acorn hollow

A Perfect Day

2012-01-25T19:47:00.000-05:00

I went thrifting today! I went to a thrift shop I love but because of work rarely get there.

I got 2 rolls of crape paper streamers.

This is much smaller than it looks in the picture, but I am a sucker for a footed dish.

It makes everything so elegant.

assorted vintage wrapping paper

And be still my heart this tree. I have a tree made the same way that is 27 years old.

My tree is falling apart and needs to go, I have hunted and hunted for something like it but no luck or I would pay hundreds of dollars for it. For 6.00 it is wonderful and looks like it was hardly used.

When this tree is together and decorated you would never know it was a fake tree This is my tree all set up .

I know I know you are sick of Christmas.

This months country garden is a must buy. This is just one articles that interested me.

I am thinking I may find one of those wheelbarrows at the dump this year.

There are many more articles you will love,antique bee skep, living centerpieces,etc

A few months ago I joined paperbackswap.com

I thought it would be a great way to swap out some of my books.

I have gotten these in the swap but on a whole I am a bit disappointed. not much in the way for

decorating and DIY books.

And what would a post be without a dump find.

she is so sweet she was sitting on the shelf just waiting for me at the dump.

We were up early and into Boston to the Dr. David got a very good report, we go back in 2 weeks for a few tests to see just how he really is doing. I met up with my sweet friend Cathy. We had tea and a little conversation. In all I would say a perfect day. How was your day?

I am joining the thrifty groove to show off my finds.

Is this the party to whom I am speaking?

Lily Tomlin as Ernestine the operator.(If you are old enough to remember)

A Very Productive Weekend

2012-01-22T17:01:00.001-05:00

Day break is coming through the trees, while my little old Sadie watches the birds.

I hooked on lose woven wool for the first time and I have to say I love it.

I just drew it on and hooked. This is a very small pillow and I used the smallest wool I have ever hooked with. From now on it will be larger.

I also used some of my huge stack of Cards I have saved.

This one is my favorite, who would not love to live in that sweet little cottage?

I am also mid way through another craft project. All I can say it involves paper mache.

A friend of ours dropped off a beautiful set of sheets, polar fleece. I am washing sheets daily.

They are the color of the siesta key ocean.(the gulf)

siesta key has one of the top 10 beaches in the WORLD. We have vacationed there for years

and love it. This is a bowl of sand and shells I have brought back over the years. the sand is like powdered sugar, white,soft and beautiful. It is only an hour south of Tampa Florida. The links are to an amazing place to stay and to find out more. Sadly we can not go this year because of David's transplant.

We are watching the Patriots ohh it is a nail biter.

Miss Baby learned to drink from a straw this week. She found out that there was a frappe on the other end of that straw oh yeah.

Is it just me or is someone else having issues leaving comments? The screen freezes!

I am participating in show off your cottage House in the Roses.

I am also joining cozy home scenes No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit. Helen Keller

Ta Da Dump,knitting and More

2012-01-18T18:39:00.000-05:00

I have had questions lately about my dump. Yes it is a real dump where you take the garbage and this is the name of the road it is on cute huh. We have a heated, lovely room that people put things in that other people may be able to use. You would be surprised at what is left or maybe you wouldn't ha!

And here is my latest haul. These movies are brand new all the wrapping are still on.

And from the same box, still all wrapped. I have not tried it yet but for free hey I will give it a try.

On the knitting front I am making 2 needle mittens. For some reason the way the picture was taken it looks like the thumb is out of proportion but really it is not it fits great.

Dinner tonight was left overs in another form. I used hamburg but you could use ground turkey,

a lot of veggies, a can of low fat biscuits,some spaghetti sauce, and a healthy amount of cheese. kids would love this and a great way to sneak in veggies.

We had a little snow and then a lot of rain at freezing temps. Our driveway could of been used for luge trials. We skyped Miss Baby last night she is now licking the screen when she see us ha she makes us laugh so much. It is cold tonight so we are hugging the wood stove and playing cards. I won last time by 100 points which isn't much David is calling for a rematch. Stay warm and cozy.

Respect yourself. You're the best judge of what's right.

Cheryl Richardson

A Candidate And His Cookies

2012-01-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

Since NH has the first in the nation primary we are swamped with reporters,candidates and their staff. Lots of hand shaking,baby kissing, phone calls at least 3 at day and mailings. In those mailing was this little cookbook. His wife has the Barbara Bush vibe so I tried it out. I settled on the chocolate chip cookie. Not exactly heart smart for a Dr's wife but hay who am I to talk.

I did have to substitute a 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour For those amazing bakers out there I have no idea how that changed the cookie. They are tasty, I will stick to my recipe in the future.

I had to show you the birds coming to our feeder this morning. every time I moved they flew off.

It was pretty cold today and colder still tonight we are at 10 F right now headed to below 0.

I have found I post way to much about magazines, I think I may have a problem.

But here I go again,today I got the country gardens and a flyer for discount plants. So while we watch the Patriots win the game tonight (So sorry Tebow fans he is nice and all but....) I will plan my spring plantings.

I have been on Mouse patrol,yes that's right we have mice, little gray mice cute outside not so cute inside.
So I set the trap when we get one (3 to date) David yells another one I get the rubber gloves and 2 plastic bags and dump the whole works eeewwwweeeeww I hate it but David can't deal with it so I am it.
I want to thank everyone for their warm welcome for Jody she is so sweet and emailed me very excited.
I too get excited when I get followers and comments I hope that feeling never goes away.
I hope everyone is warm and cozy on this cold night GO PATRIOTS!:0)

Cracker Jacks

2012-01-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

This is our house it looks so nice in the snow, naah just kidding. WE did get snow, but this is an oil painting I got at a resale shop for 30.00 I just love it, the color is so much better in person.

I think I am a reasonably intelligent person but holy cow I can not get my head around knitting. The circular needles are to long. I have done and redone and I am going to give up I think. Not as much fun as I thought it might be for me.

While pondering my knitting problem I am eating crackerjacks. When I was a kid I was in the money if I could buy a box of crackerjacks. I even remember how much, 9cents per box(this bag is 1.09)

and if I had a dime I had a penny left over for the gum machine. If I was really lucky I got a charm with my gum. I had a box of charms and prizes from crackerjacks. My friend and I would trade them and see who had the best stash.

After I got home I heard someone shoveling our walkway. It was a young man from the fire department, they have a list of who shovels for us. The most amazing thing he had just come from getting a root canal! David and I very humbled and over whelmed with our community.( One of the other guys plows us out )

I would love for you to visit a new blogger! I met jody though an email she sent when we were still figuring out David's condition. She is a strong amazing woman tell her I said hi.

Ask for help. Receiving is an act of generosity...Cheryl Richardson

Saving A Dime

2012-01-09T18:17:00.000-05:00

This brook is near our house. I was driving by and saw how beautiful it was and just had to take a picture.

We still have no snow (that is ice) which is fine by me. No plow bills and the furnace is running less. But not everyone is happy.I guess we all can't be happy .

I am very loosely calling this chili. I used up all the bits and pieces of left over veggies, added some left over hamburg and caned beans with some spices. Not to toot my own horn it was very yummy and a good way to use up left overs.

David was organizing the pantry and I am ashamed to say he found these bags in the bottom of a basket.

So not one to throw them away. I put them on a baking sheet and baked them at 350 for about 10 minutes.

It makes them crispy again.

And them I put them in a food processor and made crumbs. Great to coat chicken or put in a meat loaf.

If I have pretzels left etc I do the same and mix them all together it makes a unique and delicious mix.

I made a trip to the dump today and got a couple of goodies I am going to pass on to my daughter.

It is a hooked of Phonics, new all the cards are shrink wrapped.

and 2 boxes of children's valentines. She is a teacher so I am sure all will come in handy.

Since I have resolved to drink more....water I have lost 2 lbs. I have cut back on what I eat but no "diet"

I just hope this keeps working cuz I have a ways to go.

We went to Boston today and David was told" you are doing well I will see you in 2 weeks". That is a big step forward. We have been going weekly.

No matter what is happening around you, first take care of yourself. When you're balanced, all things will be gradually added to your life,and the changes you have asked for will occur.

Kryon

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

2012-01-07T17:18:00.000-05:00

That is David with Miss Baby. Everyone was healthy so we took a chance. We are on day 66 that means 34 more days until David is cleared to do something else like see Miss Baby but who could wait any longer? we haven't seen her in person in 3 months. enough is enough. and as you can see by my husband's face it was worth it! We got to exchange our Christmas gifts I gave miss baby some board books my daughter just gets out of her mouth " Oh she loves board books" When Miss Baby takes one of the pages and bent it in half.(it is thick cardboard) I had to laugh it was like there no more board books!
She is such a joy she makes us laugh so much and we got to see her take some steps. She really thinks about it before she trys to walk. She is looking at me like enough gram I need lunch.

On the way home we went ta da dump. I got this cutie wrong season but it will look good this fall on my table. When I pull out the fall things I will weed something out. That is one of my new resolutions also. something comes in then something must go out.

It screams Acorn Hollow to me

Well we all tucked in for the night a bit tired from all the excitement today.

I got the new Mary Jane's farm today and I am reading a great book.

Night Road by Kristin Hannah If you have never read her you should give her a try.

the other titles I loved were

Firefly Lane

and

Winter Garden

I stopped and got the correct needles for the hats I want to knit (I got the wrongs ones when I turn tail and ran.) My goal is socks I want to make socks so much. So if anyone has a very easy pattern I would love to have it.

One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach, one can collect only a few.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Visit my daughter here and see more pictures of Miss Baby.

I Resolve To Drink More....

2012-01-03T20:50:00.000-05:00

Water,now what were you thinking? I do not drink enough fluids. I know it will make me feel better and help to keep me feeling full.

I will also read this daily to get inspiration for the day.

And I want to learn to knit more than slippers.

On New Year's day I braved the crowd and went to a knitting store that had 20 percent off the entire store.

I was shocked at what women were lugging out of there. The knitting store is owned by the same people that own keepsake quilting I walked into the quilt store, there was a line that circled the store people waiting for fabric to be cut. I turn tail and ran for the car.

I got the new rug hooking magazine today and it is a perfect night to curl up and look through it.

It is 5 F right now and it is going below zero, our first really cold night of the season.

Tonight I appreciate the warmth of this house.

My car is in the garage the motor for my defroster fan is dead. Not the best time of year to not have a defroster. Again I am thankful it happened at home and not on the way to Boston.

I have tomorrow off no Dr's appointment just a day to myself I am looking forward to it.

