Dawnies Life if by the Sea

Life in general

2011-12-01T01:11:00.000-08:00

My goal is to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I have the time now..so I just gotta do it! I'm working on my website and hope to see it up soon. Right now its a mess..lol. My candles have been doing quite well, I'm getting alot of good feedback from them. Makes me happy.

One the cancer side of my journey, I had my treatment this week. I have hormone treatment due to my cancer being estrogen driven. My treatment consists of IV every 3 weeks, bone treatment every 6 weeks thru IV, an injection in the abdomen every 3 weeks to bring on menopause. I also take a cancer pill daily. Overall I'm doing ok. I have good days, bad days. There are times I just sleep, or just lay low. There are still days I can conquer the moon. I love it when I have those. I have days that I feel so well I cannot believe I'm stage 4. Then i have days where I hurt so much I KNOW i have stage 4. I'm attempting to come to grips that I will not be cured. Apprently you dont get cured from Stage 4. You die from it--at some point. I hate that. but i'm coming to terms. there are more and more women surviving many years with this cancer--good quality years. Some are well over 10 now. I want to be a part of that group. That is my prayer. Also, i figure each year you survive, newer treatments will come out--and perhaps one will come along where its a given that you can live--out a normal life span, just always have the disease. In the meantime, my goal is to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren, camp more--beach more, travel with my husband...AND build my business to a solid enough business I can pass it down to my kids so they have an income. I love my business.. LOVE it. I need years to do what I want--so like I said--my prayer is for years. Its winter here in wisconsin,, I'm not happy about that. going out into the cold now--it goes right to my bones and its very uncomfortable. I'm longing for the warm weather so im more comfortable physically but also so I can get out and embrace life..gardening, swimming, staying up and and star gazing..all the things I love to do. It means so much more to me now. I hope to also build my blog...I still want to decorate and make my home a safe, comfortable place to be..and I still enjoy reading and trying new recipes. I will get out and blog visit again...and I hope to meet many freinds--and if im lucky--maybe some that have survived the same type of cancer that I have and are living a decent quality of life. If you know of anyone that is doing well with Stage 4 breast cancer--PLEASE send them my way. Cancer is a lonely journey.

Update on Cancer Journey!

2011-11-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Its been a very long time. I will be coming back to blogland and with a vengence. I have a business to build, a website to promote, and a life to be lived. I need encouragement, uplifting people and positive thoughts. From what I've learned and continue to learn at this point, I'm terminal. My oncologist will not say that, he believes in living, and fighting the fight and beating the odds. I'm glad he is like that, because I tend to be negative, scared and timid. BUT...I'm fighting--its just maybe different than some do. So far, I've had 2 treatments, my 3rd will be this tuesday. Treatment is hormone based, I took it very well last time--other than for about 3-5 days I was beyond tired and would fall asleep while sleeping lol. this time I get the bone part of the treatment and the last time I had that I did not feel right-and my chest felt weird for about 2 weeks. I'm going to ask for a different bone treatment as I didnt like that. We shall see. My husband and my daughter go with me on my treatment days. I love that, I cannot be alone. My husband and my kids are very supportive and loving, I could NOT ask for anything more. However, and this seems to be a common thread amongst all cancer warriors...I get lonely. Its a lonely I cannot explain. I'm thinking what it is,,,is that I need someone who has cancer like me--to talk to. They "get" it. I dont want to burn out my husband,,it seems all we talk about is "cancer", how i'm feeling, etc. Its not fair to him. I dont want my end of life story to be--after I die--he runs out and finds some healthy lady that he falls madly in love with--has passionate sex with, because it felt so good to be with someone who didnt always talk illness, or show pain etc. I want him to be having all his needs met also..its imperative that he does--because he is my caretaker.

My website for my business should be up and running hopefully this week. I plan on building my business as best i can--for income for us...as well as to leave my children with a business that is making a decent income so they have an inheritance. I will be eternally grateful and at peace if I can do this.

I'm still working about 13-15 hours per week at my full time job. I was approved for SSDI but that does not begin until april 1. they make you wait 6 months. Do you think if anyone in the senate got a terminal disease they would wait for 6 months for a paltry 800 dollars a month. Not only that, they make you wait 2 years for health insurance..here you are dying--and you have to wait 2 years!!!! Thank god for right now--for today I'm ok to work and I have an employer that is willing to accept my limitations and I can keep my health insurance..thank you GOD! What most of you dont know--or those that arent sick--is that is our reality. so when I got sick at the end of sept--my life as i knew it stopped. My full time income is done. What i earn now will go to paying for our health insurance. I'm ok with that...but reality is , bills do not stop because you got cancer. I have obligations to pay each month. so far i've been able to pay them. I have a lease car--thank you god another smart decision i've made--so my payment on this new car is very cheap. I've been able to make that thru my business and pray I continue to do so. My job covers the health insurance. Thats all i have for now other than some small bills which I will be able to pay off. I have to say--for any of you that enjoy candles--soy candles,,100% soy candles--please consider buying from me. I will do my best to make sure even with shipping its worth your financial while to do this. I am trying to support myself with my business and I have no problem asking people to consider buying from me--keep the business in the U.S..and from someone who truly needs the income.

another great thing about buying from me!!! Iguarantee my candles...if you find they dont burn right--I will replace them or your money. I've only had one breakage in my shipping so far and I've shipped as far as France! I now have customers in Los Angeles on their repeat order!!! that says alot to me..I'm so proud.

anyhow, I will be coming here more often to not only keep my cancer journey updated but also keep my business going strong. I pray all of you are doing well out there! I look forward to reconnecting with alot of you...I also look forward to "living" my life--one day at a time--truly and continuing with decorating and making my home or where ever I live--a comfortable beautiful place to spend my days and nights. I fully believe healing and life length is promoted by not only our oncologists, and treatments but by our mental attidtudes, our faith in God, prayers, and an environment that is positive, uplifting, beautiful and peaceful.

New blog for me!

2011-09-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

I need to journal. I need to do something so I dont lose my mind in crazy thoughts, as well as leave a path mark of my journey I'm about to take. I havent felt well for awhile. I've been expressing how my job was taking a toll on me, my deep deep desire to spend more time with my family, my deep deep never ending desire to grab "life". I want to stay up at night and star gaze, with no worry about having to get up. I want to camp, with no worry of when to come home. I want to have long leisurely lunches with people I care about, without having to "fit it in" and it never gets fit in. I've been restless horribly for about a year and a half now.

Last week Tuesday after working all day, and hurting, I came home, made candles, and hurt so bad I couldnt take it. Drove myself to the hospital, and dealt with such amazingly painful pain....I cant even describe to you. Found out next day--breast cancer. Had my biopsy done on Friday, waiting for the results. Its in my bones. Doctor told me, if I'm lucky 5 years. I heard, God is in control, not me, not you, God. This will go down as God wants it to. While I'm waiting for treatment, I want to journal this journey. It will help me, I'm being selfish.

My pain is being managed fairly well. I'm waiting for treatment and waiting to hear what options I have. Waiting for the Cancer Treatment Center to call us back. While I'm waiting, I'm going to live.

I've been surrounded by family which is good. For when I'm alone, I panic, I cry, I get so incredibly sad. I want to laugh, laughter heals.

I know I'll be back now, because I'm not working. I would like to change this blog title. If anyone can help let me know.. I dont want to begin a new blog. Looking forward to blogging once again.

Goosebumps!

2011-09-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Ms. Ellie watching goosebumps in our room. Its been a LONG time. My computer crashed, had to get a new one, learning to use that is time consuming enough. Then when I went to install the camera program to download pictures that is taking a lifetime to learn. Why cant things be as simple as they were on your old computer??? Anyhow, I'll be back, just wanted to see if I could get this going.

Unfinished things

2011-07-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

This post is about unfinished things. We all have them, all different but we all have them. At the beginning of Spring I went and bought these two books, both had decent reviews and I thought if I picked them up in Spring I would surely have had them read by now. Each time I go camping, or take them to work and read them during times of the job that I could, at night before I go to bed...you get the idea. I figured I had plenty of time to get these done. I actually have 2 other books that I started and the story is the same...they are lying around unfinished.

I had a list of projects around the house at the beginning of Spring also that i wanted done. For the most part, they are all. I think I may have even surpassed what I wanted to accomplish. The books, I dont know, i start reading and then I get to doing something else. Unfinished stuff like this is frustrating me. It means I am not taking enough time to just be still and let my mind go off into something interesting, something different than my ordinary routines, taking the time to de'stress--detox. I continue to try to find ways to end some of the chaotics of my life, but I'm in a constant struggle.

Summer is about half over, I'm hoping to have these books completed by then. I will have new goals then, perhaps new books, but I would really like to be able to commit 100% to not letting life take over my mind.

July Blooms!

2011-07-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

For the life of me I cannot remember the names of these beautiful flowers. I planted them from a seeds from a former family that I worked with. They had them in all kinds of beautiful colors and i was mesmerized by them. They look like a cross between carnations and roses. Our warm season has been a mixture of cool temps, rains, and now the heat. Not the best of summers but not the worst and from so many whose weather has been cruel, Wisconsin cannot complain!

We took a vacation this past week to Denton, Texas, near Dallas. It was amazing. We hadnt yet had very warm weather so getting temps daily in the 100's was GREAT. I lived in the pool for 5 days and did not get sick of it. We visited our son who is now RV'ing living there. We drove our RV, and had a problem free trip. I loved what I saw in Texas, and the people were amazingly nice. For one day we visited San Antonio, Riverwalk, I loved that also, but wished we could have spent a night or two.

Now its back home, a couple days to enjoy the home, catch up on things like this and then back to the grind. I've applied for a different job, in the schools, which I pray I get, because then I will have off all summer to RV, visit kids and grandkids and just enjoy the deck. I also will no longer have to fight for time to enjoy the holidays since I would follow the school schedule. Another part of a different job like this--I can do the farmers markets in summer to promote my business. I'm still loving that, but just dont have time to do much with it. One good thing I learned recently was that while on vacation in Texas, I use whatever samples i'ved saved from hotels and old body products that I had before I started my business. I did not bring my lotion or body butter with. I was amazed at how "bad" the lotions I had to use were to what I make. That dry intense heat wreaks havoc on our bodies and the lotions I had, did not hold a candle to what I make. That just intensifies my zest for promoting and believing in the products I make. You cant put enough value on an natural body butter filled with great ingrediants to keep our skin supple and well moisturized.

My family is well, twins are coming along great, they are 4 months now. I will have to post some pictures.

just thoughts

2011-06-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Its been so long I almost forgot I have a blog! Yep life is still busier than I would like it to be..and nope I havent been able to leave my full time job and do my business....still waiting for that though!

I love this picture because it reminds me of what so many of us love to do after a long hard day...soak our tootsies!

Its been a rough Spring here in Wisconsin--slow to warm. We finally have our garden in and most of the flowers planted. We also have a vacation planned soon, hopefully that will work out...I get scared to talk about it because so many times I've planned things, they didnt work out. Either way, even if we dont go anywhere, I will have 10 glorious days to enjoy home.

My business is still putzing along, i have so much stuff its hilarious. I just continue to learn to make more products, new candle scents and I dont ever get tired of it. I guess it relaxes me from my full time job and life.

I would like to say I'll post more often but it seems that when we say that--we disappear for weeks!

Its Easter Duck Time!

2011-04-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Yep its that time of year once again! We dont have him up yet but he's going up hopefully tomorrow. I thought I would be able to post at least once a week, but life is still keeping me running. I so miss keeping up on here and visiting blogs. I could say I will be more regular but it seems every time we say that, something eats up our time again.
I'm still working full time and still praying for part time. I have to say though with this icky economy and gas, it is such a blessing to have extra money. It helps me help my kids and also get things for my business that I would not be able to afford. I'm still adding new products very often and loving every minute of it.

