 3 tea lights in one and use it as a lantern...

hey lakehouse girl- you need to do this...

and I will leave with this thought...

the more you give, the more you get back...

life is that simple...

don't over complicate it...

have a great weekend!

we got sleet last night but should be melted by this afternoon...

hanging out with the guys today...

we might even do something in here...

available...

2012-01-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

my guys brought it to my attention a couple of nights ago at the supper table...

that Johnny is now available...

yep, they are separated and living apart...

so my DH gave me permission to seek him out and win him over...

with his blessing...

what a guy!

but I told him I would rather have plastic surgery done to him...

to make him look like this...

aren't I sweet?

cause I would rather have him...

well...my guy smiled the biggest old smile ever...

and said...

yeah, he said this...

"DON'T EXPECT ME TO BE HOME VERY MUCH...."

with the biggest grin you have ever seen and the most hysterical wink my way...

WWWWEEEELLLLLL....

I rethought my position right there...

since he would enjoy this more than I would....

think of the competition!

yeah, like I would win...

so I shot back...

"MAYBE FAT AND BALD IS WHERE YOU NEED TO STAY...

NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT THAT...

I AM NOT SURE I COULD HANDLE HOT...

AT LEAST I KNOW WHERE YOU ARE AT NIGHT..."

so, he pouted...

so I am going on ebay to find a Johnny mask...

just for a gag gift at Valentines...

wish me luck...

for all of you who gave me such encouraging words yesterday...

I look good with your smiles on!

thank you for your uplifting...

2012-01-19T23:03:00.000-05:00

but that phone call hasn't bothered me...

I have been waiting for that feeling...

you know the feeling...

the one that shakes you up...

nothing...

I think I was ready to go...

and really, I have had so many other things that would concern me more...

so if the devil was trying to knock me down...

well, he missed...

I made a phone call a little bit after to my buddy here in town who runs the furniture and flooring store...

I have a place to go...

I knew I did and he isn't the only option...

my life is good and God's grace is sufficient...

and I have the best blogging friends ever!

;)

you girls rock!

well, that's a wrap...

2012-01-19T15:01:00.002-05:00

just got a call from the antique mall I am in...

and they asked me to leave by the end of the month...

I have made my booth rent every month but one, and came close that month...

they never called to complain about anything...

when we went into the mall, everything was great...

they never said a word to me before...

so, have no idea where their heads are...

and if they are that unpredictable...

I don't want to be there either...

they have been so hard on Rebecca lately...

the booths around my booth literally went untouched for at least 6 months...

we change mine up at least twice a month...

and I am being asked to leave...

I think someone wants a bigger booth...

this mall has tossed some of the best dealers around here...

dealers that were selling big ticket items...

so with that...

and thanks for listening...

comes a new beginning somewhere else...

looking for that new door...

let's go shopping...

2012-01-19T03:40:00.000-05:00

for the perfect blogging neighborhood...

I found some cute little houses for us to live in...

which one would you pick for your own?

there are many to choose from...

don't be shy...

surely one of these would do...

so which will it be?

we could all be neighbors...

in a quiet little town...

and we would all have cute little shops lining Main Street...

and we would be our best customers...

and this one would be mine...

far fetched?

nope...

because in Heaven, we will be neighbors...

and sisters...

and we will live together in the same neighborhood...

so which one are you going to pick today?

and what kind of shop will you be running?

In my Father' house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2

a few things I found...

2012-01-18T05:13:00.000-05:00

that remind me of my best friend, Rebecca...

she would so love this...

and today starts her bathroom renovation...

I could see her in here...

I know she would love that sink with the crystals hanging there...

the cute little lights...

the chair...

she has always wanted to build a gypsy caravan...

lookie here, girlie!

its already done!

and this reminds me of her parlor...

she has cool stuff like that...

and my thought for you today is this...

I wish you could believe in yourself like I believe in you...

you are awesome and you can do whatever you set your heart to do...

never doubt that- ever...

love you...

from me

websites going dark for 24 hours...

2012-01-17T20:13:00.003-05:00

Many websites, including google, are going dark tomorrow...

the black out will last 24 hours...