Things turn out best for for people who make the best of the way things turn out.

John R. Wooden

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:27:00.000-05:00

I will be ringing in the new year while reading these. Can you believe the cake on Victoria? get me a fork.

Also at the library I got this. These books are crazy silly and make me laugh very high on my list right now.

And just what would the last post of the year be with out a picture of a dump find?

I found this cutie when I went to the dump for work. It is painted a very pale yellow I just cleaned it up

and it is good to go, solid as a rock. I am thinking it may look great with a nice dark red with some sanding so the yellow shows through a little bit of French country.

We have been watching the Marx Brothers marathon on Tuner Classic Movies.

One movie is enough for me but it makes David laugh and the sound of him laughing is such sweet music.

This has been a hard year but we have had many blessing along the way.

I prefer to think of those blessings as we go into the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.

Ivy Barker Priest

I'm Melting

2011-12-28T14:29:00.000-05:00

Ok ok I had to have a thrift store fix I admit it. It has been so long and my house is so stripped it feels like I am living in someone elses house. Sooo for 1.00 I got this lovely book oh how I love books.

and with pages like this I will pour over it for hours.

I also found the vintage table cloth , a zinc covered canning jar, and some of the pottery I collect and the sweetest child's mug.

the mug is bone china but no markings it says "the little mother" she is serving her mom tea.

I was thinking Miss Baby would love to have tea from this cup.

Now on to the melting. this is the temp in our house. Yes that's right and it hit 79 before I took this picture.

and this is how husband dresses for inside the house. Yes that is a fleece lined hooded jacket that has a t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt under it. He is comfy and cozy, me well I am thinking a bathing suit would be comfy. Lord knows you do not want to see that. I subject my sweet friends to that when we go to Florida and they still invite us back now that is friendship.

Tomorrow Miss Baby will be ONE can you believe it?

Happy Birthday to one sweet little girl XOXO

Be Glad, Be Good, Be Brave...Eleanor Hodgman Porter

Grousing

2011-12-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

We had a white Christmas not a lot but enough to make everything white and pretty.

We didn't get a partridge in a pear tree but we got a grouse in a crab apple tree.

Our big excitement for the day.

The only company we had was my friend Priscilla,she called and then came over for tea.

This year was very different we skyped the family all together which in my heart made it worse.

I know we have many blessing in our life David is doing so well. We have a home, food and warmth

Still being kept away from the family was very hard. And to top it off Miss Baby took her first step on Christmas day. So time for the pity party to be over and look forward to the new year.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Joseph Campbell

Oh Baby It's Icy Out There

2011-12-21T15:03:00.000-05:00

It is raining and freezing as it hits. We are snuggled in with the lights on and the fireplace crackling, listening to Christmas music hoping we don't lose power.

A couple of days ago I got a few magazines and what else but a Christmas movie at the library.

So since we have no where to go I am copying recipes I may want to try and enjoying being home.

Today we were suppose to be in Boston very early again for an appointment, the office called and needed to reschedule us for tomorrow. This morning there were roll overs and highway shut downs right at the time we would have been there. I do believe we have a higher power looking out for us and I am counting my blessings.

I ask that you keep a very little child in your prayers that was so abused that they are not sure if they will survive. My daughter has a very close friend that is in child services, they called her for this case. This strong young woman asked to be taken off as the abuse was so bad and she has a child just months difference in age from this child, she could not handle the details. While I am not a vindictive person I feel that the abuse you give a child should be given to you as the punishment, jail is to kind.

Sorry on a lighter note I hope you are all enjoying the last days before Christmas and celebrating the winter solstice that means we start gaining a bit of light each day now that makes me very happy. The worse part of winter for me is the darkness.

Live each season as it passes; breathe air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines.

Henry David Thoreau

Oh Nuts...

2011-12-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Look who showed up for breakfast with us this morning! This is a very fuzzy picture but he ate at our feeder that is near the window. Every time I moved to take a picture he would fly down to the post on the deck.

I am linking up with house in the Roses to show off what I have been busy making.

Can you guess what it is?

Now do you know? Yep it is a walnut I gold leafed. I got the gold leaf at the dump and a few weeks later I got the glue brand new that goes with it. Ahh good dump picking days.( Not much at all the past few weeks.)

You open it up and look inside and find a token of friendship. I love that it is golden on the outside but rustic and natural inside. I found the directions in one of Martha Stewart's Christmas books. I am warming up my glue gun I used tacky glue but it didn't hold that great.

We stayed in Sat and watched Christmas movies again. I knitted a little it was nice and relaxing.

I found the turner classic movie channel again (they moved the channels around) and found Holiday with Katherine Hepburn that came on very late but I just had to stay up and watch, so glad I did. I loove old movies and Katherine Hepburn is one of my favorites.

Miss Baby had to go to the hospital last night she has croup, poor Miss Baby we skyped before bed last night and she seemed fine, it came on during the night.

Today we went for a ride and found places with the most amazing views. It was nice to get out of the house for a little while.I have to say I find this holiday the most relaxing ever. We are enjoying the lights, and the movies. A little shopping on line. We do miss the parties but we will be taking a page from this Christmas for Christmas's to come, joy comes in being still.

Earth's crammed with heaven....Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Being Crafty

2011-12-14T18:06:00.000-05:00

I got a chance to to go to Micheal's today I went in for one thing and came out with 5 of these. Oh how I wish I would have bought more. I have been having fun all afternoon.

They started out looking like this,the tops were to shiny for me so I painted them brown so they looked all nice and rusty. I follow okiob designs she uses shredded sheet music a lot so I thought why not.

As I have said before I have a big secret. I have all the cards we have received our whole married life. The box is getting very big and very heavy. I am using them for lots of crafts and tags on presents.

when I can use the whole front I put my favorite holiday recipes on the back. This is a card cut down with the tag being another card. shredded sheet music and a bit of glitter. The longest part was painting the tops which was only minutes.

I have a box of vintage Christmas stickers. I thought they looked cute. The tag is a card cut down and I sewed a button on.

And since this is Miss Baby's first Christmas I made her one for her tree.

I am linking up to funky junk interiors handmade ornaments.

I usually don't get into brands I like or use but I found this last night when I picked up a few things and it is love. Thomas English muffins are our favorites but with cranberries they are amazing. I am not getting anything for this, I just ate one and loved it. I had a tuna sandwich on one this afternoon oh it was so good.

David hasn't been feeling well at all the past few days. We had a Dr appointment today and he said "You know you are not out of the woods yet but you are doing well. There is a lot going on in your body.I expect you will have times when you feel awful." He got some fluids and is feeling better.

Discover the blessings you already have....Cherie Carter-scott Ph.D

Busy Weekend

2011-12-10T20:12:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy weekend already at acorn hollow. We had our first visitors, David's brother aka the doner. They brought along this gift. I think the saying is very true don't you?

Last night we went to a local fund raiser to see the holiday lights. We could drive around to see the lights. This is my favorite kind of holiday cheer:0)

two life size moose or mooses?

and a holiday serpent

is this santa's castle?

So tonight we are in watching more movies and enjoying being home.

with the wood stove going, oh baby it's cold outside.

Do something just for fun pleasure is one of life's essential nutrients.... Cheryl Richardson

Reindeer Games

2011-12-07T20:12:00.000-05:00

Since David is going nuts being cooped up in the house we went to the attic and dug out the doll house that was going to be my daughters but it never was finished. She was probably Miss Baby's age when we got it for her. David built it and never went any further. So now he has a project..........

I dusted and cleaned out some old carpet we had put in years ago now he has a blank slate to have some fun.

We traveled to Boston for his weekly appointment today. It was a good appointment he has gained a little weight, they are very happy with his progress. It was a rainy foggy day so when we got home I lit the fireplace.

And baked some cookies, David found the recipe in the Old Farmers Almanac. They are very much like short bread cookies. Poppy seed raspberry filled cookies.

We are expecting some snow tonight 3-5 inches, booo I do not want to deal with snow this year.

My Christmas memory, I was 5 or 6 and was all tucked in bed on Christmas eve. Outside of my bedroom window was a porch roof. The wind was blowing and the moon was shining on the snow. All of a sudden there was a loud bang and I could see the out line of antlers in my window moving yikes. I was so scared Santa had landed on the porch roof by accident! and he was going to see me awake and LEAVE! I went under the covers and at some point fell asleep under there.( A tree fell in the yard and branches landed on the roof and were blowing back and forth so it looked like antlers shadows in the curtains and the scratching of the branch on the window and roof sounded like reindeer hooves. esp to a little girls imagination. And of course I didn't put it all together until I was much older)

We are watching old Christmas movies every night, tonight is The Preachers Wife with Loretta Young, David Niven and Carry Grant. If you haven't seen it you need to, such a sweet movie.

Santa Clause has the right idea: Visit people once a year...Victor Borge(1909-2000)

Believe

2011-12-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

I had some time after doing 10 loads of laundry this weekend to make this little tree. I got the directions from Martha Stewart's site. I found the tinsel pipe cleaners at a yard sale a few years ago. It really is cuter than it looks here so this will be my tree this year.

The weather was cool but good this weekend. On one of my walks around the yard I found this. Can you believe it 2 snow storms and lots of frost. It was 26 degrees last night and still it blooms.

On Friday night I had a wonderful chance to go out with a couple of friends to a church sale and dinner. A glass of wine and lots of laughs was just what the Dr ordered.

I have had some time to look through some of my books and found this Nast drawing.

While religion is the reason for the season. The magic that goes with Santa Clause is what makes the season so exciting for children. I am sad that Children seem to find out much to young now days. I think I was 10 when I got the bad news from a friend at school.

No Santa Clause! Thank God!he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virgina, nay ten times ten thousand years from now he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Francis church..9/21/1897

I have a fun Santa story I will tell next post but I would love to hear your Santa stories from when you believed.

Keeping Busy

2011-11-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

I have been knitting the one thing that I know how to knit and have been knitting these since I was in middle school. I never progressed beyond these. OK I did knit 2 needle mittens a few times but these are my staple.I pick up good yarn at the thrift store when I see it for my Christmas slippers. And this pair is for a very small girl who will be walking very soon! 11months old yesterday.

Since David's appetite hasn't really returned yet I have been baking for him. I made his favorite choc chip cookies, I threw in a some craisins very yummy.

I really couldn't have Christmas and no decorations, so this is the table in the family room that faces the fire place. I used the large rug I hooked under it and an old quilt top, with a handmade snowman and a wire reindeer. I can't do much more because of dust etc for David........

and speaking of David we made another trip to Boston, numbers are great, and everything is going well. The first test was done to see how many of his brothers cells have taken over. It will take 2 weeks to get it back. When this is done David and his brother will have the same DNA amazing right?