We are longing for warm temps here in Wisconsin, they are still eluding us. Its quite frustrating because at this time of year we are craving to be outside.
I hope everyone is doing well and I'll be around to check out your blogs!

Twins have arrived!

2011-02-20T15:34:00.000-08:00

My oldest son and his wife Tashina gave birth to their twin daughters this Friday. Both babies and Mom are doing great. Each baby weighed 6 lbs even. Eleana and Elin are their names. Its really neat seeing twins all over again, and even neater to think I had twin girls and then our oldest son also did. They came home today, to their older sister Ms. Ellie (4) and brother Eli (1). She will be busy!

We are having another winter storm today, not anywhere close to what we had a couple of weeks ago, but enough of one to keep us housebound. Spring cant come soon enough!

A Black Squirrel, something you dont see to often in this area.

2011-02-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

This morning as i was almost out the door for work, i saw this black squirrel on my deck. Actually, there were at least 10 squirrels robbing the bird feeders and then I saw this little guy. I rarely see them, in fact I think this is either my first time or 2nd, but thats it. He was adorable and just as naughty as the others robbing all the feeders. Hopefully if you click on the picture you can see him better. I tell ya, if I didnt work full time a good portion of my time would be enjoying Gods creatures. One of my favorite pastimes is watching the birds and the squirrels. I've been lucky a few times to also see deer wander thru the yards at night. Thats rare for here also because of all the traffic.

Wisconsin is having some early Spring temps right now and its so refreshing. The snow is melting fast and its so nice to only need a sweater again. People are saying dont get excited because it will not last, but at least at this time of year, we know its coming to an end soon.

Packers, Superbowl Winners!

2011-02-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

Our neighbors a few houses down put this tribute up for the Green Bay Packers. My picture is not the greatest but the idea is awesome. He puts his Green Bay Coolor out in the snow each time the packers play. The first time I saw it, I thought "cool someone is throwing a packer cooler away, I'll just grab it and give it to my grandson Eli for his room and toys". My husband says, dont take that, there is no way someone is throwing that away. So I left it and noticed each time they play the cooler is in the snow. Well tonight he added an outdoor patio light so it looks like an eternal flame. I couldnt stop laughing. We all know the Packers are gonna take it, so I'm just posting this picture to celebrate their victory! Go Green Bay. (I dont even watch football or know the slightest thing about it lol)

Blizzard of 2011

2011-02-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

This first picture is of this morning after the blizzard. Baldyman snowplowed a path to our sons house and then of course so Genie could get out and walk around and find a place to do her duty.

This picture is what you see when you open our front door. This is before Baldyman shoveled.

This photo is last night before the blizzard hit full force.

This also is of last night before the major winds and snow hit. We have to snowplow a maze out for Genie, otherwise the snow is up to her neck. She has heart problems and sometimes when she treds thru deep snow, she collapses so I want to make sure she can get out there and play or due her duties. For our area we didnt get as much as they predicted but with the drifting we surely have areas of well over a foot of snow. Now the fun comes, wind chills below 20 and high winds.

New from Pottery Barn!

2011-01-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

I still have to get used to learning this new photo download and how to post.   Anyhow, I thought I would show you my new sofa from Pottery Barn. Its PB Comfort, one of the most comfortable sofa's I've ever sat on.   Actually that is what got us! I love the store but find it quite expensive so I waited for a sale and then jumped on it. After the sale and the 10% gift card you get when you use the Pottery Barn Charge, its actually not that expensive at all.   The first photo is of the new couch. I got brave and ordered it in Red or Burnt Sienna is what they call it. The covers are removable for washing which is very atttractive to probably all of us homemakers!   We got the linen cover which so far I'm very happy with.

With the 10% gift card you get when you use the Charge I was able to go back and get the middle pillow and the large candle lantern as well as the candles that go with for no extra charge. That was great! I would never pay what they want for that pillow but I loved it, so it was great to get that.   That cover is also removable for washing.

The picture above is from Kirklands, something I've had my eyes on for years. The Hand of God I beleive is the name of the painting, from which God touches Adams hand. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that also. I've been redoing my living room-stepping out and getting bold in my old age. I will post the curtains later.   If you havent been to Pottery Barn, you have to check it out. While its pricey, if you use that charge you get the 10% card back and of course pay it off quick and the interest wont affect you!

And the snow continues!

2011-01-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

We have had another snowstorm in Wisconsin today. This time we got probably around 5-6 inches. It was snowing so much I left work at 12 today. I went into a panic, actually felt like I was getting flu pains. I think the problem is that when we had our snow and ice storm several weeks ago I lost control of my car and went into a huge ice snow bank that literally ripped the entire front fender off my car, tore off the wheel well cover. I am still in the process of getting the car fixed. Can you believe the car told my husband he thinks I should wait for the fender until Spring in case I do that again!!!!! I was going thru roundabout which forces you to go slow anyhow--but the nerve of him...insinuating I dont know how to drive lol. I'm 52 and only have had one small accident in my life. Anyhow, I came home early and enjoyed the afternoon making candles and updating Etsy and then of course you cant have a winter snow day without a big pot of Chili!

I should get some award of some sort--this is my 3rd post in the last 3 days. I'm amazed. Oh and the picture, is of Genie coming in from a potty break covered in snow.

Small SnowStorm in Wisconsin

2011-01-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you can see the snow falling if you enlarge the photo. Last night we had a small storm by Wisconsin Standards. I woke up to about 3-4 inches of snow this morning. It was very pretty when I went to bed, in fact I left my bedroom blinds open so I could fall asleep watching the snow against the pretty outside lights we have left up.
The temps here in Wisconsin havent been to bad as of late, high 20's to low 30's which is actually great for us this time of year. Most days all I need is a sweater and a scarf. January is usually a very brutal month for us with many days at 0! I thought maybe we were going to escape that this year--but I just found out next week, the 0 temps are going to arrive which means at night--wind chills of well below 0! NOT FUN!

Valenties Day--Lucky N Love!

2011-01-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

I just listed this in my Etsy Shop today. I made this this morning and this product is devine! Its a sugar/salt body cleansing scrub with the Lucky n Love Scent. I'm really enjoying this new scent for the month of Romance. I also made this in Soy candles, shower gel, body lotion and body spritz. If anyone is interested let me know! The scent is made up of Wisteria, Greens and assorted clovers, you wont be disappointed!

Well now that the holidays are over, life is slowing down somewhat. There really isnt much to do in the colder months so its a nice time to fluff up your home, relax alittle more, and for me experiment with new products. I'm also beginning to plan our vacation. We would like to park our camper on the ocean somewhere warm, so if anyone has some tips on beautiful places to park your RV ON the ocean send em my way.

Next month we also anticipate the arrival of the twins! My oldest son and his wife will be expecting the twins, and they are girls towards the end of the month. Its a very exciting time. Its strange to me that I had twin girls and now my oldest son is having them. I'm just secretly glad its not me, lol. It was a great experience, but not something I would want to do twice!

I hope your all enjoying this winter time of year and i'm sure most of you just like me are eagerly awaiting Spring!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone in blogland! I wish everyone a safe, loving and peaceful Christmas. I said Happy Holidays to someone the other day and i felt immediate sadness. It wasnt intentional at all, it just came out, but the pain I felt of not saying "Christmas" was swift. It is Jesus's birth and thats the most important of all in this special day! Soooo, Merry CHRISTMAS to all of you!

I know I've posted this before...but heres another one!

2010-12-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

This is after I attempted to resize them. Looks like crap lol. I"m trying to learn all this for Etsy and I'm finding I'm NOT good at all at this type of thing. I cant even figure out postage lol. I think my mind is in to many places at one time. I'm trying to balance full time work, family, grandchildren, marriage, my business and I'm thinking I"m sinking. My goal was to be out of my full time time soon, but to be honest since some recent changes happenned at work, I'm not feeling so frustrated and so I'm going to continue on. I do like what i do overall,,,and i LOVE my business but fact is--I am still putting into the business and not making anything. Its done mostly out of love and joy of what I do. Besides I have some personal goals I want to meet.

One good thing --I've received my new sofa from Pottery Barn! First time ever hubby and I custom ordered anything and waited 2 months for it! We love it, and I stepped out of my comfort zone and went with RED! I will post pictures after I get it all set up. Right now its got funny tiny pillows on it and its not flattering at all.

My soaps are in a store now in my little town and so far doing very well. I'm excited about that. Once I get this Etsy thing figured out I will work on that also. Anyhow, I hope everyone is having a great winter so far and looking forward to the approaching Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T17:45:00.001-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones! Good food, good company and so many reasons to be thankful!

Shooting Star

2010-11-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Last year I came across this Christmas Shooting Star in the Grandin Road Catalog from Martha Stewarts Collection. I decided not to buy it because its kinda of pricey but also because I wasnt sure of where I would put it or if I wanted one more thing to put out! This year when I saw the Catolog again, I decided to go for it. It came the other day and baldyman put it out back in between our trees. I think its well worth the price, it shines very brightly and its quite a nice size. You can see it from our bed at night and also it lights the backyard very nicely when sitting in the hot tub.

I've got about half of my Christmas Decorations up. This year I'm going for a more elegant festive look. I've redone what I've done on the fireplace mantel for years. I would really like to hire someone but its not in the budget. So, I've been doing alot of magazine reading, and checking out what is out there and then just being brave and going for it. I will post more pictures later once I'm done.

I'm off to visit the blog land and catch up with all of you!

Fixed, well almost fixed!

2010-10-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of the new Refridgerator, sure looks nice dosnt it? I like it just as well, maybe more. I dont have all the fancy stuff on the outside, but this one has more room on the inside, an icemaker and water dispenser on the inside of the fridge.

Okkk, now for the almost fixed part! When they delivered it, they cracked the freezer door handle AND dented it above the freezer door. The NEW one is on order and wont be here for a couple of weeks. Sooo, once again we will have to move everything out and re do it--this will be our 3rd time. What a mess. Anyhow, I do like it, makes the kitchen look nicer and its very nice having more fridge room, less freezer room.

An elephant in my kitchen!

2010-10-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

I should have taken a photo of before so you could see what a mess we have going on right now. We had a small white refridgerator that came with the house 8 years ago. We decided we wanted a new fridge, complete with all the bells and whistles and one that belongs to us. So what did we do? We went shopping, after going to 3 stores, opening up everyone and then some, we both opened this and we heard the angels sing. Sooo we bought it. Come home, and waited for delivery.

Heres the delivered fridge! It dosnt fit. I have an elephant in my kitchen. Neither of us thought to measure. All i knew is that we both loved it. I also know i want a freezer on the bottom and a larger space for everyday things.

Well, we had to call the store--go back to the store which where we live is a distance. We werent even smart enough to buy locally. Anyhow, we measured this time...and the new one comes tomorrow. For now, I walk around this HUGE item. I'll post another picture once the other one is in and hopefully it will all go well.

Its not to soon!

2010-09-24T09:03:00.001-07:00

This is my Table Setting for Christmas 2 years ago...I loved it! Yesterday I bought my first Christmas gift, I was so excited. I saw something, knew it would fit a person in my family and bought it. I'm thinking I'm going to wrap it, and begin placing gifts around the house. After all, right after Halloween, I begin decorating for Christmas..its really not to soon!

My Day Off!

2010-09-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

I have the next 3 days off, just about the last of my vacation time. I'm spending it at home. The UPS arrived today with my newest ingrediants for a new project I'm wanting to try. I wanted to make soaps for boys with toys embedded in them..perhaps a Christmas Gift. Anyhow, here is the result! Now only does he have an alien in him, he glows in the dark. Its just a clear based soap, scented in Buzzy Bee fragrance and I think he turned out really well.
You can get an idea of how he glows from this picture. It actually glows very well. I dont have any products for kids really, so I'm working on learning soaps because that seems to be becoming quite popular. The soaps I've made so far last very long and are very soft for the skin.