I really don't think our blogs will work at all...

so, don't panic...

its being done on purpose to protest SOPA AND PIPA...

something congress is trying to pass so they can control the internet...

to stop piracy...

so, Happy Wednesday to you...

and I will see you back here on Thursday if not sooner...

well, so much for warm weather...

2012-01-17T13:49:00.003-05:00

these shots were from yesterday...

late afternoon...

after the clouds moved in...

the clouds that brought thunderstorms throughout the night and early this morning...

there is comes...

we were at 58 early this morning...

and the thunderstorms moved on through...

and its dragging in some colder air...

19 by tonight...

I can hear the wind howling every now and then...

its in the darkness that we learn...

whatever God needs us to learn at that time...

it renews us in Him...

and it gives us a chance to really appreciate all the good things that He has placed in our laps...

we all have things that we must endure while we walk this earth...

but He promises it will be no more than we can handle...

and that it will be worth it when we enter Heaven...

when that day comes...

we won't even remember the hardships we had here...

so if today isn't the best day for you...

hang on...

you are where you need to be...

if you are having a wonderful day...

look down and pull someone up...

share your energy...

a hug...

a hope...

tomorrow may be your turn to be pulled up...

bless you all so much!

2012-01-16T23:16:00.001-05:00

more images...

2012-01-16T18:13:00.001-05:00

sharing is the best kind of fun for me...

so take what you want...

yeah, need to do this more...

there are so many who would trade with any of us in a heart beat...

we have is so good...

thank you, Lord!

a Sunday drive in the sunshine...

2012-01-15T17:21:00.000-05:00

we hit the road right after veggie soup for lunch...

to be out in the sunshine and see how much snow is left...

tomorrow will be in the upper 40s with rain...

but the melting has already begin...

the little streams are running...

and here is your funny for the day...

got it in an email from a friend who knows us well...

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND COMPLAIN

(1) They live here....you don't.

(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it “fur”-niture.

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

(1) eat less,

(2) don't ask for money all the time,

(3) are easier to train,

(4) normally come when called,

(5) never ask to drive the car,

(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;

(7) don't smoke or drink,

(8) don't want to wear your clothes,

(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,

(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and

(11) if they get pregnant, you can give their children away.....

the best advice I ever got was to face my fears...

if you turn around and look it in the eye...

it gets so much smaller than you imagined it was...

but to gain confidence...

it does shrink all fears...

fear is from the devil...

to take away our joy in life...

so swing today until you can touch the clouds...

and if you should fall...

God will catch you...

have a great evening!

my day...

2012-01-15T00:27:00.002-05:00

isn't this so true...

what if God said to you- "hey, catch!"...

and whatever you were holding onto you had to let go or get hit in the face...

what would you do?

every great salesperson knows that if the shopper's hands are full, she won't pick up something else...

yeah, I had that worked out...

I would take it out of her hands and lay it on the counter for her...

always walking slightly behind her, watching for the "limit" she could hold...

and swoop in and snatch it all up so she could do it again and again...

keep the hands empty, or at least to where you can pick up one more thing...

if your hands are too full, you are going to miss that treasure just around the corner...

let go of the stuff in your life that doesn't fit your life...

that doesn't bring joy, a smile, a giggle...

find your giggles and your smile will never fade...

so while it was like this today...

the new Birds and Blooms came in the mail today...

now this is how our birds are hanging out...

but soon, this is coming...

and this...

and a chance to wear something like these...

and do these...

got my chocolate milkshake today...

DQ...

my DH brought it home to me today while he was in town shopping...

then he got sick late afternoon and isn't doing too good...

dizzy and sick to his stomach...

flu time has come...

maybe what I had wasn't all the meds and IBS...

same symptoms...

so that was the day...

and helping a few friends out along the way...

it was a good day for me...

something to think about...

2012-01-14T12:47:00.002-05:00

winter is the time to plan ahead...

just look at this porch...

awesome, huh?

cozy...