The weather here is warm and wonderful. The best part is all the snow from last week is gone!

I have not shopped for one thing I think it will be cash or gift certificates. Really we are a very blessed family so no one needs much. Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and to the reason the cat can not be on David is scratches. Of course he shouldn't breath in gobs of hair either but it is the scratch they are most concerned with and she likes to kneed before she sits in your lap.OUCH

So in closing I will leave you with some words from the late great John Wayne......

Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean.

It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.

Snow and Fun Stuff

2011-11-25T16:30:00.000-05:00

The day before Thanksgiving it snowed a lot....

We drove to Boston in the snow for David's first Dr's appointment after being discharged on Sunday.

We were pretty late but they took us right in. The Dr said you are not doing good.......you're doing great!

Our 17 year old kitty is having the hardest time with all of this because she can not be near David. so she is being kept in the basement (it has windows and a wood stove) but she is still very sad and breaks our heart crying to be with us. This am Sadie and I got up very early sat on the sofa in the kitchen and watched the sun rise. She was so happy purring in my lap while I drank coffee.

We watched a jet climb the cold, clear sky(the spots are water on the window) Until David got up. She didn't mind going in the basement that much, she got her morning time.

For all of you women living the single life, I have a very deep respect for you! I am exhausted doing all the things that David can't do and my stuff too. The Laundry is always piled as high as an elephant's eye.

Everything has to be washed everyday and our clothes can not co mingle.

Now on to the very fun stuff. Ta Da Dump!

I got these two books they are all wiped down and on the porch until I am ready to look at them.

This very country platter is soaking in soapy bleach water and then it will go in the dish washer, can you see it filled with cookies? There were a few things I left that I would have picked up another time, simplify simplify..

Today I went out to run errands. I got to the grocery store, came out and my car was as dead as dead could be. I was just around the corner from the garage we use. They gave me a jump I followed the wrecker to the garage and got a new battery. For this I am thankful because if we had been in a parking garage in Boston it would have been so much more expensive(they didn't charge us for the call) and scary with David still healing. Being thankful comes in all forms.

We are wiser than we know....Ralph Waldo Emerson

Home

2011-11-20T19:49:00.000-05:00

David came home today. This picture is of him taking his first big breath of country air. You can see the gloves and mask in his hands.

We have 100 days from transplant that he is to stay out of public places,no visiting and we are very careful with his food and drinks. But if he does as well as he did with the transplant he will be fine.

Thank you so much for all of your amazing prayers they are working.

On Sat my daughter and her husband had come to put the last of the wood in, when all of a sudden our friends started showing up to finish the raking and cutting back the gardens. Ashley said it was amazing they all showed up with rakes etc went to work and was gone in a hour and a half.

We have many blessings to be thankful for.

Life is like an echo.What you send out -you get back. What you give-you get.....Anonymous

Friends, Mice, and Leaves

2011-11-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

The news is good, David is still doing very well and keeping the nurses entertained.

For myself, I am boring I go between work,Boston, and scrubbing every little corner of the house.

I head to Boston midweek and spend my days with David. Then come home on Sunday.

When I got home this week friends had raked the yard. Daughter and her husband brought in most of our firewood, and I had a plant from my sweet friend who babysits my cat sadie.

and speaking of Sadie she left a gift for my friend! There was a dead mouse stretched out where she would be sure to see it when she came in to care for her. Poor friend she had to deal with a dead mouse on top of everything else. and she is the one who left the beautiful plant for me. Now that's a friend! In have been keeping up with everyone reading your blogs.Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and prayers they are working for sure. We are skyping Miss Baby now and then, she is at the point she can not sit still. So it is a bit like sykping a worm. It makes us a bit sea sick my daughter tries to follow her with the computer.

I hope you are all well and enjoying the last of fall.

Scenes Of Boston

2011-11-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

When David was sleeping I would take walks in the area. this was a telephone and telegraph building that is now verizion office.These are over each window. I believe the style is art deco.

The fan window is just beautiful.

The detail work on this building is amazing.

This sundial was on the hospital grounds. It is huge and keeps good time.

This is the view from David's hospital window. We see the colleges practice crew on the Charles river.There are also lots of duck boats that come and go.

And this out of focus picture is sun set from my hotel.

I am home for a few days, Sadie my kitty was so happy to see me she circled me and cried. She now is sleeping near by so she can open her eye and make sure I am still there. I was a way for 10 days and she was well cared for by friends and neighbors.

David's appetite is getting better and he felt pretty good today, as the nurses say one day at a time.
I am going back to Boston mid week. Thank you so much for all of your amazing up lifting comments.
All human wisdom is summed up in two words-wait and hope...Alexandre Dumas
Have a great week.

Rough Waters

2011-11-04T17:10:00.000-04:00

The transplant was yesterday to great joy both brothers did well The nurse gave the cells the sign of the cross when she hung it,I hope God was looking.

Today he is in rough waters he is feeling pretty sick. It was expected and he may get sicker (still not easy)

before he gets better. There is a major fight going on in that body so keep us in your prayers.

Our daughter was able to spend an over night with us in Boston it was a good boost for both of us.

We are skyping Miss Baby, now she thinks her grandparents live in a computer.

To the new followers bless your hearts! To my dear old friends thank you, I have read your comments twice today alone, it helps to get me through. know that I am reading your blogs even though I do not comment all the time.

Fear is expecting things will go wrong

Faith is knowing things will be ok

keeping the faith,Cathy

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T12:22:00.000-04:00

The hospital is full of all kinds of goblins and ghosts. Really medical staff disguised.

I brought my camera but no cord so pictures next week.

David still doing well I thank God for that 2 1/2 days of chemo 1 1/2 to before transplant.

I want to thank you for all of your wonderful comments I read them over and over while he is sleeping. (I can't even focus on the book I brought to read.)

Have a safe Halloween and don't eat to much candy

Husband Update

2011-10-29T06:50:00.000-04:00

David was admitted on Wed for transplant. So far so good, he does get into the hard stuff this week.

So I am in Boston for the week. His spirit is good and we are all very proud of him.

Of course we are expecting snow! tonight and tomorrow. Boston area 2-4" but at home a foot or more.

Everyone is freaked out about the snow. But major melting should take place this week. I am not driving in the city I can walk to the hospital so I am fine. Speaking of City while Boston can be beautiful I am a country girl I do not like the fast pace of the city I like the quiet of the country. I am looking forward to getting him back home.

Keep him in your prayers and thank you so much for your uplifting comments they are read over and over.

Bitter Sweet

2011-10-23T19:07:00.000-04:00

This is the tree in my header. It has lots of little berries the birds eat most of the winter.

This is a close up of the berries such a pretty fall color.

On Friday night we had a fire, we had weeded out a lot of personal paperwork that we didn't want to just throw away. So we made it a celebration of pizza and wine.

Today we had a visit from Miss Baby we will not be able to hold her for a few months but will skype her daily. She is so fun she makes us laugh all the time. We also saw our sweet daughter and her wonderful husband. Tears at good bye as David goes in for his 4 week hospital stay on Wed.

We also got a wonderful visit from very close friends. This has been a little like a wonderful life. He is being told how much he matters in people's lives and how much he is loved.
Since David can not leave his room for 4 weeks we have been trying to think of things to keep him busy.
I down loaded the trial version of angry birds thinking that David would just love it. And then I would buy the rest of the game. Welllll I love it and I will not down load it into my computer because that is all I would do for sure.
Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been......Mark Twain
I hope your week is filled with smiles!

My Own Back Yard

2011-10-19T20:38:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday we went to see Miss Baby on the way home we stopped at a little turn out that we have driven past a thousand times. As you can see our foliage is just about gone. That peak is Mr chocoura.

Why we have never stopped before is beyond me sometimes we take our own back yard for granted.

this is the wooden bridge we stood on to take the pictures.

Such pretty wood work.

My daughter and I made a trade. I gave her a treadmill and she gave me a gate leg table. I got the better deal!

I know I have shown this mat before but it is all I have out for Halloween. our decorations are sparse this year.

my one purchase was this Christmas runner .50 a deal. I have seen so many things I would have bought but I am packing things away to get the house ready to super clean for when David comes home after his transplant.

It is a rainy cold night, the wind is blowing and I am happy I am sitting in this nice warm house waiting for the water to heat for a tea.

Make time to relax, be still, and enjoy your solitude,indulging in much-needed self-care....Doreen Virtue,PhD

Just thinking...

2011-10-16T08:52:00.000-04:00

We were back in Boston On Friday the weather was rainy and cold. We spent the entire day going from one appointment to another we had 45 minutes all day to eat or get something to drink. But testing is done and we have a date so we both say let the healing begin.

On Saturday we worked around the house. First it was cloudy,then sunny then thundering and then I saw this. so pretty against the colored leaves.

Last night we went to the movies to see The Best Year. It was good but not great a good rental movie. It was about bird watching with Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. Some funny parts but now David thinks that could be his new hobby from our window. Since he is going to be quarantined at home after this for at least 100 days I think it would be a great hobby. We are bird watching now with our morning coffee.
This mug was given to me by a young man who was a student of my husband's,he became like a son to us. He is now grown and a wonderful dad to his own boys.

I have decided to end each day with a gratitude journal. It is easy to see the bad but we all have much to be thankful for no matter what path we take. I am very thankful for this blog and the many friends I have made through this.

Have a great day we are off to see miss baby!
The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition's and not on our circumstances
Martha Washington

Red Sky In Morning....

2011-10-12T20:06:00.000-04:00

This was the morning sky yesterday, just beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful the trees are at peak and just glowing in the sun.

You know I can't have a post with out a dump story. These are glass tiles that you can hang in the window. They are done by mold but hand detailed. While I am downing sizing right now these say gifts to me. A pretty ribbon and a card great huh!

I have been trying to meditate lately just to get peace and better sleep. I found this bell that I use to see in yoga. she would use it to help bring our wandering mind back to center. At least that is how I am going to use it. And another great dump find.

I found a DIY pumpkin spice latte and it is yummy!
4 oz of brewed coffee
1/2 cup of half and half cream
2 tsp sugar (I use one)
1/4 pumpkin pie spice
add your sugar and spice to hot coffee then heat your cream (you can use skim milk or soy if you like)
and make your cream all frothy. I use the whisk in the picture you could use a fork or a mixer to make the froth, add to top of hot coffee and enjoy.

Celebrate your life no matter where it takes you- no matter how difficult-and know that it is only a transition......Kyron

Have a great week my sweet friends.