I plan on making more Fall and Christmas candles as well as continuing to decorate my house in more elegant and deeper tones. My decluttering is going well. I'm not missing anything and I'm enjoying the "sparseness" around the house.

Monday and Tuesday I worked 18 hours, and I was thinking if I was only part time--I'd have all this time each week. I'm praying "hard" God provides me with a part time job after the 1st of the Year. I really need the income but I also really want the time at this point in my life. Not sure I've mentioned it yet,,,but March 8th, my oldest son is expecting twins. That will make me a grandma of 7 at 52! I really want to help them out as well as enjoy being a Grandma and also catch up on things like lunch with freinds, and who knows maybe even alittle show in the afternoon. Today was so nice, the time didnt zoom buy like it does at work and I had time to smell the roses. Full time work is just not for me anymore!

Farewell to Summer

2010-09-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

I got to see alot of this, this summer. My husband Baldyman bought this little boat from one of our neighbors and the grandkids used it in their pond. The dog (Phoney) lives in that pond literally from Spring until the water is to cold to go in. He is in it so much, he's not allowed in the house until Frost. They have a sofa and place for him to sleep in the garage where he comes and goes. He chases the fish all day long and never tires of it.

I asked the girls yesterday if they've been swimming and they said they tried to on Friday but the water was already to cold for them. September here in Wisconsin, came in with a roar,,the temp change was immediate. Its time to put away the rafts, swimming toys and get ready for the ice skates!

Alittle early, but BOO!

2010-09-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yep, it got chilly here in Wisconsin and I got happy! I dug out my Halloween decor and started decorating! Also, I made Apple Crisp, Chili, lit the fireplace, it was all good. At night we've hit the 40's already and thats low considering only a couple days ago we were well into the 90's.
This is one of my new Halloween monsters this year. Mr. Bones. I placed him at the table, he's waiting for someone to feed him. The broom on the table plays witch laughs and scary music and goes around the table and when it reaches the edge it goes back. I cant get enough of that "fun" stuff this time of year.

I've got the "itch" to move., to look for a house to buy. This one is to small and I feel overpriced. I've been blessed to live here for 8 years but I'm feeling like I need to begin searching for a place that gives us more room, maybe more privacy and quiet. We looked at one today in the country, but its more pricey than we can afford also. Its a hard time of life, kids are grown, yet we are still young enough I dont feel like going into a condo or anything. Hopefully something will come up that fits my needs and wants and also the budget.

Dosnt feel like the end of summer.....

2010-08-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the Mississippi River we took while we visited one of our State Parks a few weeks ago. I believe its Wyalusing State Park. The views were unbeleiveable.
This picture shows a neat cloud that just took my breath away. Sometimes the sky is so pretty all you want to do is capture it and stay there forever!
And this.....I'm going to get this enlarged this afternoon. This is a photo of my grandson Karson's hand and mine. I love it! He is 1 now. My summer has gone fast like they always do, but yet I'm ready to say goodbye. Its been HOT, HUMID and a Mosquito Summer here in Wisconsin. I've gotten bit so much you would have though i should have lost weight. The humidity and me dont get along...I dont like feeling and looking like a drowned rat. Hopefully next summer--I will be either not working or working part time and can get back to things such as this...I really miss blogging. I hope your all doing well and its time to check out a few blogs!

Karson's 1st Birthday and the Beach!

2010-07-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is one of our twins Elisa with Karson who turned 1 yesterday. He sure enjoyed his cake and it was delicious!
If you look at the post below with the dogs swimming, this is the same pond but a few days ago our son had it dug out alittle and then added a beach area. The water is like bath water. Everyone has been having a blast enjoying the little area.
I cant believe only a few weeks ago it looked like my post below and now this. Unreal what a few things can do! I'm back to work tomorrow, vacation is over. I have mixed feelings, because the core of me is a homemaker and I never tire of being home.

Summer Livin

2010-07-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is early Summer at our sons house. If you look close you can see Pheney and Bugsy romping in the pond. Pheny is out here all day long until night and I'm not exaggerating. This dog swims all day, barks at the fish and then just enjoys the wildlife. Its so fun to watch him. Bugsy our other sons dog comes out to visit and then swims with him.

Today for the first time I went swimming in the pond. It dosnt look anything like this picture now, and this was taken just a few weeks ago. Since this photo, our son has had a beach put in, filled the pond with some sand and then colored the water. I will take some photos tomorrow when we go back. It really looks like a beach now. He has umbrellas, chairs, sand toys, its just beautiful. The only thing that hasnt changed is Pheny! I had my grandaughters racing tonight and Pheny was swimming right next to them and of course I didnt have my camera but what a picture that would have been. I'm not much of a water baby, I dont even know how to swim. I brought a raft and enjoyed that. The fish come up and nibble at ya which is pretty strange.

Tomorrow our grandson turns 1 and they are having a party, fireworks and all. Should be nice and i will bring my camera and get some good photos!

Ready or Not, Fall will Arrive!

2010-07-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Dont be shocked but guess whose back? YEP,,little ole me. I'm on vacation this week and decided to stay home. No exotic vacation this summer.

To say I've been busy would be an understatement. Our daughter got married last month. That went well, but you all know how that takes time. (and money)

I'm just to pooped when I get home from work. I hope to change that soon also...but for now--I'll do my best to get back to blogging. I really really miss it and I really miss visiting so many wonderful blogs.

My little business is doing well. I'm getting great feedback and steady happy customers! This is what I've done this week. I'm like a store..I think ahead! Sooo, I"ve gotten my Fall candles DONE! I have Spiced Apple in a pretty Apple jar and then my favorite is the Pumpkin! Pumpkin Scented, with a happy pumpkin face and the tin hat. If you look at the hat it has sun, moon stars cutouts so when lit it should show a pretty pattern thru the hat. Since these candles are 100% Soy, you can wash the jars out, fill em with candy or other Fall pretties. I think these will do very well.

Something new I'm starting to work on tomorrow, I will be making candles for Christmas with the wooden wicks. They are rather new on the scene but the customers who buy them like them. I've boughten candles with the wood wicks and i like the crackle so I thought I would give it a try.

So, thats what I've been up to..just family life, work and then my business. We've been camping and thats always fun. I didnt get to plant flowers like I wanted to this season. I've just been to busy. I think this is the worst year for my flowers and I'm not happy.

I'll be around to check your blogs out!

Mirror Lake State Park, Camping

2010-05-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday we drove to Mirror Lake State Park, one of my new favorite places to camp. I decided since I take such crappy pictures I needed to print off the instructions for my camera and actually spend some time reading them and learning how to take the best picture this camera can. Here is a shot of our motor home--its very dark out and I think it came out pretty well.
This is a shot at the same time of night without the flash,,so you can see just how dark it really was.
Baldyman, after a few drinks wanted his picture taken. He really wasnt in his right frame of mind.
And this is at dusk. This little table fire lamp was given to me by my future son-in-law and daughter for Christmas. I couldnt wait to see how it works. It actually is VERY pretty, romantic. We used it for Table Centerpiece. The shoe next to it contains a flower I planted that I carry with when we go in the motor home. So far, we have not been able to find an entire weekend to go camping,,we can only get a day. We love it enough, we take it!

Before & After, my new car!

2010-04-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

Ok so I dont have any new decorating going on in my house BUT I do have something new to share with ya! Last July I turned in my Pontiac G-6...it was leased for 4 years, I loved it, but then decided I didnt want to buy it and I wanted a break from payments. Our son had just bought a new car himself and gave me his old one...which is this black Taurus. Its rough looking, drove fairly well and I loved not having any payments. About a month ago-it started sounding like it was gonna blow up. He couldnt figure out what was wrong and I decided its time to get a new car again and know that while I'm out there working I'm going to be safe. I drive alot on side roads and highways and dont like feeling like i might be stuck out there. I also know I like cheaper payments and for me, leasing is the way to go.
I got this car just like the G-6- we called someone Baldyman does business with, told him our payment range-etc..he called us back told us about this car--and thats the one we got. No test driving--got it sight unseen. Drove 2 hours to pick it up. I love it! Its a Kia Forte 2011. I have it 3 years, by then I'll be ready to say goodbye to it. Its got that neat feature where you just talk in the car, you dont have to use a phone AND I have Sirius Satellite Radio. The salesman said I wish there were more like you--just call up--say ok, come on and sign and drive off. Well, I'm not a shopper so this works for me, and I also dont get attached to things or have preferences over types of vehicles..I just want something that will be under warranty, is comfy and lower payments!

So, this is what I do have going on thats new in my life...AND I will do my best to keep this one clean.

Spring is here!

2010-04-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

I got home early from work today and decided I need to get back to blogging. I walked outside to take a picture of my few daffodils and standing out there is Ms. Ellie! This is our 3rd grandaughter. She lives on the same street we do. Lately, she has a habit of just "showing up" lol. I dont mind,,,BUT I do worry because there are so many sickos in the world. I've been asking her to call Grandma first, see if I'm home and its ok to come over and then I will watch for you. Well, so far its not working....I will keep trying!

We dont have many daffodils but the few we do have I love. Notice all the yellow spots on the lawn from Genie fertilizing it all winter. I wonder why some lawns dont get bothered by their pets and some do...anyone know the answer to that, share it with me!

We have decided to sell our permanent trailer site..long story but after getting the motor home--thats where our heart is plus with all the flooding in recent years our sons have gotten tired of redoing their sites and also the expense is just to much...sooooo we are all saying goodbye this spring to our trailers. We will be driving to ours today to clean it out--and put it up for sale. If all goes well--that will be our Las Vegas money for vacation in July!

Other than that--work is keeping me on my toes as well as my business. I've made several more new products and the feedback is EXCELLENT! I also had my first home show and it went awesome. I just have to keep finding time to do it.

I hope to get to everyone's blogs this weekend and my goal is to get back to it regularly!

Hello!

2010-04-06T19:14:00.001-07:00

While I see no one has been around inquiring if I'm alive or not (lol) I just wanted to let anyone know--that I am! I've been overwhelmed lately....but I do hope to get back here quickly! I'm trying to make some personal changes in my life, I miss having time. I also miss reading blogs....I hope everyone is well and soon I will get my buns back here!

Easter Already????

2010-02-17T19:31:00.001-08:00

Boy its been awhile since I've been on here! I cant believe how fast the weeks go. I was going to make one post a week thinking I can handle that and poof I think I'm going on 2 weeks now.

I have to tell ya, I'm tired of winter. It can end right now. My biggest fear is that of falling. There is so much ice around here. Its been a pretty cold couple of months and with fresh snow--there is all that ice lurking underneath!

I wanted to post my newest Easter Decoration. I found this bunny at Pier 1 Imports. I could NOT leave him there. I brought him home and right after Valentines Day I put him on the fireplace. I placed some Easter candy in his little basket. I'm thinking I might add one of those tealights that is lit by a battery so that he has a soft glow. I cant believe I'm thinking of Easter already but hey, it will help me think of warmer temps!

Brightest Full Moon of 2010!

2010-01-30T06:23:00.001-08:00

I have to agree, it was very bright and HUGE last night. I snapped this photo around 730 last night. You could have sat outside and read the paper. Here is the article on the Biggest and Brightest Full Moon of 2010! I hope you all got to get outside and view it. I LOVE watching the skies when the various changes happen, one of my favorites is Meteor Showers. Anyhow, here's the article:

The first full moon of 2010 will appear tonight, Jan. 29, 2010, but it will also be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. Some even call it a "supermoon."

Anyone with clear skies will be able to easily identify the moon tonight and get a spectacular view of its features, says Space.com.

The full moon tonight will be 2010's biggest and brightest since the moon is closer in orbit than usual at this time of year.

How much bigger and brighter? Spaceweather.com reports it will be 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than normal.