THE place to be on a summer's night...

another cozy little front porch idea...

shabby...

fun...

this shows its not the amount of space you have, but what you do with it...

another fun space, but I think I would only have pots on one side, so there is room to sit on the steps...

do you do that?

just sit on the steps?

awe, what a space to read, relax and daydream...

bring on the sunsets!

talk about romance...

shabby quaint does it for me...

love the outdoor mantle...

and check this out...

love the teal gems here...

a splash of color for all those white rooms that are out there...

this would sure go with all those vintage jars at the Lakehouse...

are you planning for spring as the snow flies?

I am...

so, what are your dreams?

August 2011- the end of looking back...

2012-01-13T20:39:00.002-05:00

what a month that was!

it was a hot one...

and a little dry...

but the blooms kept coming and we were out for late night walks almost every evening...

can't wait for it to come again...

I have a couple more posts put together for you for the weekend, so you all come back when you can...

have a great night!

Happy Friday the 13th...

2012-01-13T15:47:00.000-05:00

Loved that gal!

the snow didn't amount to too much here...

its the 40+ degree difference that is hard to take...

which means a little more nap time...

its really hard to clean house when almost every seating surface is covered with a furr baby...

Craig's arm is mending...

its sore...

and a funny for you...

my Bebe can relate...

he wouldn't go off the porch to pee last time...

still having some minor tummy problems...

had to run a few times this morning...

other than that, doing ok...

stepped out on the porch briefly, so I have been outside...

not brave enough to have Craig push me down the street in the chair though...

maybe Rebecca could loan me one of her many sleds!

woo hoo for old crazy people!

we rule!

its here...

2012-01-12T21:21:00.001-05:00

does this make you think or what?

something I am going to have to remember...

this morning it began...

kind of cute at first...

but the winds have been bad...

hard to see out on the road...

3-5 inches expected throughout the night...

16 now with a wind chill of -1...

-1!

it was in the 40s yesterday...

needless to say, I am not going out there...

and so winter begins...

for a few days anyway...

5 days from now- back in the 40s...

have a good night...

something to do...

2012-01-12T14:30:00.002-05:00

1. Where do you like to vacation?

In the summer, I'm in my yard...my get away from all the strife...a place to talk to God and its far enough away for me.

2. Do you have pets?

Hello? Haven't you been listening? Bebe the wonder dog, and then there's the cats- Doofus, Daphne, Boofy, Mr Wiggles, Tory and Beauregard

3. What is your favorite color?

Depends- I love browns in my clothes right now. I like sage green, blues, teals, and yellows.

Just about most colors except orange and most shades of red.

Those colors seem to irritate me.

4. How many are in your family?

4, we have 2 kids...that's it...next...

5. What is your least favorite thing to do?

unloading the dish washer...

cleaning out the fridge... but do it anyway...

go to the funeral home for visitation...

6. What is your most favorite thing to do?

gardening!

painting...

cooking...

7. If money were no object what would you like to do when you retire?

if money were no object...

I would buy all the property on my street...

bulldoze all the homes here...

build new ones...

and then give them away...

to the "working poor"...

the ones who have jobs and work every day of theirs lives and just can't get ahead...

I call it my good neighbor plan...

all they have to do is be good neighbors...

no nasties, no drugs...

and in 30 years the deed is signed over to them...

so its not given outright, its something that they earned...

8. What is your favorite season?

late spring/early summer

9. What book are you currently reading?

My First Best Friend by Nancy Lindemeyer

10. What time do you go to bed, get up in the morning?

when I get tired and when I wake up...

I am out of sinc really bad right now...

its the fibro...

11. How long have you been blogging?

coming up 3 years in Feb

now your turn...

copy and paste and answer the questions so we can get to know you better...

1. Where do you like to vacation?

2. Do you have pets?

3. What is your favorite color?

4. How many are in your family?

5. What is your least favorite thing to do?

6. What is your most favorite thing to do?

7. If money were no object what would you like to do when you retire?

8. What is your favorite season?

9. What book are you currently reading?

10. What time do you go to bed, get up in the morning?

11. How long have you been blogging?

copied from NanaDiana's blog...