Reflections

2011-10-09T21:22:00.000-04:00

These are the last of the summer flowers. While the weather was amazing this weekend I know that it is short lived and the cold will come soon. I am sorry to see the warm weather go, I am not sorry to get this summer behind us.

We got a visit from Miss Baby, every time we see her she has grown and is doing something different.

She makes us laugh all the time. She is entertaining pepe with her many sounds.

David has some dental work tomorrow and then we are back to Boston for more tests and evaluations on Friday.

I got an email asking what kind of transplant he is having. It is a bone marrow transplant and his brother is a great match. The transplant is a long and hard process, he will be in the hospital for at least 4 weeks and then we will have to stay in Boston for a week because they will want to see him every day for a week. Before he can come home the house has to be extremely cleaned. I am in the process of packing away a lot of nonessential things (which is a lot for me)

Our daughter has helped us set up skype. (But we are still having some issues with it.) So that we can skype Miss Baby because we will not be able to see her for some time when this starts.

The holidays will be different but we will have a lot to be thankful for.

Illness can be a teacher,companion, or challenge-but not a punishment. Still, sometimes its message isn't clear. Ignore the illness. Look for the stimulation in the knowledge that you can heal in an instant.......Caroline Myss/Peter Occhiogrosso

Have a great week!

More Ta Da Dump

2011-10-05T19:51:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to snag all of these recent magazines from the magazine rack.

I found some movies. I am trying to stock pile movies for cheap or free for our long winter

of recovery. And I scored a couple of cookbooks. Yes that is a Julia Child's!

I am down to this my sweet friends. Yep glasses all the time and bifocals(progressive) I really had no problem getting use to them. Wow I had no idea how dirty my house is yikes.

David is doing better and getting some dental work done before he can go on with the transplant.
Of all the things for my brave husband to be afraid of it is the dentist. I guess we all have our Achilles heel.
Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow. You don't have tomorrow's strength yet. You simply have enough for today.We don't need to know what will happen tomorrow......Max Lucado

Happy Anniversary

2011-10-02T20:11:00.000-04:00

Thirty six years ago tomorrow I said " I do" to the love of my life.

I think it was the side burns that got to me.

I was a couple months past 19 and David was a few months past 21. Oh what kids we were.

Then 8 years later our Ashley came along. This is Miss Baby's mom can you tell?

I am asking you to dig out your most powerful prayers for the love of my life we are having some complications one just cropped up tonight. We need to get into that transplant soon.

Happy Birthday

2011-09-28T18:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Ron we really dig you.....ugh even I think that was bad

We are so lucky to have you as part of our family.

you can be quiet and deep taking it all in.....

You can be funny and sweet...

You are an amazing husband, father,and son

you are our favorite son in law

We love you

Happy Birthday Ron.

a busy weekend

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

I guess you love the one your with:0)

I hope that you have done your exercises like Miss Baby!

She visited her pepe and gramie this weekend, she showed off all of her skills.

She gets up on her feet and hands and lifts one leg in the air and balanced there.

I got such a laugh with her!

I went ta da dump and got a pretty good haul.

this is pewter candlesticks.

and under vintage, I love the candle holder I am going to paint it a nice old green for my porch.

and that is a little glass flower frog.

I found a couple of things for Miss baby they are soaking in hot water and soap as I write.

a funny little flower pot for the frig.

And this book. I looked up the person and he lived from the middle of the 1700's to the early 1800's

I know it is in bad shape but has my ship come in? Is this the first million dollar dump find?

The paper is handmade, I can't find a date on the book. I will keep looking to see if it is worth any thing.

The weather this weekend was beautiful 80's so we went kayaking on a little pond. There are no houses on this pond and David and I were the only ones there. So we paddled with the loons just beautiful.

David was getting in his kayak I offered help getting him launched nope he could do it himself.

Splash in he went. It was only ankle deep but he was soaked! At first I was shocked and then we started laughing He changed his shirt and off we went. On the way back in he wasn't looking at the big rock just under the water. I am getting out of the kayak and he yells "I am sitting on this big rock,I am stuck." I started laughing so hard and so did he so he was having a hard time pushing himself off. It felt good to have a laugh. (But his cell phone now no longer works.)

I hope your weekend was fill with laughter and fun.
Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well....Josh Billings

Ta Da Dump...

2011-09-21T18:39:00.000-04:00

I found a bag of old music at the dump, there was some really fun things in that bag!

If your lover boy comes home singing this tune get suspicious.....

I just love how patriotic this is, we need more of this.

There was a lot of old greeting cards.

I love the graphics on this card,can you guess the holiday it is for?

This card is a copy of a painting done by Winston S. Churchill. He was a man of many talents.

On the back of one of the cards is stamped this,it was censored. Must of been during the war. It is dated 1944.

There were post cards from I am not sure where. So a lot of fun for free:)

I got this serving spoon at a yard sale last weekend for 1.00 it was pretty tarnished but I loved the flowers on it. I have it all cleaned up and it is just beautiful.

I think the flowers are day lilies.
Thank you all so much for your sweet comments and encouragement. I will let you know how he is doing along the way.We are so lucky to have a match in his brother.
Welcome to the new followers, I have had a few join the fun the last few weeks.
Since you seem to like my closing quotes I will continue.
Fear less,hope more,eat less,chew more,whine less, breathe more,talk less,say more, hate less, love more; and all the good things are yours.....Swedish Proverb
wishing you all good things!

A Thrifty Saturday...

2011-09-18T09:02:00.000-04:00

Today was town wide yard sale for the next town. So a friend and I went off bright and early.

I got 2 little pumpkins, 3 squash, 2green peppers, 4 1/4 yard of pure wool,assorted magazines and cookie cutters total 8.50 now that's a deal.

I stocked up on movies and books...

and found a few vintage things. The pillow is a pine pillow and it smells so good. All in all a good day.

We are still working on the apartment hope to be done soon.
Husband is moving toward a bone marrow transplant we are so scared but know that it really is the right thing to do. He has a great match in his older brother. He has tried all the other options and they are running out. keep him in your prayers and good thoughts sweet friends this road is long and hard.

No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are,raise your sights and see the possibilities-always see them, for they are always there....Norman Vincent Peale

Magazines......

2011-09-14T21:11:00.000-04:00

I would like to thank you all for your wonderful wishes to my sweet Ashley.

I have told you before I have an obsession with magazines so much so when I get offers in the mail for a free issue I take them up on it.

Case in point Hobby Farm Home, I though well I could see what it's like.

Do you see those donuts on the front??? I love donuts! I try to not eat donuts but after a few weeks I have to have one. I am talking good donuts not dry D.D. I am talking small shop hand made mmmmmm

I may try making donuts, oh Hobby Farm you had me at donuts.

I would recommend MaryJanes Farm I love this magazine and is one of the two subscriptions I pay for.

I pick up old magazines off the rack at the dump. I am sure I have seen this before(2001) but it is holiday appropriate so I took it. There is an article on the the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
For longevity: combing one tsp apple cider vinegar with one tsp honey in a full glass of water and drink a half hour before meals. Also said to be excellent for aiding digestion,easing arthritis,and boosting memory. might it be worth a try?

And of course the one magazine that hangs around the longest is the old farmers almanac. It hangs in the bathroom right in reach:) I have the new one waiting to go up.

The first day of fall is next Friday boo hoo and they are calling for a frost in our area by this Friday. While I like the cool crisp air I am not ready for frost or shall I say the "S" word?
I am off to the eye Dr tomorrow I think I will be wearing glasses all the time I can't see a thing:(
Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.....Mark Twain

Happy Birthday

2011-09-12T19:55:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to a....................

She was alway one cool cat....

Who loved her family and that's a fact........

She is married with friends of her own........(those boys being silly:)

and raising Miss baby a child of her own.
Ok I am done being silly I want to wish our daughter Ashley Happy Birthday and many more.
You contiune to bless us every day.
Love you Chicken!

The Seasons Are A changing

2011-09-10T21:35:00.000-04:00

The season is changing fast. We had some time to kayak late this afternoon. The sun was warm but the breeze was chilly,and made the paddle back in very hard.

Today was town wide yard sale for the town I work in. I went for a little while really not much the prices to high and a lot of junk. I have wanted a label maker not sure why I am not that organized. I got this for 5.00 never used. Since I know nothing about them I am not sure if I got a good deal or not but for 5.00 I took a chance.

I got 2 baby gates since Miss Baby will be on the move soon.

Then Husband and I went Ta Da Dump I got a couple of goodies the cloche is wonderful, not a nick on it. and the brown pottery was a lamp I plan on making it a lamp again.

And I got Miss Baby her first set of wheels! I took it all apart and washed it I am sure she will love it!

Today was a beautiful early fall day,crisp and sunny. Tonight there is a bright bright moon and we are all tucked in for the night watching a movie.
Live so that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip..... Will Rogers
Goodnight

Flowers and A Grinding Stone

2011-09-08T19:31:00.000-04:00

I have been roaming around the garden enjoying what is still in bloom. We have had a lot of rain, this afternoon was the first time we have seen the sun since Monday. I know that Texas could use some of that rain and we have had a lot so I will try to think good thoughts for Texas. This is a fairy rose that blooms from late spring to first frost it just keeps going and going

My hydrangea is so heavy from the rain, it is starting to turn the beautiful pink for fall.

This dahlia was a gift I don't usually bother with them. you have to dig them up in the fall and put then in a cool dry place and replant in the spring to much thinking for me. But I have to say very pretty.

I got the new Flea Market Style at walmart this is a big splurge for me as I have sworn off a lot of magazines. I am so glad I splurged I have looked at it over and over.

I have several of these in different sizes I am thinking I might make this....

It is a lazy susan. I would use it on my bar when having a get together. I just love the rustic look.

We have been working on our apartment that my parents lived in that is on the bottom floor (walk out basement) of our house. Lots of painting and we are redoing the kitchen, pictures when we are done .

There was no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years the dirt doesn't get any worse .......Quentin Crisp (1908-2000) The Naked Civil Servant

A Classic

2011-09-05T19:51:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We did get together with the family and I got some Miss Baby

time. I was so in the moment I didn't take any pictures. But believe me she is sooooo cute would I lie?

I started reading The Catcher in the Rye, I have never read it. How many of my sweet blog friends have read this? I did finish the book Maine by Sullivan which I enjoyed but I was a bit disappointed by the ending.

I have been enjoying the fresh veggies. I was shucking this corn and it smelled so fresh. I will miss that smell this winter.

We have a couple of tomato plants that has been very plentiful.