While full moons can be breathtaking to sky-gazers, they can be irritating to astronomers. The full moon is the No. 1 cause of natural light pollution, and its bright lighting -- especially tonight -- will dim stars and nebulae, making them quite difficult to see.

Cute Shoes!

2010-01-25T08:08:00.001-08:00

Ok I went shopping for Baldyman's birthday yesterday. Why is it that every time us ladies go shopping for someone else, we of course find something we just have to have! It happens to me all the time. I decided I was going to buy him his own pair of Croc's because I have these pink ones...and he wears them all the time. Do you think he's trying to tell me something????? Anyhow, I went to the Croc store and found him a man pair of Crocs...NO these are not those! This is where the problem came in, I found these! Arent they the cutest? They are so comfy to. When I paid the bill I was complaining on how expensive it was, but I wont admit the bill was high due to MY shoes not Baldymans. Anyhow, they ARE cute!
NOW,,,check these out. They are homely, abused, over used and just need to go into the trash. They are comfy from being so worn out. Now tell me, I needed new shoes right??????

Friend or Foe?

2010-01-24T09:18:00.001-08:00

I havent decided yet if this is my new friend or my new enemy. I can tell you that I LOVE LOVE treadmills. I had one a few years ago and used it until it no longer worked. Then I just didnt go get another one. Of course every January we all begin thinking about getting ourselves healthier. I normally get out and walk but once our hard winters hit I no longer walk because I'm afraid of the ice underneath the snow. Soo, I notice i start getting out of shape. Last week I made the decision to go get another treadmill and begin trekking in the morning before I go to work. I dont know why but I really enjoy the treadmill.

We've had a pretty mild week and we are actually thawing out in Wisconsin. I just miss the sunshine. I dont think we've seen the sun in almost a week now.

Where are all you fellow blogging friends? I miss ya, come back and visit me!

Perfect Peaceful Sunday

2010-01-17T14:35:00.001-08:00

Today was a beautiful winter day in Wisconsin. The snow was sticking to the trees which makes for a really beautiful winter scene. The temps were fairly mild also. I hope you can see how pretty it is from this photo--this is of our backyard.
Here is my little feathered friends catching an afternoon drink and even some are bathing. This electric water heater is to keep their water from freezing. Last winter it barely got used. This season its full thruout the day. Its really neat watching the birds come and play. It drives the cat nuts but for us, its enjoyable. I felt really bad for them so i actually went out there and scooped all the water out and then poured nice lukewarm water so if they wanted to clean themselves they could. Baldyman thought I was alittle odd but hey, thats how we women are.

I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend, we sure did. Got alot of deep cleaning done, organizing and just enjoying the house. We are still in the process of decluttering and its coming along. Its amazing how much stuff you accumulate and then you find out you really dont need anymore. I found a bag of sewing that was bittersweet. When I took it out I realized it had been for a shirt I was in the process of making one of my twins, now they are moved out. I told Baldyman thats what happens when a woman works full time outside the home, things just get put aside. I'm still on a mission to find the perfect part time job--and then also promote my body products and candles...that remains a strong goal for this year. I so miss sewing and doing some of the things I like to do. I just dont have the time anymore. Anyhow, I'm off to visit some of you!

Winter Wonderland & Ms. Genie!

2010-01-09T09:15:00.001-08:00

These are photos of our storm in Wisconsin 2 days ago. We maybe got about 4-6 inches while places not to far from us got 12-14 inches. It was snowing pretty good when I took this picture, not sure if you can see the flakes. Try clicking on it and enlarging the picture.
This is our backyard, baldyman had just finished feeding all the birds so that they would have tons of food during the storm.
AND......let me present to you,,,,our Ms. Genie! I took her to the groomers yesterday and isnt she the prettiest thang you ever did see? She was a mess...a real mess. I had them put ribbons in her hair which she HATES...they were out in a couple of hours. Thankfully I got this picture while the ribbons were in place. I think she would bite me if she could for having them place ribbons in her hair. She's a princess but not that big of one. I dont know if I've shared on this blog Ms. Genie's health problems but we rescued her about 6 years ago. She was an abused animal. We got her right after the death of our family dog Buddy..who was very dear to us. Genie won us all over..including Baldyman who said he didnt think he could love another animal like Buddy and Brandy. Approx 3 years ago Genie got very sick and after running her to various vets and ringing up tons of bills we had no answer. She was getting sicker and sicker and finally we ended up at a place that had some sort of an idea of what could be wrong and referred us to the Wisconsin Veterinary Hospital which did find out what was wrong---but a huge cost. Lets just say---she's why we dont have a new car right now as well as other things. Some people think we're nuts--but for us--like so many others Genie is like our child. Anyhow, she was basically suppossed to die about 2 years ago. She beat all odds and beat that disease. She got sick again, this time with her heart and is now fighting that. She needs a pacemaker and we are deciding if we can afford to do that. She's not that old of a dog...only 7 so she has alot of time left. Anyhow, she is a fighter and we love her to death. She gets pretty raggeity and it was past time for her doggie beauty parlor appt. She loves it and comes home VERY stuck up. She just isnt fond of the bows. Sooo, this is her right after she got back.

I hope everyone is enjoying this cold snowy winter and enjoying some good wintery dishes!

New Year, New Start!

2010-01-03T12:33:00.001-08:00

I made a resolution for 2010...and that is to de-clutter. I dont normally make any resolutions because quite frankly I think we all know we fail to hold them. BUT....I have wanted to declutter for a long time now. I'm tired of so much crap all over and I'm tired of all the "trinkets". I started when i took down our decorations. I am donating alot of the stuff I no longer use and just dont like anymore. Then, for a long time now I've wanted my dining room to feel more homey and after a meal I wanted it to be a place you dont mind sitting and lingering over conversation or games. When we bought our dining room set last Spring, we didnt have enough seating. This is a counter top dining set so finding seats to fit are challenging. I finally found a bench that is counter top and ordered it. I was hoping it would be here for the holidays but it didnt make it. After cleaning the room out I placed it here--and I think the dining room has a whole new feeling now. I havent taken the plastic off the seat yet--so ignore that!
Now we can comfortable seat 8 for a meal! For the grandkids I have a card table and chairs that I can set up also.
AND....me and Baldyman decided it was time to come into the 2000's for our TV. Our old TV has that huge back that dosnt allow you to place it against the wall and I was tired of being limited for re-arranging furniture. We bought this cabinet and TV after Christmas and are loving it. We dont have the sound figured out yet-but we are getting there. Our kids bought us the surround sound system that is the black bar above the TV and that pretty much summed up our decision to get the new TV. Our house is looking much cozier these days, a good thing since its so cold right now in Wisconsin.

I hope the New Year for all of us brings, peace, love and health. I have many personal plans for this year and I do hope that they come to pass. I'll be sharing those soon!

RUN to see this movie!

2009-12-26T11:59:00.001-08:00

For the first time in our life, we went to see a movie on Christmas Day. Baldyman, one of our daughters and my sister went to see Its Complicated last night. We laughed out loud many times thruout the movie. I have to say it was the perfect movie to see on Christmas night after all the hoopla is done and your looking to unwind.

The gyst of the movie most of you can guess or know, they dont hide it. I think they handled the ending fairly well. Alec Baldwin to me--in my humble not worth much opinion, acted his best I've ever seen in this movie..he was truly likeable, funny, whiny, and selfish but in a nice way. He also had you feeling kinda sorry for him--despite his bad decision!

Meryl Streep was great to, better yet awesome. Steve Martin--well if your a fan of his--which we are was good, but I just cant get enough of his comedy....to me he's like a Madea-I never get tired of his antics.

Sooo, if your looking for a laugh, entertainment and even some soul searching thoughts--definitely put this on your Holiday Go see List!

Twas the night before Christmas.......

2009-12-24T08:42:00.001-08:00

Here is our little tree with all the unwrapped gifts just waiting for the kids and grandkids to come check them out. I have such a large family now that I have presents all over the house in piles because I cannot fit them under this tree. I love this last day of looking at the tree so neat and tidy with the gifts.
Take a real close look at this gift. Why? Because its MINE! Hubby placed it out yesterday thinking I wouldnt notice...now you tell me what woman does not know when a gift she didnt place there shows up? He multi-wrapped it meaning we must be low on paper--lol. NOW...I'm going to sound greedy but I'll admit that I am feeling greedy this year. I was kinda hoping for a new necklace or bracelet..but I think I know what he got. I can put my guess here because he never reads my blog. Its a kitchen aid mixer...check back later to see if i'm right! I told him I think I know what it is but then I guess all this weird stuff to steer him wrong...lol

Anyhow, I got Baldyman a wedding band. We've been married 32 years OMG its been that LONGGGGGGGGGG!!! This will be his 4th, YES 4th wedding band that I have purchased him. He loses them, he twirls them on his finger while driving, places them on the top of the car roof and forgets....you know dumb stuff. I'm thinking if he loses this one--I am done. Its pretty bad when you keep losing them..maybe he dosnt want to be married lol...

Anyhow, I hope each and every one of you has a Merry Christmas and that your family is safe, happy and warm this Christmas night. For me, I want to spend this last hours focusing on my faith and all my blessings God has been so gracious to give me,,, in such economic hardships we are doing ok. I cant imagine any better gift than being ok. Merry Christmas!

My little store!

2009-12-20T17:09:00.001-08:00

This is my little "store" in my office. I'm trying to have a place where alot of my products are on display so when guests come by, it might entice them to buy! I have all my Scents of Candles out plus a sampling of my body care products.

I really need to make it a priority to find a bigger place this year. While I've enjoyed living in this house, I'm outgrowing it. They say as your kids grow and leave, you can shed things and scale down. I feel like I'm expanding! I dont want to scale down. I want to have a room for all my products, candles as well as a storage room for all my ingrediants. I need to get things in place so I can see at a glance what I'm low on, and what I have for stock.

Not to mention, I need an office, a guest room for kids and grandkids!

I hope to post a few pictures of all my holiday decorations soon. I've seen so many of yours and they all look so warm and inviting. I'm all done shopping, wrapping and baking cookies! Its time to enjoy Christmas movies, good food and company!

Soy Candles!

2009-12-18T08:43:00.001-08:00

I'm successfully up to 14 Scents for my Soy Candles. These are 100% Soy, burn 40-50 hours and highly scented. I've tested them all and I have to tell you, I've enjoyed having my home have so many different scents since October. Baldyman says he misses coming home to different scents all the time. I've stopped testing for bit to get thru the holidays but hopefully maybe even this weekend I will start testing my Valentines Day fragrances and then head into Spring and Summer Scents.

If anyone is interested here's the scoop!
8Oz Mason Jars $8.00 plus shipping
6 Oz Victorian Jars $6.50 plus shipping

Victorian Jars come in only 2 Scents right now
Lilac & Transendence

Mason Jars:
Vanilla Voodoo
Frankincense & Myrhh
Eucalyptus and Ivy
Pumpkin Coffee
Hazellnut Coffee
Sultry Angel
Cranberry Glaze
Cucumber Melon
Winter Woodlands Whisper
Starry Nights
Cinnabons
Fall Leaves

If anyone is interested please let me know!

Ms. Ellie and her Christmas Friends!

2009-12-14T16:16:00.001-08:00

Here is Ms. Ellie with her Christmas Yard Decorations that we bought for her. I wanted her to have a few things to put in the yard to brighten up her holiday. The Snowman to the right of her is roasting a marshmallow and it moves up and down over the little fire. The penquins are just a blow up decoration and then we got her a set of the Christmas light bulbs that you use to line up the walk way. She really liked the snowman.

I have to get around and check out everyone's home and decorations. We only have alittle over a week and Christmas is here. For some reason this Christmas seemed to creep up on me. I dont feel overwhelmed with anything but I do feel like it just came to fast.

I'm just about done with my shopping and baking. I hope your holiday season is going well and your finding time to enjoy it all.

Our First Snowfall!

2009-12-09T08:40:00.001-08:00

Can we say SNOW DAY REAL LOUD? I am so happy! Today was our first major snowfall AND of course that means NO WORK! YIPEEEEE....I had Christmas Cookies in the oven by 7 AM and baked this morning. Then I made a huge pot of Chili, Taco Meat, cleaned the house and now I'm bored! I wanted to go Christmas Shopping but the power is out in many places. Not sure how much we got--but I'm guessing close to 10 inches.

My little snowman didnt fare to well with this wet heavy snow, but Baldyman went out cleaned him off and now he's standing proud. Bad thing about these types of snowfalls is by tonight we will be greeted with temps of 25-30 BELOW zero. That is hard to take.

Have any of you been greeted with Old Man Winter yet?

The best Ornament!

2009-12-05T19:30:00.001-08:00

I saw this in the Hallmark store and couldnt stop laughing. They had a baby bib also and that to was adorable. I try to buy a new ornament or two each year, well this one is home sitting on my tree.

My first craft show was a disaster financially BUT is was a success in learning for us. We learned all kinds of things we will do next time to promote my stuff, market it better which hopefully will help things out. The crowd was not that great which didnt help. The other thing I didnt like about this one is that we had to get up at 430 AM to be there and get everything settled. I was so tired that I didnt have the best personality. Anyhow, its over, I'm relaxed and ready to begin my Christmas baking!

Christmas Tree!

2009-12-02T18:43:00.001-08:00

Here's my Christmas Tree for this year. I decided to move my recliner out of the living room and have the tree here. This way you can view it from the dining room table as well as the living room. I like it! I never like the way I decorate the tree, but to me this is pretty good. I just feel that I dont do well at this kind of thing.

I have my first craft show this weekend and I'm nervous. I have made so many candles and body care products and I just dont know what to expect! The candles that I have sold so far everyone is loving....but still being that its my first I just dont know how the shopping mood will be. I hope it goes well!

After this show is done, I'm going back to relaxing some at night--and I hope to catch my favorite holiday shows as well as enjoy some Christmas Baking. I've got a good portion of my holiday gifts purchased already.

How about all of you, how are your holiday plans coming to pass?

Sometimes this is all you need

2009-11-25T06:21:00.001-08:00

Its been a crazy 2 weeks for me and my family. I cant even begin to tell you how hard it is to keep going at a full time job outside of the home, attempt to build and market my body business and candles as well as try to be a good Mom and Grandmom. Some of you may already know exactly what I'm talking about. When anything happens out of the ordinary, it just throws you completely off kilter and its almost humanly impossible to keep the pace. Trying to please everyone, do a good job at work, is just exhausting. AND..I'm trying to learn how to make new scented candles all the time--and for me its not easy. I also threw in my first Craft Show to attend to market my products and so I'm trying to build a stock....Anyhow, I came h ome yesterday after a nearly 12 hour day at work just wiped out and thinking of cancelling my craft show project because I dont know if I'll be able to get my stock up. On my table were these beautiful flowers. My first thought was---Baldyman remembered to get some nice flowers for the Thanksgiving meal. Then I saw the card..it says ---Thank you..well I knew then it wasnt from Baldyman. What would he thank me for? Well theres alot I guess but I just sensed it wasnt from him. We've got alot of personal tough times going on with our 3rd son and trying to help him. He is the one who put the flowers there with a very nice card saying Thank you for all we are helping him with. I just thought after reading the card....Ya know, sometimes this is all you need in life--someone grateful for trying your best. I dont need big fancy houses, new cars, diamonds, wonderful trips all the time--I just need to know sometimes I'm a good Mom, grandmom and that I do my best. I may not be the best--but I do my best. So, I'm feeling very thankful that my kids know I try hard. Add to that, another nice letter came my way from someone that really made me smile inside so this week on top of being very physically and emotionally trying was also very heart touching.

I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones and your homes are full of laughter and love. This is my most favorite meal of the year. I absolutely love it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Can Life get any sweeter?

2009-11-15T09:30:00.001-08:00

I couldnt resist these pictures of Peschi my sons cat--(who somehow lives in our home). She was sleeping at the bottom of our bed and I just couldnt kick out of the covers when I was making it and this is how she slept.
Is she not the cutest cat you ever saw? (sorry Marvin)
And of course they have to put the paw up to make themselves even cuter.
And the Ultimate in cuteness...Genie and Peschi napping together. Now mind you, Genie is NOT a friendly sort. She acts like she will eat most humans and animals..but she has a HUGE soft spot for Peschi. I find them snuggled alot together and whenever Peschi comes in from outside Genie and her will rub noses as if they are greeting each other..heck they probably are.

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend..we've had beautiful weather here all week. I dont want it to end. I'm having huge success in my candle making and actually finally have a decent stock with a decent amount of scent choices. I committed to doing a Christmas Show, my first one so I have to work hard to build my inventory for alot of the things I make. I hope it goes well. I'm very nervous. I'm also getting new customers AND orders for gift baskets for Christmas gifts so my little business is definitely moving along.

Mobile Home Tour!

2009-11-07T08:39:00.001-08:00

I finally got around to taking a few pictures of the inside of our little mobilehomey. Here is my tiny kitchen area. Baldyman and I drove it to the beach the other night, turned on the generator and cooked up a pizza. Strange i know but we always wanted to live by water. It was very nice just sitting and watching the lake. We went at night so the glow of the homes around the lake was very relaxing.
I just cant get a feel for this camera, so this picture is dark but this is the living and cabin area. I'm thinking about getting a new camera and then taking lessons because this one just dosnt cut it for me. No matter what setting I use I couldnt get a good picture.
My teeny tiny bathroom, it has another cabinet on the left side. This home is 11 years old and in mint condition. Not even a scratch on the woodwork. I'm sure we will fix that in no time. Baldyman says he is gonna take good care of it though--its his baby. We are fighting over who likes it more.
And of course our little bedroom. Its a queen size bed which is really nice. Cabinets on each side and then even a shelf under the window for pictures and candles and whatever other pretties I want. The bathroom has a shower with a tub also!

We havent done awhole lot yet to make it ours. We plan on putting in a nice TV Stereo System before we leave on our Spring trip and then also getting the Name "MobileHomey" on the back of it. The plan is to use it for Thanksgiving for our annual trek to my cousins and then store it for winter. Around Sometime between March and May we will be taking an Ocean trip and staying on the Ocean for a week. I think all our kids and grandkids plan on coming with. That is another dream vacation for us, camping on the ocean.

I hope you enjoyed the tiny tour of my tiny home,,,it really is our baby!

Nothing like a bowl of homemade Soup!

2009-10-30T10:08:00.001-07:00

With all the Flu going around, I came home from work last night and just didnt feel to good. I went to bed thinking how nice it would have been if someone had made a big pot of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Sometimes you just wish you were young again and had a Mom that did this for you. So, I went to bed early, so did Baldyman and I woke up at 530 and made him a list and off he went to the store. I had my pot of Homemade Chicken Soup done by 8:30 AM! And let me tell you, it is SOOO good. I added some white wine, extra garlic and some of Paula Deen's House Seasoning, Thyme and Oregano and the flavor is just heavenly. My grandaughters are officially going thru the Swine Flu. Both of the girls are getting better so that is good. I cannot tell you how many times I've been exposed to the Flu and other illnesses in the last 2 weeks. So far all I've gotten is some mild aches and pains and just overall fatigue. Today I'm feeling pretty close to normal and gonna go enjoy a movie and some shopping for my business. Have a great weekend everyone!

Get Yours Fast!

2009-10-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Here ya go folks, now dont fight over them....I have 3--thats right 3 candles to sell! LOL....I just couldnt help but laugh. After nearly 2 months of testing, working, learning and playing I have 3 candles that I feel good enough to sell. Here they are. These are Vanilla Voodoo..I normally dont like Vanilla but I LOVE this Scent of it.

I've already sold 2 of them so I only have 1 in stock--isnt that hilarious? I'm just so dern proud that I actually got to this place. When I closed the lids I was very excited. I believe I'm at 4 Scents now that I can make and have ready to go. Once I get a REAL Stock I will post so just in case anyone is interested they can let me know. I'm only making 8 oz Mason Jars and 6 Oz Victorian Jars at this point. Believe me, as slow as I'm learning this , I'm not going to try another jar for awhile. I have some really nice Pumpkin Jars, Acorn Jars and Apple Jars but they wont see the light of day for quite some time.

I forgot to take pictures of our little Halloween Party this weekend--bad Grandma that I am. We had a blast until the way home. We were going down the interstate having a good ole time and POP--a pretty loud exploding noise and then some noise underneath the motorhome that scared the Devil I'm sure and I tell ya, my grandaughter jumped in my lap so fast I didnt even know she was there--my dog took off so fast he ran underneath my husbands feet (while driving) and we were all yelling! Well, turns out the tire blew up. That caused a whole lot of other things to happen to our little Motorhomie. I'm NOT happy because it turns out that the tire pressure was uneven causing to much pressure on the one that blew. We are hoping they will at least give us abreak in some of the repairs. We need a new tire, hub cap, and the tire when it blew damaged the pipes that lead to the Propane Tank so we need that fixed. The exhaust pipe also got damaged. We were stalled for about 3 hours by the time Triple A got us up and going. All the rest of the way home the girls were scared..well so was I. I told them to write a story about their Scary RV Ride..lol. One of my grandaughters said she will never go in this RV again....I told her You'll be missing out because we are going places!

Anyhow, life is just a bowl of mishaps isnt it?

Annual Halloween Party!

2009-10-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year once again. Our annual Halloween Party for the Grandkids. Here is my table so far. My Menu--Brain Sandwiches, Haunted Casserole, Blood and Guts Dip, Skeleton Bones, Boo Fruit Salad, Chocolate Pumpkin Cake! I'll get a picture of the Food before we all dive in and make it messy.

Tonight by 5 they should arrive, then we plan on having dinner, going looking at some Scary House Decorations and then back here for Scary Movies, Haunted Hot Tubbin and then off to bed to dream of Ghosts. In the morning we are packing up, and taking our RV to the State Park for the day and night and having a Candle Lit Nature Walk thru the park. Should be a lot of fun. If the weather cooperates we are hoping for a campfire and then we can tell Scary Ghost Stories. The state Park is awesome, full of woods, very scenic. Its booked solid so alot of folks should be out having fun. Thats my plans for the weekend, what are yours?

Testing, Testing, Testing!

2009-10-21T04:45:00.001-07:00

This is my life lately, well besides my daily full time job. When I come home, I light these all over my house. Each room has a different candle, different scent. I'm teaching myself how to make soy candles. Its NOT easy. I thought I could just melt the wax, toss in scent, let them harden and sell em. What a fool I was! There is so much waste I have a huge container on my stove now for all my candle meltdowns.....BUT,,,the silver lining is that once I get them right--I wont have to do this again.

I have about 10-12 Scents that I'm testing. You have to get the right wick, which is hard also, at least for me. I've been doing this about 2 months...and I think so far I may have 3 scents. Not much progress, but some. I'm not tired of doing this, but I will admit I was sooo looking forward to my first success. I think that has come in Voodoo Vanilla, which is a very light vanilla and I'm loving how my bedroom smells each night.

Thats what I've been up to folks, working during the day, and doing my home business at night. I'll be checking out your blogs to see where life has been taking you!

Do you think he likes him?

2009-10-11T09:31:00.001-07:00

I put my Scary Monster up in front of the living room window this Halloween Season. Bugsy came to spend the night with his grandma Friday night and when he saw him--he went nuts. We had to cover him up with a sheet so Bugs would stop barking. He barked until he was hoarse.

Today, (Sunday) I brought Bugs over for another little visit with Grandma and he went nuts again. He just cant get used to this guy. When I turn the voice on,, he gets even wilder. I snapped this picture as Bugsy was going nuts. I'm wondering if he really likes him and just dosnt know it.