And I have pulled a few loops, a very few. I see everyone's rugs on line and I am so jealous of their hooking time.
It has been hot and muggy so not New England weather and it is raining again tonight. I am looking forward to crisp weather.
When you read a classic you do not see in the book more than you did before. You see more in you than there was before.....Clifton Fadiman

Goodbye August

2011-08-31T20:52:00.000-04:00

I am sitting on the porch enjoying the last few hours of August. The peepers are loud but it is warm and wonderful wrapped in the darkness of the night, goodbye summer I will miss you.

I thought I would show you a bit of the flooding that happened with Irene. This is a amphitheater where summer plays are put on. It is small but it is all underwater except one step. There is a river that runs behind it usually a fun place for the kids to swim or just float.

And this is what it looked like right after the river receded.

I did get to the thrift today before work. This is a sweet child size apron. With what I think is called chicken scratch embroidery Christmas trees.

I picked up this sweet handmade pot holder. I was going to collect only the red but this yellow was so cute. I am going to hand wash it and hope it gets a little brighter.

and these two little bowls. I think they would look nice on a night stand for your change or jewelery.

and 20 yards of hot pink ribbon. I think it would look great on some little girls first birthday presents.

Have a great holiday weekend stay safe.

For myself I am an optimist-it does not seem to be much use being anything else....Sir Winston Churchill

Ridding Out The Storm and You Opinion

2011-08-28T16:30:00.000-04:00

This is the waterfall in Meredith NH the night before the storm I think they were trying to lower the small lake before we got this rain. I picked blackberries before the rain came now I have a couple of quarts in the freezer for the winter.

For the past few days my brother has been here from Mississippi. We took him kayaking which he enjoyed.

and we had lobsta yummmm

and steamers oh yummmm

Husband showed him how to run the tractor.

We live in the woods there isn't much for cell phone service in our whole town. We enjoy just being home. When the lights when out from the storm I thought my brother would go crazy of course Internet is out and his deluxe cell phone doesn't work well. I asked him if he wanted to pay Yahtzee he played but kept saying it is boring. He told me that I am in the minority most people need the modern conveniences of technology. He lives in a major city in Mississippi near the casinos. He is also 13 years younger than I am. So your opinion dear blog friends do you have your cell phone in your hand most of the day or on your person. How often do you get on the computer (I am guilty of this). Is it our ages and time of our lives? I love my brother very much but our lifestyles couldn't be more different.
Don't hurry,don't worry.You're here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers......Walter Hagen

Dump Finds And A Win!

2011-08-23T21:25:00.000-04:00

Today was a pretty good day at the dump. I got these garden problem solver books.

Did you know that moles blood does not clot so they bleed to death from a slight wound. They suggest broken glass in their holes. I don't like moles but that seems a bit cruel.

I got the complete first season of ER I never watched the show so all new to me. and the complete first season of Joan of Arcadia which I never heard of so a good find. That is a black frame in the back I will use for Miss Baby's picture to go on our family wall.

A sales rep came in the store today and dropped off a free sample this is the latest in reusable water bottles. kind of cool it collapses so it can fit in your purse. when it is empty. I am going to give it a try for a few days made in America dishwasher safe.

I won a fun necklace from two dog pond She has a contest once a week you summit a caption for a picture she displays. I just love her blog I hope you visit.

This was my winning caption.

The sun is rising later and later in the morning, I had to take a picture of the sun coming through the trees a bit like an Angel or a dove I think.

We are off to Boston tomorrow for more good news. My brother is coming tomorrow also it has been almost 2 years since I have seen him I am really looking forward to spending some time with him. He is living in Mississippi so it has been awhile since he has been back in the summer he usually comes for Christmas.
I hope everyone remains safe and sound that is in the hurricane's path.
For myself I am an optimist-it does not seem to be much use being anything else........ Sir Winston Churchill

I Spy.....

2011-08-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

I spy with my little eye a frog sitting next to the flower frog I got last week. He must think that is one pretty frog.

I spy with my little eye pepe swinging Miss Baby who stay the night, she is one amazing girl for sure.

I spy leaves turning red, not yet I plead what happened to summer?

I spy black berries mmmmmm...

I hear with my two big ears a thunder storm coming! All of a sudden the wind picked up and tree limbs are snapping yikes!
And now that you are completely sick of this rhyme I am done!
We had Miss Baby over night for the first time. She went to bed at 6:50 pm and got up 7:00am she is such fun and a good girl.
No thrifting or yard saling I did drop off a bag at the thrift store they were giving away big zucchinis so the plan is a stuffed zucchini for dinner.
"Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?" he asked.
"Begin at the beginning,"the King said, gravely,"and go on till you come to the end:then stop." .........Lewis Carroll
THE END

More Thrifty Finds

2011-08-17T16:42:00.000-04:00

It is a beautiful day on the porch but the shadows are long and fall is in the air. while I love fall I do not like what follows:( Ok on to the finds for the week. these I got at the dump of course free! someone thought I had a store near by called the dump. I think that might be a good name for a store and all things come from the dump. Both books have condition issues the garden verse the binding is coming lose and the green umbrella has some water stains but both are still good.

The art work in the green umbrella is so cute. This is a bed full of sick babies oh my!

So if you have sick babies you have a lot of wash.

the other book the artwork is pretty but all black and white and some of it was so light hard to really see.

At the homeless thrift I found a flower frog. It is brass and a bit larger than my hand. I filled him full of water and.........

flowers and put him by our pond. The greens we got from my brother in law who is becoming the pond expert. We also have seen real frogs in our pond so I bet we hear some croaking soon.

At the other thrift I found these pattern leather shoes I know they look a bit like tap shoes but I really like them for some reason. I think it will dress up jeans so I can feel comfortable wearing them to work. a nice button down blouse and I am good to tap off to work.

We are off to get good news on Thur and Boston the week after. My brother is coming from Mississippi next week I haven't seen him in a couple of years so it will be nice to visit.
I hope you are all having a great day.
Whether you think you can or you think you can't you're right........Henry Ford

A Very Busy Weekend...

2011-08-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

Yard sales and parties what a weekend!whew I am tired and husband is all snuggled in and napping in front of the TV. My favorite find was this Tasha Tudor book a whole 50 cents!

Here is a page from it. SSSoooo cute.

I got a high chair for miss baby when she visits and a sweet puzzle for her.

I found this lovely dish with a hand painted winter scene. I plan on hanging it for the winter.

Then Husband went to the dump and came home with many treasures! These chairs are solid as a rock and speaking of rock one of them is a rocker. a good scraping and some paint they will look great around fire pit.

This cast iron sink is going to get a cleaning and put in my potting shed. Husband also got a whole load of boards that 12 inches wide I can see some amazing cupboard coming my way:)

One of the parties we went to was for an uncle of my husband's who turned 80. Here is Husband trying to teach aunt Doris the Greek dance. Hummm aren't you guys French Canadian? It was fun to see everyone and make plans.

One of the parties we went to was a family baby shower again very fun lots of laughs for sure. I made these Lemon Brownies they were such a big hit I found the recipe at beyond my kitchen window.

I hope your weekend was filled with fun. I even pulled a few loops on my chair pads.
I think this quote is just right.
I quote others only in order the better to express myself....Michel de Montaigne

There's Thunder in Them Thar Hills!

2011-08-10T19:04:00.000-04:00

As I am typing this it is thunder and lighting hmmm should I be on the porch on a metal table doing this?

The ending to Holderness' 250th celebration was Monday night with fireworks over the lake. It was such a pretty night with the moon and the fireworks,and all the boats on the lake.

I did get a little thrifting in this week and a trip to the library. The sheets are doubles I paid 50cents each I think 60's or 70's and a dime for the cookie cutter. Tell me do you think these bookends are cute? I just love them and they will look great in my book case. The two books I got at the library the Janet Evanovich is just plain silly and good for a laugh. The other book Maine came very highly recommended. I will let you know when I am done.

I also got a couple of magazines the handcraft one I had never heard of I couldn't find a date but it is older. and gooseberry is always something I pick up.

A customer came in with fresh cucumbers for us. yummmm I love cucumber sandwiches on white bread with mayo, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Oh how I love summer!

We are off to Dartmouth hospital tomorrow for tests all day. We got a very good report on his blood work on Monday. I am EXPECTING good news. His spirits are better more is good than bad.
Well I am going to make a pot of tea and listen to a Natalie Merchant CD I got at a yard sale a few weeks ago and wait for the storm to pass. Have a great week my sweet friends.
Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be.......Clementine Paddleford(Love her name)

Happy 250th Holderness!

2011-08-07T16:57:00.000-04:00

This weekend was the 250th birthday of our little town Holderness NH. The first to arrive was the very stylish Mattatuck Fife and Drum Band. They were the first to arrive 50 years ago at the 200th celebration.

Then up on the street we honored the real natives to the area.

Of course everyone was there, Hello Mr Lincoln!

They came in from the farms to be there.

and back from war.(or is he a messenger?)

They came by canoe...

very stylish antique boats.

and very old steam powered boats. There was a parade on the street followed by an antique boat parade of about 25 boats. All shiny and beautiful. The night before this there was a street dance and David even got up for a few dances!

We capped the weekend off with a visit from Miss Baby. She is getting so funny now. All in All a wonderful weekend I hope you had the same.

A loving heart is the truest wisdom......Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Toppers

2011-08-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was stressful! While at the Dr's appointment a man hit my car in the parking lot. It wasn't bad and he left a note. He was in getting chemo so how bad did I feel! After a fight with the health insurance company we decided to celebrate my Birthday a couple of days early and go out to dinner. This is husband looking out over the water watching the boats while waiting for our table.

This was our view from our table outside. It was so relaxing and wonderful. wine and pasta who could be stressed after that?

Our weather has been wonderful high 70's low 80's and no humidity. we couldn't ask for better with a bit of rain thrown in. My tomatos are just starting to turn red. My basil is growing like crazy so I have been making pesto to freeze for the winter. But holy pine nuts what is going on with the price of these??? I know I can use walnuts but it is just not the same.

I have a small bathroom with a small window so a curtain was an issue. I need it for privacy in the winter but like the look for the summer also. So I bought a topper with the plan to make a stripe piece to go with it. well the stripe piece never got done a year or more later I find another topper same fabric. but a tab topper. voila! I have a curtain perfect for the bathroom and it came from the thrift store.(I have the bottom a little higher to let the air in)

My daughter is not feeling well, I was going to spend time with Miss Baby but she was to sick to go out with her sweet husband. I hope it is only a virus couldn't take any more big sickness.
Well if you have stuck with me this long God Bless! lots of whinning so I will close with a quote.
If you can't make it better, you can laugh at it. _____Erma Bombeck :0)

Weekend Wind Up

2011-07-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

On Friday night we were given tickets to see Natalie McMaster and her husband. She is from Cape Bretton. It was an amazing show and David loved every toe tapping minute of it. She had her husband and children 5 and 2 on stage. If you get a chance to see them GO!

Husband yelled get your camera I see a blog moment here. He was right this butterfly went from one flower to the next. So very peaceful.

On Sat we saw miss baby she is 7 months now and so smart and fun. She will do something and look right at your face for your expression. She is such a sweetie.
By Sat night David wasn't feeling well and it got worse on Sunday. He goes in for blood tests in the morning. I really don't want to make this blog about his disease but I am worried so much and I am asking for your continued prayers. He needs each one.
A very happy anniversary to My daughter and Son in law! 3 years on Tue!
Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired..... Robert Frost
Have a great week my sweet friends

Weekend Wonders

2011-07-26T22:43:00.000-04:00

I have looked for this bowl forever. My grandmother had a bowl just like this she made bread in it every Saturday. I don't know what happened to her bowl. I have so many memories of my Grammie and her bowl. It was love at first sight not a crack or chip in it. And it was under 50.00 a steal according to my friend who was with me that collects yellowware.

She always stored it like this in her little pantry because........

she always hid goodies underneath. It could be anything. If you were looking for a snack lift the bowl first to see what she had made recently. I think she would be pleased that I have those memories and this bowl. I do think she would expect me to make bread though.

My friend came over for coffee on Saturday morning. She brought me a gift from the dump. Really a gift for Miss Baby. These are child size chairs in great shape, they need some cleaning but they are sturdy and wonderful and best of all made in NH. Don't ya just love friends who bring dump gifts? And I have my daughter's old table just perfect!

After coffee we headed out for a few yard sales. I found this for Miss Baby a porcupine puppet. I washed it and set it on the deck in the sun, it scared my husband half to death when he came home. He thought we had a critter on the deck:0)

and I found 2 pampered chef knives for 2.00. I have one of these I just love it keeps the knife sharp.

I am working a lot of hours this week,several people on vacation. My sweet daughter made a dinner for one of my long nights. I am very lucky to have such a sweet kid.
We are off to friends for dinner and kayaking tomorrow night. So good night sweet friends.
Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic.....Rosalind Russell

Lamp Shade How To

2011-07-24T21:58:00.000-04:00

I had some time to redo a lamp shade I have had for awhile. When I go to a yard sale I always check out the free box. I found this lamp shade in bad shape mildew etc. But I liked the shape of the shade so I took it home for a redo. You will need ribbon or I am using a seam binding I bought at another yard sale for 50 cents and you know I got the glue gun at a yard sale:) but you can use a quick drying glue or you can sew the starter piece to the frame. Just start with removing everything on the frame so you only have the wire frame left.

Then start winding the ribbon or seam binding around and around the frame. I over lapped by each time around by half to avoid any gaps.

Until you have covered the entire frame I use a spot of glue to end the piece on the inside of the shade so you can't see where it starts or ends. Better right? Well I thought it needed a little something.

So I added the buttons to the bottom, again you can use glue or sew them in place. And it sits on a lamp I got at the dump and rewired. So total for this floor lamp I have about 3.00 invested.

I am joining House in the Roses and Met Monday I hope you will take time to visit.
We got to kayak again this weekend and tried a different pond. as we were just getting into the pond I spotted these guys sunning themselves on a nice warm rock, little painted turtles.

I hope your weekend was a good one. The heat finally broke and it was so beautiful today. I have so much to share with you. Amazing dump gifts, yard sale finds, and one thing I have looked for a long time but I will save it for another day. Have a great week my sweet friends. I am closing with a quote to make you think.
In times like these,it helps to recall that there have always been times like these......Paul Harvey

Name Brand Finds

2011-07-21T16:58:00.000-04:00

Last weekend yard sale finds. This Coach purse was at a yard sale that was filled with little old lady things and two little old ladies running the sale. I picked it up not sure if it was real checked it over it was 15.00 I asked if they would take less yep 10.00. Home I went and yes it is real and it is basically unused.

Then at the thrift store I found this beautiful linen pillow sham it is pottery barn it is a beautiful blue green. It needs a good wash and iron with my rose linen spray.

A friend passed this magazine on, blackberries on the cover and I will be able to end the posts with some smart sayings:0)

One of the past posts I said I had priscilla curtains and wanted to post a picture of what they were.
They are two panels that are hung on double rods and then crisscrossed. These do not have the fullness I love but they were a dollar. I am on the hunt for more pairs.

Of course you have to have these wonderful tieback pins!

Also in a past post I showed pictures of loons and several people said they remember On Golden Pond the movie. Well I live in one of the towns where On Golden Pond was filmed. The lake is really Squam Lake and I would have to win a big lottery to have a home on there. If you have never seen the movie run out and rent a copy.

We are in the steamy heat and high humidity which is rare for us. we get warm but usually the humidity is not an issue. Husband is still having some pretty big issues but one day at a time.
now for my words of wisdom...Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What!you,too?I thought I was the only one___C.S.Lewis

Window, Whirligig, And Water

2011-07-17T17:40:00.000-04:00

This stained glass window that I got about 15 years ago at an auction has hung on the inside of my screened porch through all kinds of weather. It is hung by chains. It is a great way to give your porch personality and a little privacy if you need it. This picture makes the window colors look a bit washed out. When the sun shine through it is beautiful

I also have a whirligig I think it is fun and a bit of folk art. All of the the propellers are suppose to turn when the wind blows. It is certainly handmade and it lives on my porch year round also.

We had company this weekend and had so much fun. We went to a little pond about 5 minutes from our house and paddled around looking at wildlife and enjoying the peace.

My sister in law and I paddled up to a pair of loons. They were so unconcerned about us they just hung around and let me take pictures of them. They are so big and beautiful and their call is so haunting.

We stayed on the pond until the sun when behind the trees.

It has been warm and beautiful here a bit hotter today but I will take it better than shoveling snow.
The monster in the water in the last post was just a reflection but it looked to me like a dog's face my husband said over my shoulder "were was that picture taken of the crocodile?" So light will play some pretty amazing tricks. I haven't closed with a quote in some time:
If Noah had been truly wise. He would have swatted those two flies.......H.Castle
Goodnight sweet friends

A Mystery In The Water.

2011-07-13T22:57:00.000-04:00

I took a walk around the garden this morning before work and thought I would take you along. We have a very small pond near the porch door. It is very shady. I have tried to plant small plants of interest. This miniature hosta was a church sale find. I love how small and sweet it is perfect for this spot.

Oh and look this turtle is going for a swim. It really is an iron turtle that I got at a yard sale for .50. Take a good look in the water do you see any kind of picture in the water? Let me know what you see and I will tell you what I think it looks like. It is a bit spooky.

I love the yellow and pink together here.

My fairy roses are so abundent this year.

I have only a couple of yardsale finds from the past weekend. I have wanted a cookbook stand for awhile and found this one and a cook book for the total price 3.00.

It has been hot here so I have spent the nights reading on the porch. I love when it is all dark and cozy on the porch.

The thunder is rolling around the mountains tonight with a promise of cool clear air. Good night sweet friends.

A Thrifty Guest Room

2011-07-10T16:55:00.000-04:00

We were suppose to have house guest this weekend but Husband had a set back and we had to cancel. But before we knew we had to cancel I was cleaning and getting the room ready and realized it is filled with things that were thrifted. This pillow case and beautiful sheet decorated with the most delicate crochet edging while bought at very different times they match like they were made for each other.

Of course to be comfortable you need 2 pillows each so I added the sweet embroidered pillow cases with a light weight handmade quilt again perfect match.

The curtains were thrifted, the sheers are not quite that sheer the flash made it look like that. They are really priscilla curtains, the dreamy curtains that you crisscross. I needed a change and found this topper that I loved at a thrift. The lamp on the right was a trifted pair I got that have beautiful cut work shades, the chair was my MIL'S the stool is for their suitcase.

This is a little pin up lamp on the other side of the bed it would crowd the room to much to have another night stand. Perfect for reading in bed.

This was my daughters room until she decided to grow up and get married so in her honor I keep her worn out toe shoes in that room. So when she visits she remembers all of the hard work.

Because she did grow up and is married we get to play with this bundle of joy! She is eating baby food now and I have to leave the room sometimes because she gets so funny and I can't help laughing. When she gets frustrated she growls OMG it is so funny but of course daughter says "Mom! stop laughing" ah the joys of being a grammie.

I hope you had a chance to make the lavender bottles they look great on each pillow in the guestroom.
A very big welcome to my new follower! I am on the porch enjoying the last of the day have a great week. I am hooking up with house in the roses to show off my guest room and grand baby.

How to Make Lavender Bottles

2011-07-06T18:51:00.000-04:00

This is how I make the lavender bottles or some call wands.
You will need the following:
freshly cut lavender I think I have 25-30 stems here.
2 elastics
1 yard of ribbon ( depends on the size of the bottle.)
a pair of scissors

Gather your lavender and have all the heads even don't worry about the bottom at this point. put an elastic around the heads( not to tight it will cut the heads off.)

Take your stems and bend them backwards over the heads so that it makes a little cage for the heads of your lavender buds.

Take your second elastic and put at the bottom of the stems to hold in place. this is where you will trim any stems that are really sticking out at the end and make them semi even.

Take your ribbon and pull it through the stems. Tuck in the raw edge of the ribbon so it can't be seen and then weave the ribbon in and out among the stems all around the bottle until it is covered tuck the raw edge in at the top to not be seen. I have short lavender so this ribbon was to wide but it is all that I had for now.

It should look like this at the end.

after all raw edges of the ribbon are tucked in tie a bow at the bottom to hide the elastic. It will dry and be fragrant for a long time. Great for keeping moths out of wool and great to sit on pillows after making the bed.

I hope I have explained it enough once you start making them you find all kinds of uses for them and it will be hard to stop. Enjoy!

And Life Goes On.......

2011-06-29T19:52:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to dinner with friends, after dinner we walked around town, had an ice cream and talked and talked. It was a much needed night. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends. Not bad scenery.

My gardens are starting to bloom and look wonderful.

and I found a new thrift shop, I am in T-R-O-U-B-L-E Such great things and very reasonable. This is to support a homeless shelter education programs such as parenting classes, drug rehab, how to handle finances etc. Such a great cause and the man running it said he is keeping the prices low so that things sell and he can keep putting new things out. He has the right attitude some of the thrift stores have gotten so pricey. This homeless shelter takes in the pets of the homeless also which I thought was amazing. I love pottery so I stocked up, I love love love the blue bowl, the vases are a much prettier color.