We nicknamed the monster Skully after our grandaughter Ellie named him that. I'm thinking of getting another monster but that might set Budgy over the edge!

RV Time!

2009-10-09T20:55:00.001-07:00

This is it folks! I found my Rv. I gave up for awhile, even thought I might not want to do it. We surely cannot afford a big bus one and I knew after doing alot of research for us, we wanted the Class C kind. We wont be living in it or traveling much. I've made the decision that what I want to do come Spring, is to travel near the states where I live and attend craft shows and sell my body care products and my candles once I get those going. I began looking a couple of weeks ago and found this one near us. We went to see it last week and knew it was the one. Its rare me and Baldy like something together. This one sleeps 6, and is big enough for us. The inside is like new. Its a 98, was always stored indoors.
Silly me by my new baby.
We wont be picking it up until late next week. If you enlarge the picture you will see how the handle is broke, they are fixing that and then steam cleaning the carpet and upholstery as well as going over everything. The beauty of this RV,,,,for as old as it is, its only got 18,000 miles. Thats rare to find. I hope to get at least 2-3 weekend little trips in it before we store it until Febuary.

Thats what I've been up to this week,,,I will head to your blogs and find out what all of you been doing!

Happy Birthday Jason! (31)

2009-10-02T19:05:00.001-07:00

31 years ago my firstborn was born! How can that be? You wouldnt know it by looking at me would ya? be good and agree with me.....

Isnt it amazing how time goes by? Last week when I looked at the date and it said September 28th, I was thinking-holy crap 31 years ago this was my due date.

I'll be making a Prime Rib dinner for him and his favorite dessert which is cheesecake....sometimes I like their birthdays just so I can eat good! Happy Birthday Jason.

One of the greatest Gifts of my life

2009-09-27T15:35:00.001-07:00

Growing up the way I did, I didnt get to see my Grandparents all that often, and I know I missed out on alot. The times I did spend at my grandma and Grandpa's I remember good food, ALWAYS good Italian food, alot of laughter, alot of yelling (they were Italian) and my grandma's love of BIG Costume Jewelry. When she got dressed up--she had the biggest earrings, pins, etc. She died many years ago and I never had the heart to ask anyone for anything of hers. Years had to go by before I did finally share with my cousin Rose and my Aunt Yvonne that I would like something of Grandmas. My Aunt Yvonne gave me a Mary Statue that Grandma had in her room but I've always wondered about her Costume Jewelry.

This weekend my cousin Rose, her blog is here, came to visit. She brought along this Keepsake box of some of my Grandmas Costume Jewelry. It was a gift from my Aunt Yvonne, made with her and her daughter Paulette. I just about cried. I told Rose, I just could cry. This jewelry struck some memory cords in me, I remember her wearing it. I remember as a young girl thinking how "bright" Grandma was--and how everything was so BIG! Even her hair was down the middle of her back. She liked us to brush it. She also always had me use that Pretty Feet Lotion and get her dry skin off her elbows. This was one of my life's greatest gifts. Not only do I feel so priviledged to have this of my Grandma, but also because my Mom and Dad didnt let us out of the house that often I really feel like I was a lost child. There was no closeness for us and so our memories of our extended family are very few.

I'm happy to show you all this gift...its really special to me.

Bridal Survicor Island!

2009-09-25T12:42:00.001-07:00

This is SOOO cool! Our daughter who is engaged and driving us nuts with her forever changing wedding plans entered this contest...and found out today she is a contestant! Go check this out for information and the $20,000 Wedding she is trying to win. She recently decided that she wanted the wedding to be at our sons new home next summer so at least we have that in place but she's been changing dates, plans, wants for about 2 years now. If she wins this--she can have the wedding of her dreams, still at our sons house, but also her honeymoon and so many other great gifts.

I'll keep everyone posted, she begins her stay on Bridal Island October 1st. I beleive there is live internet coverage of the brides 24/7. I will post all that so anyone who would like can check out my daughter. I'm so excited for her and cant wait to see how this goes. Even if she dosnt win, there are prizes given out all along, and I'm just excited that she got picked to be a contestant and have this neat experience.

Martha Stewart

2009-09-22T17:54:00.001-07:00

This is my Martha Stewart Witch. I need to take another photo, but if you click on it maybe it will look better. I waited for her for 2 years. We were going to actually make one, but then I found the GrandinRoad Catalog and decided I would make it easy and just pay for it.
These legs are adorable. I'm thinking I'm going to place them in my trunk and let them hang as if I stuffed the rest of the witch inside. Arent they the cutest?

The book, is called Wednesday Letters. I ordered that from a Victorian Magazine. It was described as a book where a husband wrote his wife a love letter on the first night of their marriage and then proceded to write her a letter every Wednesday for the duration of their marriage which I think extended over 40 years. I thought it was true...I dont know if it is or not but I can say for me I'm disapointed in the book. Its hard to follow, to many players and to many things going on....its not just about the letters. If it gets better I'll let ya know!

Splish,Splash Look whose takin a bath!

2009-09-17T15:50:00.001-07:00

This little guy decided he wanted to try out my bath products. I think he got my bad ones because he lost way to much weight! Not much left of him!

I saw this idea somewhere in a magazine and just HAD to do it. This bathroom dosnt get used to much so I figure he can sit in here til Halloween. Suppossedly, he's taken a bubble bath, kinda looks like that. Baldyman loves it, my son said I'm losing my mind....but hey, the one who is losing their mind is the one who THOUGHT of this idea--I just used it! Either way, pretty cute huh?

Thinking Girl!

2009-09-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! Been along long time since I made a thinking girl post. I'm taking a couple days off of my regular job so I actually h ave time to play around. I'm in the process of teaching myself to learn how to make candles. I only wish I had another stretch of time to take...so much to learn.

Anyhow, I was blog reading this morning and came across a post that got me thinking, hence the thinking girl! Why do most of us blog? Surely most of us have some sort of reason. To vent, to utilize a tool to promote our home based business, to just have a place to come to, to meet fellow potential freinds...I dont know...many reasons I guess. For me personally, I began this blog just have something to do, that was it., Period. I found I got to enjoy the recipes, the home decorating and even many of you ladies. So much talent out there...so much.
I personally made the decision to keep my blog pretty much drama free (sometimes I cant help but rant about politics though) and I figure most of us have difficult enough lives that we dont want to come to blogland and see more "crap". Still, at times "crap" is there.

The one thing I see time and time again is people betrayed online--that wont ever end. But..what does confuse me to no end, is when people complain about "freindships" online and how they have been hurt, ignored--etc. It amazes me that some people will complain about this--and yet they do it all the time. I've been to many many blogs--as I'm sure most of you have...and many many times--the blog owner will NOT even pay us a visit..extend the courtesy. And then, that very same person will complain about this being done to them. I'm sorry folks but I cannot understand that...at all. If you are trying to support and encourage fellow bloggers--the courtesy needs to be extended..period. Now I know so many blogs are so "busy" with followers that it would take days to drop a quick post....I get that...BUT...over time a quick hello, how are you would be appreciated.

My blog to me, is just as important as anyones blog is to them...and no blog is more worthy than another. Why do things we do in "real life" in time--end up h ere also? Again, I think life is hard enough--coming here for smiles, ideas, encouragement should be what its all about. Remember when strangers come visit--they are looking for the same courtesy. Their blog is important to them also.

Drama, to me, needs no place here. I wont be a part of it, at all. Blogging to me, NEEDS to be stress free.

My thinking girl thoughts for today!

Zuchinni Quiche

2009-09-15T18:38:00.001-07:00

Its been a LONG LONG time since I shared a recipe with all of you, and tonight when I put this on my plate I thought....this looks so dam good (pardon my language) that I have to take a picture and post the recipe. After I ate it...I am sooo glad to tell you--its AWESOME! Now, lucky me I was able to walk outside and pick my zuchinni and use it fresh. The pumpkin bread I made from scratch also, and it was the best I've had....very moist. And an extra note before I post the recipe.....check out the candle. I am teaching myself how to make candles to add to my bodycare line. This is my first candle and its a success. I'm making soy candles in containers and once I learn how to do it good enough to sell, I will also add votives, tealights. I plan on carrying a regular Victorian Jar line--(6.5 oz) and then for special holidays I will have candle's like above--in pumpkins, christmas jars etc. Soo, if you like Zuchinni,, please make this recipe. I found it in a magazine but tweaked it to what i like and my husband who isnt a huge fan of Quiche, couldnt stop eating this. I threatened to slap him if he didnt leave a slice for me for lunch tomorrow!

Zuchinni Quiche

1 Tube of Crescent Roll Mix
3 Medium Zuchinni ( i used the small zuchinni and just put it one and then sliced up a big one I had)
Diced Ham
Minced Garlic
2 TB Butter ( I never measure)
Fresh Parsley, Fresh Dill
Pepper ( I never add salt)
1 Cup Monteray JacK cheese
3 Eggs
Cut Up Onion
Take the Crescent roll dough apart and place it in a greased pie plate..you will have to play with it. The pointed side faces the middle of the pie plate.

Fry up your zuchinni, minced garlic, onion, ham in olive oil. Add 1/2 of the cheese when Zuchinni is near done.

Put this mixture in the Pie Crust Plate. Place some butter on the top of this..I just placed 2 spoonfuls. I use I cant believe its not butter. Then mix 3 eggs and pour over this. Sprinkle rest of cheese on top. Bake 350 until its set approx 30 minutes. I also placed some foil around edge of crust so it wouldnt be to dark.

Let sit for about 5 minutes--slice and enjoy!

Haunted Buffet!

2009-09-11T06:21:00.001-07:00

Instead of serving desserts, I"m serving "hands". I decided not to store the cake server for Halloween, but instead place a h and inside it. I know my grandkids will enjoy this! Each Halloween we have a Party for the girls and I try to make it more "scarier" each year,,but in a fun way!
Also, since i made the decision to do a more elegant decor this year, finding her is awesome. A black crow is no longer just a black crow when she is dressed in diamonds! and click on the picture you can see she has sparkles in her hat.
and here is the buffet from a distance, looks better at night. All kinds of creepy things are popping up around my place.

More Halloween Decor!

2009-09-07T16:20:00.001-07:00

I guess you could say i'm officially accepting that summer in Wisconsin is closing and Fall has arrived. This is my fireplace. I cant wait for Halloween to hand out treats, my pumpkin is always ready for Grandchildren's little hands or my kids when they pop in or guests. I end up filling up this pumpkin at least 3-4 times before Halloween is even here. Once the pumpkin is on the fireplace mantel, everyone knows there are goodies in it.
I dont do tablescapes. This would be as close as I come. I decorate my table for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years and Easter Dinner. Thats it! I've added Halloween now to. I even forgot that I have a Ghost and Pumpkin Salt and Pepper Shaker.
And here is my fireplace all lit up! I still have so much more to put out,,,this isnt even a touch of what I have. I'm going to scale back though, big time. I've told my kids to come pick out thru my decorations because I'm scaling down and what dosnt go--is getting donated. Last night it was a great night to have the fireplace lit up once again, all decorated. I hope everyone had a nice weekend and you can all say We are officially into Fall!

Fall and Halloween Beginnings

2009-08-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

Last year during Fall I saw these pumpkins on many of your blogs and fell in love with them. This year i decided I was going to grace my home with them. I placed them in my Swan dish and they are on the coffee table in the living room. I love em!
Being Sunday and just grazing at home, I am beginning to go threw all my Halloween Decorations. Its simple, I have to much. Much of it will go this year. I'm still on my quest of de-cluttering and that includes all my decorations. I will sacle it down to my favorites and thats it. My kids can pick thru it--the rest is going to be donated. AND.. I have alot. This year my plan is to have several big things--a few small things and thats enough. I dont know if there is such as thing as "classy scary decorating" but that is where I'm at...like Martha Stewart. I cant wait to put her witch up. I pulled out a couple of things to start placing around the house. I cant officially go nuts until after Labor Day and even then--I'm kinda pushing it. But hey, I'm one of those that feels the holidays (all of them) are way to short so I like to enjoy the decorations long before the "official" day.

Perfect Sunflower

2009-08-25T05:02:00.001-07:00

I love having sunflowers towards the end of summer. I looked this weekend at the couple of stores I was at and they werent in the prettiest shape. When I came home from work yesterday I saw this on my coffee table. Isnt she pretty?

Baldyman went out to the flower shop and picked one up. I love how they have a matching vase. Sometimes, the perfect flower is just one pretty one. I missed planting sunflowers this season, totally forgot, so going to the shop to get one is something we just have to do this year.
Do any of you have sunflowers that you can just walk outside and pick and enjoy for a few days?

A storm and a Duck Rain Coat!

2009-08-23T10:39:00.001-07:00

Here's Ms Ellie outside playing in the rain. She's wearing a little duck rain coat I found for her. Isnt she adorable? She wouldnt talk to me or look at me so I could get the front of the coat. It has a duck face. She's been a real little monster lately. This was a weird storm we had last week, you could literally see the rain coming like curtains and you had time to get inside. We have a small set of woods behind the houses where we live and you could also hear the rain in the woods before it hit us.
I tried to capture the rainbow, maybe if you click on the picture and enlarge it, you will be able to see the rainbow. These are the summer rainstorms I enjoy, they dont last all day and they still allow you to be outside. There wasnt much lightning with this one either so as bad as the sky looks, Ellie was able to play outside.

Boo--well almost Boo!

2009-08-16T08:05:00.001-07:00

More Halloween goodies I found this weekend! I found this witch at Marshalls. It sits on a stand and is made of out of like plywood. I think she's adorable. I'm thinking I'll place her on the front porch.
Its possible these are her feet. Sadly, she may have been pulled apart, well thats the vision I have since its Halloween and I like to think scary thoughts. These will grace my front door as a greeting.
AND....I already started using this glass. Ghouls just want to have fun. What woman dosnt love a good hearty laugh and a good glass to drink something from. This was purchased from Kirklands. They have some really cute Halloween stuff this season. I found a ton of goodies there, but this was my only purchase. Hope your weekend was great!

Middle of the night monster!

2009-08-14T07:00:00.001-07:00

Every morning I kid you not, I wake up to this! Every rug in my house is messed up. Doesnt miss a room.
These are my new ones, and last night she must have really been mad because she really messed this one up.
and here she is, the middle of the night monster of the house....Ms. Genie. She's on guard right now watching the UPS man. Whenever the UPS man comes she runs thru the house like a nutcase, barking and howling. When I get a package she's really insane. I dont know why she does this at night--but when we go to bed I can hear her start scratching at the rugs and pulling on them. By morning, she's hit every room.

Do any of your pets do weird things around your home while your sleeping?

Homemade Bread Pudding-Biltmore Recipe!

2009-08-09T07:08:00.001-07:00

Does this NOT look so good you could eat the entire pan? I LOVE LOVE LOVE bread pudding. I've tried many recipes and this one will be the one I keep and use. The Biltmore Estate Asheville North Carolina makes this bread pudding. I've been wanting to try this for along time and finally yesterday since it was a rainy day here I did some cooking. This is so good alone, I dont mind forgoing the Caramel Sauce...hey you probably need to save some calories anyhow. My guess is this is about 2000 per look!

8 Cups Cubed day old bread 1-3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
9 eggs 1 Cup Sugar
2-1/4 Cups milk 3/4 butter melted
3 tsps vanilla extract 1-1/2 tsp cinnamon

Place bread cubes in a greased 9x13x2 pan. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk cream, sugar, butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread. Bake uncovered 350 for 40-45 minutes until a knife in center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Caramel Sauce:

1 Cup Sugar 1/2 Cup water
1 TB Lemon Juice 2 TB butter
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Bring sugar and water and lemon juice to boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until sugar
is dissolved and mixture turns amber color ( this takes awhile) Stir in butter until melted. Add Cream, remove from heat. Serve over pudding.

*And yes I added raisins to the recipe,,,I cannot eat bread pudding without a raisin in every bite.

Cards, What do you do with them?

2009-08-07T06:44:00.001-07:00

For all of the special days in our lives thruout the year, so many of us get blessed to get so many beautiful cards from our loved ones. I dont know about you, but i HATE to toss them out. Cards are expensive, cards have alot of sentiment, and you know when someone has taken time to pick out a card with thoughts of you in mind.

I have cards all over the house in piles because I cant toss them out. At Christmas I pull out favorites from years gone by and some that came from special people. Those are easy to deal with because they are packed away for most of our year.

What about the cards we get for Mothers and Fathers Day, our birthdays, sweetest day...etc. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on what to do with them or Just exactly what do some of you do?

Welcome Baby Eli to the World!

2009-08-03T14:59:00.001-07:00

Elijah Gregory was born today! I was there and cant even remember the time..but it was around noon. I was privilged once again to see another grandchild enter our world. He's a beautiful baby boy and one of the calmest babies I've seen ever. Whats funny is his Daddy (my oldest son) did just as he did when he entered the world, he just looked around and kept looking and checking things out. I still remember laughing at how he just laid there and looked around.
Above photo is of Baldyman and Eli, and here is me and Baby Eli.
Here he is just minutes after birth--not even cleaned up and already looking really good.
AND....proud Mom and Dad, Toshina and Jason. She had a very early trip to the hospital so I know she's pretty wore out. Hopefully Eli will be as calm at home and she can get back on her feet real quick.

All the babies are born now--safe and sound. This makes #5 of grandchildren for me and Baldyman. We were talking today at how we had 5 children and now we stand at 5 grandkids.

Farmers Market, Day at the Lakefront

2009-08-02T06:48:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, (sniff-sniff) I had to return my car. My lease has come to an end. I was going to take before and after pictures of it, but decided to just let it go. I'm now joining the ranks of driving around in a clunker BUT no payments! Which means more money for things like Farmers Market...so my sadness ended real quick! This is Rose and Jim by the fountain where the Farmers Market is held in Kenosha. She is holding my flowers because she was to cheap to buy her own.
This is a photo from a little park where all the boats are docked. Its very pretty here.
This is the farmers market. In the background are all these condos, which I think would be a great place to live right now. Baldyman dosnt agree and so I wont get to live on the lake by the Farmers Market with a huge fountain view. He is mean.
This photo is of me laying in the little water sprayers. What? You dont see me? Well look real close, I dont have any makeup on to cover my green color and i'm laying on my back....ohhh you didnt know I was a turtle in my real life--Well I am!
And this is me of course. I'm holding the flowers that I paid for--not Rose. Again, she was to cheap to buy her own. I bought another Halloween item-which I'll post later. I dont want to depress you that its actually coming. We also bought some fresh veggies which we will eat today and of course these flowers! It was a very nice day.

A Life Changing Book--A must Read

2009-07-30T20:05:00.001-07:00

I'll be honest, while I love to read, these days I mainly read decorating magazines so that I can drift away in dreamland and not use my brain. I have been watching this book for awhile on the shelves and picked it up a couple of times to buy--but finally did purchase it a couple of weeks ago. I dont like reading anything to "heavy" because after my daily job--I'm just not worth much. I began reading this book a couple of days ago and the beginning of it was so so--didnt really catch my attention. Yesterday I continued on and it began to grip me as I saw how the Author was leading us into a "new" relationship with our God. I became so amazed and drawn into it I couldnt put it down. I had the day off of work today and i laid around all day and finished this book.

I took several breaks--to sob...literally sob. I was bawling by myself in my room..but it was a good cry, a soul cleansing cry. I'm so amazed that this author took such a difficult topic we all struggle with and made it so clear! The story begins with a man who's little girl is abducted and murdered. That is gut wrenching to any of us..losing our child in such a horrific manner. This Author was able to take our minds off of that horrendous incident and get us focused on our relationship with our Creator in a way I've never seen done before. It was done with humor, wit, grace and even sadness and anger. He was able to help me distinquish my questions about the Trinity and even God as our Master. I simply could not put this book down. I pray they make a movie from this book because I truly believe it will change many lives. So many of struggle with things such as "Why do bad things happen to good people", Or why Dosnt God prevent some things from happening since he can?, and how does God feel about us...and even better, what could heaven be like? All these things were presented in a way that I felt my questions were answered, my hopes have changed and I'm grasping why Bad things do happen. I'm also feeling like this presentation of eternity is much more believeable and real to me. I truly beleive this is how Heaven could be like..and How God wanted us to live here.

I know many of you have a faith,,,if you havent read this book--RUN to get it. You wont be sorry. I think my heart is different and I do think I will read this book again and again to bring me back to this place, to remind me to NEVER judge again, to never have doubt, and to always remember how God loves each and every one of us--even the worst of the worst--and I now know why. I have to say--I got it!

I cannot stress enough to get this...you will be amazed. I passed it on to my daughter in law tonight and I intend on continuing to pass it around. Thats my tip for the weekend!

Something wrong with this picture!

2009-07-28T04:50:00.001-07:00

Well two things VERY wrong with this picture. First off, its my new chair and I barely have gotten to sit in it...AND.....we dont have a cat! Soo how did this sneaky little fellow get in here you wonder...well our son moved directly next door to us and before he moved in we were watching his cat for him. For some odd reason this cat likes being with us more than his own master. After our son moved in--I notice Peschy just wont go home. Every time we come and go, he will either run in or run out but he's always here. I think he approves of the new comfy chair.
Both of these photos I snapped this morning before going to work. It just occured to me--I have Genie on the sofa, Peschy who isnt mine on the new chair and I'm running off to work. These two clowns are enjoying my furniture and soft jazz music while I"m out pounding the pavement. Do they have a clue as to what we do for them?

Do you ever look at your animals as your on the way out the door, it really is funny watching them all spread out and snoozin away and we can barely find our keys. I'd say they have a pretty good life.

New Comfy Chair!

2009-07-27T20:21:00.001-07:00

Look what came in today! Got a call when I got home from work that my chair had arrived. Me and Baldyman went to Madison to pick it up. Its VERYYY comfy...we spent the night kicking each other out so we could snuggle up. The living room is just about done now, just gotta make some TV switches in the Fall and maybe new curtains, not sure yet.

We are having a ton of rain the last few days, flowers are doing great and the grass is green again. Looks like we are in for some humid and hot temps soon. Maybe it will fill like summer again and I can stop checking out Halloween Decorations!

Updating my Living Room and Prelude to Fall!

2009-07-26T13:15:00.001-07:00

Finally after only about 15 years, I have purchased a coffee table, an actual table! I've used a black trunk for all these years, that Baldyman never liked. I decided it was time to "class up" my living room and have it more user friendly and nice to look at for Fall and Winter. Being couped up in the house so much in Wisconsin, I made the decision to make the splurge! This little table is different and me and Baldyman always seem to be attracted to different. If you look closely-you can see underneath slides a little piece that you can use for your feet, or a bowl of popcorn, magazines etc.
Here's the piece that slides in and out from the table. I love the way it changed the whole feeling in the living room. I also bought new rugs. Since we've been in this house we have not had a rug in front of the sofa. I'm loving how it looks.
AND......can you hear the drumroll???? I know some of you will want to slap me, but I started my gathering of new Halloween decorations. This little guy will grace our mailbox. He's adorable. I have more coming and when it arrives I'll post it. Martha Stewart will grace my home this Halloween!