I also got this pillow for 5.oo it is a handmade wool penny rug made into a pillow. It has a zipper on the bottom and wonderful fabric on the back.

I have been busy making these, they are lavender bottles made from fresh picked lavender. I didn't have the right size ribbon but it will do. It is great for keeping your wool pest free. I also put them in between my sheets in the closet etc. If anyone wants to know how to make these let me know and I will post a tutorial.

And Miss Baby is 6 months old today (this was a month ago) She is rolling over trying to crawl and trying so hard to sit up. Love you lots Miss Baby!

We are off camping for the 4th(jn a tent) fingers crossed it will not rain but if it does we are headed home. My husband's whole family is going so it will be a lot of laughs and a lot of food. Have a wonderful holiday and stay safe. I also want to welcome a new follower I haven't had a new follower in a long time so welcome!

News from Boston

2011-06-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

On Friday we went to Boston to see a specialist.

We stayed in a lovely hotel that had a view of this...

and this which I visited and bought a lot of wonderful fruit and veggies...

And we saw this yes, that's right the fire alarm when off in the hotel at about 12:30am I hate to say I got up got dressed, the alarm said that it would call out the floors that needed to evacuated. I laid back down on the bed and never heard another thing. Good thing my husband was with me if we needed to get out he would have had to wake me up. False alarm.

We walked around and looked in all of the fun windows. This one cracked me up!That would be lobsters that are saying no to a cooking pot.

We saw street performers.....

and heard the town crier...

But most of all we good some good news in Boston...Your prayers are being heard Thank You so much.

More Porch Sitting Time

2011-06-22T16:39:00.000-04:00

We are having rain showers so we have all gathered on the porch for some reading and eating.

I just picked up this book at the thrift store today I thought my husband would like it. While he is not much of a reader he seems to love it.

A couple of posts ago I told you I would let you know what I have been reading. I found this author around Christmas and really enjoyed her book Ruby. I read for pure pleasure. I read all sorts of things but at this point in my life nothing to heavy. I also read "How Starbucks Saved My Life" It was just OK the message was right but he was such a name dropper from the Queen on down. A very sweet read is Can't wait to get to heaven by Fanny Flagg.

At the dump I found this basket full of old garden gate and Martha Stewart Living I have read and passed on a few they are about 3 years old, I enjoy them anyway, and this old sprinkler it was love at first sight it has nice old green paint on it. Now what to do with it.hmmm A bracelet holder! it spins and a great way to organize them I have them thrown in a drawer at this point.

When ever I see art work that I like at a thrift or yard sale and it is cheap I buy it. I think even if I had millions of dollars I would get my art this way. The paint by number is getting a frame and will hang on the porch the larger one will be hung with barbed wire in the living room.

We are off to Boston to a specialist on Friday I am scared to death. No more bad news! It is husband's birthday Saturday so we may take a little extra time there. I am all about the north end food. I hope you have wonderful plans for the up coming weekend.

Friends with Beach Houses

2011-06-19T19:40:00.000-04:00

We were able to go to Maine this weekend. A friend of ours who started out as my husband student 24 years ago and became part of our family owns a wonderful business called The Belle of Maine in Wells Maine. It is a wonderful down home place to stay everyone is friendly and fun. As you can see my husband got to put his feet in the sea. I love this picture!

We Went to York beach and toured Stonewall Kitchens. lots of amazing foods but they also have amazing gradens and plantings.

Such as these pots so much prettier in person,but take a closer look.........

The large pots are planted with high bush blue berries and parsley. Now why didn't I think of that?

and you can not go to York and not visit the Goldenrod. A very fun candy store.

Where you get to see them make salt water kisses right in the window.David stocked up on his favorites and of course so did I now where is that tread mill again??????

David's appetite was so good, we ate lots of Maine seafood. We had so much fun we would laugh until we cried with Jim he is so funny.

and during all this we were protected my Louey the Belle of Maine Bulldog He was so funny visiting everyone and getting loved by them all. Smile for the camera Louey!

What a blessing friends are!

Friends With Rhubarb

2011-06-15T18:11:00.000-04:00

I am so happy to have a friend with a large rhubarb patch.

Because I could bake this! a rhubarb, strawberry, and blueberry pie. I threw about 2/3 of a cup of blue berries in and it made it soooooo sweet and tasty I will now do this all the time.

When I get home from work on my early days we like some appetizers on the porch. It has been so cold and rainy that we have not had much chance. Tonight was the night, some ice coffee and a time to talk.

But look who likes to crash the party. Of course she gets her share of cheese and then curls up in the chair and sleeps while we continue to talk.

I have been cleaning and baking as you can see, I also made peanut butter cookies David's favorite. I really enjoy baking although my thighs do not. It has started to pour so hard here so peaceful on the porch listening to the rain on the roof. I have been reading lately trying to relax so I can sleep. I will share the books next post, a couple I have enjoyed. Have a great rest of the week.

JUST IN!!!! YAHOO BRUINS!!!!! 39 YEARS AND WE BRING IT HOME AGAIN!

Friends With Chickens

2011-06-12T18:32:00.000-04:00

I love friends with chickens! Ahh fresh eggs!

We were not able to go to the ocean this weekend because it rained and rained and rained! andddd it is still raining. Husband is thin and gets cold so easy so we stayed home. Our friend called and wants us for 2 nights next weekend. So fingers crossed we will be able to go. It is motorcycle week here in the lakes region bikers come from everywhere and have a lot of fun. It always seems to rain during their week.
I did get to one barn sale I spent 2.oo this is is seam binding, I can use the red plaid on my porch cushions and the rest I thought I would use as ribbon on gifts.

and I found a plate that goes with my pottery I am trying to collect, 1.00 my first plate. On ebay they run about 20-30.00 each. Not sure I want to collect them at that price I will take the slow road.

On sat night husband wanted to go to a local auction house it is a very country place and you can get things pretty reasonable. So we got a what's it. I think it is two pieces put together, the bottom part is a stool and the top not sure.

So this is our thoughts that the center had a metal insert and it was a ice bucket or a place to chill wine. Wine glasses fit nicely on the rim. It needs a good cleaning but I would love to know really what it is.

When we finished our walkway we spent a fair amount on this light. It is copper and fits the style of our house perfectly.

At the auction I almost fell over when this came up, it is copper and almost the same as the expensive one. I got it for 25.00 a steal! This is going at the end of our drive.

My husband has lost a lot of weight and the doctor said you need to forget anything you followed before I want you to drink whole milk, real butter, shakes and ice cream all you want. So all of it is in the house and I have taken his advice and eaten it all! problem is he wasn't talking to me. During stress I either not eat at all or I try to eat the problem if you know what I mean. The clothes are getting tighter and I need to stop before they have to cut me out of the house. So wish me luck I am getting on the tread mill. Have a great week.

Weekend Plans

2011-06-10T16:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday and welcome to the porch. This is our favorite place to be at Acorn Hollow.

David has been busy decorating for the fourth of July. He made this flag this week out of old fencing. I Love it and it makes his workshop all ready for the fourth.

The tree in my header is home to a robin I was going to climb up and get a picture of inside of the nest but she was so upset I couldn't do it.

The wild blackberries are in bloom. David loves blackberries so I can't wait see them all ripe. If he can beat the chipmunks to them.

And my rose bush has more buds than I have ever seen. These are the first two to bloom. Their smell is heavenly.

We are off to the ocean this weekend. A dear friend who was one of David's students 24 years ago has given us a cottage by the sea. David wants to put his feet in I think it will be good for the soul he spent many childhood summers at the beach. Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

A Very Busy Weekend

2011-06-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

A very busy weekend! On Friday I got these at the dump. The Easter baskets are new, the tins are vintage and the yellow planter is new. I can put all to good use.

Then Sat the husband and I went out to yard sales. We paid more for the coffee we stopped to buy than what we got at a yard sale. yes folks it is a musical cheese box top:0) Why I wanted it was beyond me but for .25 I had to bring it home.

On the way home from the yard sales we stopped at our dump store. I got these wooden candle holders (handmade) and see the book in the far right I got that also.

It is full of vintage prints like this one.....

and this one perfect for framing. I really think that was a good free find.

I also got this lobster top to a dish. The dish is long gone but for some reason I loved him.

and now I know why he is keeping my napkins from blowing around. "Good job lobster."

A couple of weeks ago we got these bar stools at a yard sale 10.00 a piece. They are solid maple and made in the USA.

Some sanding and 4 cans of spray paint later I have these. I love them so much and they are better than what we had. I am hooking a hit or miss chair pad for each of them.(Slowly)

Since my husband has been sick he has worried about weird things. And one of those things was who would split his wood for him. Well he told someone on the fire department and this morning they showed up split all the wood cut a few trees he wanted down and left before noon. David has been a part of the fire department in one way or the other since he was 18. he was so over whelmed by their kindness.

I had my friend in for coffee this morning so wonderful to talk. Miss Baby showed up for the afternoon and one of my husband's former students came over. He was in my husband's second year of teaching. So now husband is sleeping in his chair and I am going for one of my fresh made cookies to hold me over until dinner. The weather couldn't have been better, lots of gardening got done. It is early to bed for us tonight. Have a great week.

H.H.H. AND T.?

2011-06-01T18:44:00.000-04:00

It is a very hazy,hot, and humid day and we are under a tornado watch? I have been in New England all of my 50 plus years and I have never seen a tornado. So since it is so hot I will pour this into that glass and with a big chunk of lime and I just may treat myself to a rim of salt.mmmmmmmmmmmm

And we have Miss Baby news she rolled over! So exciting she is growing by leaps and bounds.

David went to the ending ceremony for the tech where he teaches, they were all surprised to see him. It was so great to see the kids faces when he came in. One of the moms came up to us and told him how much her son talks about David. I stepped away to let them talk, I saw all three hugging, mom and David wiping tears and the nice young man trying to look every where but at them. It is so nice to see some of the impact he has on the kids. Of course we have several over the years that are like our own kids calling and coming to family events. they have been like our daughter's brothers over the years.

I hope you are nice and cool, I am hanging out on the porch until the weather breaks, 75 percent humidity is unheard of here.

An Up Date

2011-05-29T20:26:00.000-04:00

My husband was diagnosed with leukemia the fist diagnose was a very aggressive kind and they were going to attack it and made sure his body could take it.( in the hospital for 4-6weeks). Not good and I fell apart. The bone marrow biopsy was not right so they did 2 more. Then 24 hours later all that we were told changed.( I believe because of prayer) While he still has leukemia it is a less aggressive kind and did not require the stay or the aggressive treatment. But they also found a very rare bone issue that has never been seen with Leukemia. So they sent him home with lots of pills. They said that we would treat the leukemia first and deal with the other later. When they figure out how. Our first appointment was not that good all the pills needed to be increased and we were told it was a process. I passed the Doctor the paperwork to sign so I could take a family leave to be home. He looked me straight in the eye and said" No I want you both to get back to what normal is now. This is the worse he will feel and you can not wait to live life." My husband has lost a lot of weight and is weak but after the doctor said that we both said he is right, do what you can and take a nap when you can't. So a very long story short we got back to life. On Saturday we went to a couple of yard sales, went for coffee and a danish and had our first fire in our fire pit. And he napped.

We toasted marshmallows and talked of the future.

We went to a family BBQ and saw Miss Baby. Who when she woke up couldn't figure out how she got behind the bug net.

I dug out my left over worms and made a chair seat pattern for a couple of bar stools we bought.( Before I couldn't bring myself to hook, read or think.)

We watched a movie and he napped. I am so pleased to say we got back to life while not easy it is our normal. I am so overwhelmed with your prayers they are being heard. please continue to keep him in your prayers he will need them to get back to normal. What ever that will be.

2011-05-26T18:03:00.000-04:00

Well my sweet blog friends your prayers are being heard we have had some good news but the road is long. My dear friend Priscilla came over early one morning with coffee and muffins, in her hand was this Tibetan prayer flag that had been blessed by a Tibetan Monk. It was given to her as a gift she felt I could use it. She was so right it is my favorite thing in the whole world. When the wind blows the flags prayers are sent in the wind. I look at that flag all the time. The weather has warmed up and we are on the porch alot. I could sit for hours and watch that flag send prayers.

My gardens are growing in spite of being neglected.
Since my husband's illness we have been blessed with the support of so many people and a wonderful trend has begun when we receive phone calls there are "I love you" at the end from close family and friends where that was never said before. Hugs and visits, comfortable talks on the porch, time made to show their support and caring. None of this cost a dime but it is worth more than any amount of money could buy. So my sweet friends keep up the prayers the road is long. For today call someone, make time to visit, a hug or a smile could make someones day. I have read your comments over and over. I have also read your blogs to keep up and to make sure everyone is safe from the storms. Have a safe holiday.

please keep praying.

2011-05-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

We have had a bit of good news today while he still has a fight I will take every bit of good news I can.

My heart is so full from all of your wonderful comments. I read them over and over when he is sleeping and I need to be super quiet. They have made me cry and have given me strength. The support from my work, family, friends and the community has overwhelmed us both. I believe in my heart that the bit of good news came as a result of all the prayers echoing in heaven for him. Please keep him in your prayers

Thank You

2011-05-18T22:15:00.000-04:00

We didn't get the news we were hoping for but we will take one day at a time. I will read and read your wonderful messages. please keep up the prayers and good thoughts we need them very much right now.

Your Prayers Are Needed

2011-05-18T06:29:00.000-04:00

My sweet blogging friends I need you most powerful prayers. My husband of 35 years is in for the fight of his life. We are still in the process of answers and how to fight but a fight it will be. I will not be posting much but I will be reading your blogs to escape a bit. and of course I will be reading emails and comments. This was taken Sat. and it shows pure love I just love this picture.

The Rub Away Winner

2011-05-11T18:29:00.000-04:00

summer is on its way yeah! My grape Hyacinths are so pretty and I have several clumps.

My tulips the squirrels are leaving alone for the minute.

My thrift find for today was a bag of cookie cutters for 50 cents. I have picked out a few of the favorites but that pig stole my heart. I just love him. they are resting on a book called recipes from the dump, great title isn't it? I have not read it yet but will let you know how I like it.

I had a lot of right answers to the stainless steel bar. Yes it is used to rub away bad smells from your hands like onion and garlic. Not sure about lobster but when I get some lobster I will give it a try.

So the winner of the primitive cat is kim at touch of nostalgia email me your information and I will get this sweet cat in the mail.

Because we were so sick for Easter, this Sunday is our make-up Easter. Lots going on. Miss Baby will be spending her first night at Grammies and the whole extended family on Sunday. we will be having the egg hunt and all. The neighbors will think we have really lost it. with the Halloween items in the big window scaring off robins and an Easter egg hunt close to memorial day.
The trees are lime green with the promise of summer to come. I just love this time of year. I hope you are all high and dry, and safe. Thank you for so many responses to the rub away. I got a few emails from new people I would love to respond to let me know if you have a blog.
See you after Easter Make-up with lots of Miss Baby pictures in case you want to avoid the next post:0)

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T19:26:00.000-04:00

This is my sadie she had a couple of days of not feeling very well. She seems to be fine now so not sure what it was. she is 17 so I worry about her. She is looking over her kingdom and watching for those damn squirrels.

We got to see Miss Baby today and she gave her gramie a few things for mothers day. I love her expression in the dress. Do you think she will prefer jeans and a t-shirt?

During prom and wedding season my husband drives limo part time. Tonight he is off to a prom so at the thrift store I got a movie to watch and some magazines to read. Who doesn't love an affair to remember?

I also got this, does any one have a clue to what it is? No one at the thrift store knew but I bet you bloggers know. This is my 200th post so if you know what it is leave it in your comment and I will draw a winner on Wed. for.....

The cat in the middle. This is my haul from the dump today on the way home from Miss Baby. Good stuff!
So tell me what the stainless steel item is and you could win this very sweet primitive kitty.

I had a busy day some planting and some cleaning so I am off to take a nice shower and get a box of tissues to watch my new movie. I hope your mother's day is a good one.
My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it....Mark Twain(1835-1910)

From Weird to Wonderful

2011-05-04T16:52:00.000-04:00

Before I left for my hooking weekend my tulips were all pink buds. I told my husband that when I get home they should be all open and beautiful. well this is what I found, yep just the stem. we had no idea what happened or what did it. So I googled it SQUIRRELS did it. they love tulip blooms! But not daffodils so I will never plant tulips again! Oh I am so mad! Then my husband put all the screens in and found blood on a windowsill 2 stories up. I had no idea what it was from and it was a bit creepy. I was putting things in the spare bedroom closet and I hear bang, bang, bang. I look and there is a robin repeatedly flying into a large half round window that is at the peak of our house. I try to scare him or her away but no luck it kept coming back and doing the same thing. I google again. The robin sees it's reflection and thinks its another bird and is trying to scare it away or fight it. and it will kill itself doing this yikes. So what to do all I have is halloween things to put in the window an owl, pumpkin, and a witch. No more robin, I think he thought it was halloween and flew south:) God knows what my neighbors think when they walk by.

This is a dump find. She looks like a good hardy farm wife I just couldn't leave her in the dump.

Thrift store 2 real pasymina's a dollar each.

I also got some new chairs for the porch. There is a set of two I love them so comfy and from a resale shop. The watering can is holding 3 new kid tools I got at the hook in. They go nicely with the rest of my collection.

In my antique travels I found 2 pieces of the pottery I am collecting. this a good size casserole and I got a little shell dish that would make a great soap dish.

Here is the rug I am working on. It is small but for some reason I hate it. I have pulled more wool out of this than I have in all the rugs I have ever hooked. I just am not feeling what I have done. First I hate the tan house out it comes. I am open for suggestions. I am thinking maybe it is the smaller cut.

Well I am long winded tonight so I will close with a quote: I really didn't say everything I said. Yogi Berra

One is Silver The Other is Gold

2011-05-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

I am home from the hook-in. It was so much fun and I made a new friend. on the left is my long time friend Priscilla and the on the right is courtney. She is a blog friend that I got to meet at the hook-in. she sat with us, I enjoyed meeting her we all became comfortable as long time friends.

Here are a few rugs from the show. the oak leaf runner won second place.

and here is another one. I will show more next post.

When I got home I had a box waiting for me. My husband followed me around and kept saying did you see the box you got? He couldn't wait for me to open it. I won Shara's give away! yahoo! As you can see it was full of the most wonderful goodies. And as you all know we are having a make-up Easter because we were so sick and it has all kinds of Easter goodies. and Necco waffers as you can see I tasted them to make sure they were good:) Shara's kitties must of been near the box because Sadie was sure there was a cat in that box.
My dump find for Friday was this cool wagon it has all the sides it just needs a little TLC. Can't you just see this filled with flowers? Oh and Courtney found out I wasn't the only one picking the dump. My friend was telling her of a little stool find she hooked a mat for:)

I have a lot more to share. Lots of antiquing, dinner with friends, and amazing rugs.
I am sharing the recipe for the Marbled Banana Bars I wrote about in the last post.

1 cup of sugar
1/2cup of soft butter
1 1/2 cup mashed banana
1 egg
1tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1tsp baking powder
1tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cococa

combine sugar and butter, add bananas, egg, and vanilla mix well
add flour baking soda and powder, and salt beat on low until well mixed
Drop 1 1/2 cup batter by spoonfuls onto greased pan 13x9 to remaining batter add cocoa mix well you can add choc chips if you want. drop by spoon fulls over orginial banana take a knife and swirl (don't over swirl)
bake from 20-25 min in a 350degree oven

Well my friends I have to go grocery shopping if I want coffee in the morning and I do want COFFEE
have a great week.

Feeling Better

2011-04-27T20:31:00.000-04:00

I went thrifting today not much but this tin. I just love it and will use it for storage in my craft room.

and who could resist this little face? Not me I bought a tray to plant in a few places until things start to bloom.

and my mother's African violet is in full flower. After she passed away I took it but thought I would never get it to bloom again, well Mom I did ok.

We had several bananas left over so I made this cake it is suppose to be marble but I got a bit carried away with the chocolate part. Still yummy though and I added choc chips.

It was a beautiful warm day it made my spirits soar. by 5pm it was 82 here, remember we had snow 4 days ago. I am blogging on my porch I hear the peepers and birds saying good night. I know all of you lucky southern girls are well past this but for this northern yankee it is wonderful.

It is official my husband will retire at the end of this school year. Papers are filed and his replacement has been hired. It is a big step for him but I am so excited for what is to come. I will stay working for a lot more years as we are young to retire. I had a lot of years off to be an at home mom while he worked several jobs so I could stay home and now it is his turn.
We are both feeling much better just tired so we hit the sheets pretty early. I hope spring has come to your house and you are able to enjoy it. I also want to welcome a new follower she is from Germany!