I also made a change in a chair which is on order. I've wanted a chair and half for years and finally went out and got that also. I cant wait to snuggle up in it with a good book and a fire and snuggle in for the cold weather. After seeing so many beautiful homes by you friendly bloggers its been giving me inspiration to get my home in a better condition. Do you ever just feel like your home just isnt "you"? Well thats how I've been feeling for a long long time. I've gotten some great ideas from all your homes and so I will be making some changes. In Wisconsin we are inside so much of the year so to me its really important that you have a home that you really enjoy being in as well as entertaining in.

I will be out visiting all your blogs and hoping everyone is enjoying the summer weather. Fall is really close isnt it?

Sorry, but I cant keep quiet

2009-07-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

In the last 2 days I've read about parents severely abusing and neglecting their children. This latest article just put me over the top. Forgive me, I know blogging for many of us needs to be upbeat, something to keep our minds off our own daily trials and those in our world. BUT....for the life of me, I just cant keep quiet on this topic. I'm beyond our country, legal system, always making excuses for people and trying to justify that there was a good reason, this severe neglect, abuse went on. It has to stop. Its destroying our country, killing our weak and young, and creating more and more monsters that eventually will get out of the system and once again prey on our vulnerable. Its in a Mothers instinct to protect and nurture her young. In my mind if your smart enough to go to work, figure out how to hide from the legal system, AND even worse in this case,,this woman actually was away from this piece of crap hours each day as she went to work!!!! ARE you telling me she could not have gone for help???? She surely could have. And yet she chose NOT to--AND she chose to have another child...as if the 3 who were getting slowly murdered werent enough! She is only being charged with injury to a child...how about doing it right and charging with attempted murder on 3 counts--Do it right! I'm beyond tired of our system making excuses for these Mothers, they were controlled, they were abused....STOP! Many of these women have plenty of opportunity to get help and choose not to. Now if you want to spend your life getting the pulp beat out of you day after day--thats your right and choice but its your job to protect your children. She chose not only to allow this nutcase to assault, starve, beat and neglect her 3 children but she chose to go further and bring another human being into what was already a nightmare. I'm sorry again folks, but I've had enough. Enough of our country playing the victim card and not assuming responbility for what THEY choose to do. Many of us have been victims in our lifetimes and we chose to change the course of our lives and make it better. We chose to NOT inflict onto our young what was done to us. We need lawyers and judges that will no longer tolerate this "poor me" crap and make anyone accountable that is involved in a horrendous crime such as this--both parents need to be charged with 3 counts of attempted murder plain and simple. She should also be forced to undergo some sort of sterilization so that she never brings another child into her screwed up mentality, as well as the father. People like this dont change, so we need to change their ability to harm our young.

Not a happy blog post by any means,,,,but I needed to vent! Here's the article if you havent read it....DALLAS - Three children were kept in a hotel bathroom for about a year and were "horribly emaciated" when police found them earlier this month, authorities said. One claimed to have been repeatedly sexually assaulted.

The children's mother, 30-year-old Abneris Santiago, is charged with injury to a child. Her 37-year-old live-in boyfriend, Alfred Santiago, is charged with aggravated sexual assault and continual sexual abuse.

The extended stay hotel where the Santiagos lived sits alongside one of Dallas' busiest freeways. It has daily and weekly rates and offers maid service for an extra cost, though it wasn't clear if hotel employees had entered the unit where the children were found.

An attorney for the hotel chain said there were no complaints from other guests and employees about the unit.

"When law enforcement and management arrived ... the unit was very, very clean," said Steven Stefani, senior counsel for a Budget Suites of America. "What became apparent is these people worked very hard in concealing these children in the back bathroom."

Couple remains in jail
The Santiagos remained jailed Wednesday. Abneris Santiago was being held on $50,000 bail, while Alfred Santiago was being held on $125,000 bail. Her initial court appearance is not expected until Aug. 3, said her attorney, James Jamison.

His attorney, Richard Carrizales, declined to comment.

According to an arrest affidavit, Abneris Santiago called police on July 2 and asked for help getting her children and belongings from the hotel. Officers found a healthy 1-year-old girl — the child of the Santiagos, Jamison said — in a crib.

Inside the bathroom, they found an 11-year-old girl, a 10-year-old boy and a 5-year-old boy — Abneris Santiago's children from other relationships, Jamison said. It was apparent the children suffered from "serious physical, emotional and mental neglect," according to the affidavit.

The 10-year-old was covered in bruises and all three were "horribly emaciated, underweight and malnourished," the affidavit said.

The 11-year-old told authorities that their mother left them with her boyfriend while she worked. She said they were allowed to leave the bathroom only when he took a shower and that they were regularly beaten and rarely fed.

The girl told police she had been sexually abused by her mother's boyfriend for at least three years. She described numerous rapes and said she was forced to perform oral sex on him. She also said the boyfriend threatened to kill her if she told her mother about the assaults.

Children in temporary foster care
The children were initially hospitalized for 10 days. The 10-year-old was hospitalized again recently, said Child Protective Services spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales. All four children are now in temporary foster care.

Abneris Santiago told police that Alfred Santiago did not care for her children because, according to him, "they were not his responsibility," the affidavit said.

"She just had a history of making poor judgments about her male companions," Jamison said. "I think ultimately the evidence will show that this man was controlling her and controlling the children."

Sunday Evening Boat Ride

2009-07-20T13:33:00.001-07:00

Last night I got brave and went along for an evening boat ride. Anyone that knows me, knows i dont like boats, at least when they go fast. Well my son wanted to go to Madison and take a slow evening ride to check out our state Capitol plus the views...sooo I tagged along. This photo here is underneath a bridge, and it was full of bats. I was hoping to get the bats,,not sure if I did. I tell you, it was eerie. I put a washcloth over my hair. I'm the only one who had hair--Baldy isnt Baldyman for nothing and Joel has no hair either!
When we first arrived in Madison I got this photo of a Hot Air Balloon, probably out doing what we were--enjoying the scenery.
AND......I'm so excited but I was playing with my camera and got this black and white of Bugsy....now tell me-does this NOT look professional or what?
Here is our Captiol at night...this picture dosnt do it justice. I tried and tried but couldnt get a clear, larger photo.
And here is Joel, the my 3rd son and driver of the boat. He dosnt know it but I took this photo and 3 of Bugsy that are in black and white and I'm making him a collage tonight. I enjoyed the ride of the lake, it was a nice slow ride the way I like them!

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile

2009-07-18T07:07:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry folks but this is hilarious. No one was hurt so we can laugh our little butts off. Here In Wisconsin I dont think there is a soul alive that hasnt seen this weinermobile driving down the interstate. Its sooooo cute! Well yesterday the weiner crashed into someone's home. I think the driver was a female. She will NEVER EVER live this one down..this will haunt her for the remaining days of her life. LOLLLLLLL. Here's the article:

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. – One southern Wisconsin homeowner is probably not in love with the Oscar Mayer wiener. The famed hot dog's Wienermobile crashed Friday into the deck and garage of a home in Mount Pleasant, about 35 miles south of Milwaukee.

Police said the driver was trying to turn the Wienermobile around in the driveway and thought she was moving in reverse. But she instead went forward and hit the home. It sat in the driveway as if it were stuck in the garage Friday afternoon.

No one was home and no one was injured. No citations were immediately issued.

Both the home and vehicle suffered moderate damage, which Oscar Mayer spokeswoman Sydney Lindner says insurance will cover.

Police hadn't been able to speak to the homeowner as of early Friday evening.

Welcome Karson Jon--

2009-07-17T20:07:00.001-07:00

Welcome Karson Jon to the World! He arrived at 5:05 today. This is my 2nd son, Baldyman and little Karson.
Of course there is me. I was able to see him born which is one of life's greatest gifts.
Here is my daughterinlaw at the beginning of her labor. We had just gotten there and checked in. They broke her water at 2 and by 5:05 she was done.
Awwww, here is is! I have to tell you--he had alot to say. He cried alot. Once Janell got him breastfeeding,,he was a much happier little baby. When we left the hospital, he was up and looking around and checking out the world.
Here is our son, Janell and the baby. This is our first grandson. We have another grandson due anytime also. Its so exciting to see the boys coming.

Whose up for Boating?

2009-07-14T07:18:00.001-07:00

I know,,,enough of Bugsy already...but hey I cannot resist him! This is Bugsy getting ready to go boating with our son, his daddy. This little guy goes everywhere his Daddy does.
I'm not a fan of boating unless they agree to go real slow and let me enjoy the beautiful home along the Wisconsin River. The Wisconsin River is so big and spacious that you think your on a huge lake. All along the River you will find beautiful homes, people swimming and enjoying the water. Its very easy to spend the entire day and into evening on the river. You can stop at bars on the water, enjoy an afternoon meal and drink. There are also many sandy beaches where you can dock your boat and then spend a few hours exploring or swimming. You'll find dogs enjoying the sand and water to. Bugsy runs from one end of the beach to the other until he's exhausted and then goes for a swim. When Joel brought him back from boating Bugsy wasnt his normal self, Joel said he was wore out, I rarely see that in Bugsy!

I hope for those of you who do enjoy the water whether swimming or boating--your having fun doing so this summer. For me, I would be in heaven if someone had a Pontoon boat and could take me slowly along the River and let me enjoy the scenery and a cool drink.

Linen Addiction

2009-07-13T05:19:00.001-07:00

I guess I do have another addiction. That would be linen cloths. I think it came from my childhood. There was an elderly couple that we lived next as little kids. The woman always asked us kids for help. She would have me iron her cloths for her and pay me $5.00. At that time, $5.00 was a million, plus I learned how much those linen's meant to her and how she took care of them. I inherited the taste for various linens, but I didnt inherit taking care of them. I do iron them, but I dont watch out for stains or anything else.

I found this sea shell cloth this weekend. If you look closely you can see how they beaded and attached various little sea shells. You can tell it took them alot of work and was very tedious.
This is how the cloth looks, various shells on it. I fell in love with it. I surely will try to take care of this one. I know enough to not wash it in the machine and since I love the shells so much I will try to make sure nothing to bad happens to it.

Its the dog days of summer here in Wisconsin. It felt summery to put this out. I hope your summers are coming along well and your all enjoying being outdoors.

My Grandma wishes she was doing this!

2009-07-08T16:18:00.001-07:00

Hello there! This is Bugsy,,,and I'm relaxing at my Grandma's house. She's out working hard so that I can do this..pretty cool huh?

Its awful darn nice that you humans do this for us. I wonder if she gets mad when she comes home from work and finds me enjoying one of her favorite chaises...what do you think?

I think she outta be happy that I havent eaten it..I mean I could do that, this chaise is awfully chewable looking. I really hope she knows how much I appreciate all the neat places she has that I get to lay on.

Hmmmm, I think I hear someone coming home...I better greet them, jeezzz I gotta act like I'm doing something. I know she cant get enough of me and thinks I'm the cutest thing since candy. Actually, I think she's pretty cool to!

(Isnt this just the cutest dam photo of my grandson Bugs....) He's right I cant get enough of him. Can you believe he moved right next door to me? Yep last week 2 of our sons moved into our little cul de sac. I know have all my 3 sons on my block. I havent decided yet if that is good or not...I'll keep you posted!

RV Time!

2009-07-05T16:40:00.001-07:00

Baldyman and I are on the hunt for an RV. We decided since I'm turning in my leased car in a couple weeks, that we no longer want a car payment. BUT...since we like camping so much, an since we live driving so much, that we are gonna try and see what we can find. We dont have a very high price range so its gonna be tough. We both know from searching that we want the Class C home, and the bed in the back with windows. Thats about all we know so far. This trailer here is in our price range and has the layout we both like.
It looks pretty good, gonna go see it this week. The miles arent to bad, only 28,000. For the last 3 years we've driven to Las Vegas which is a 1750 mile drive for us. We still enjoy it, but this year we learned no more car drives. We need to stretch out, be able to walk around and if anyone rides with us, it will be alot more comfortable. Plus we decided when we take long drives, this will enable us to stop and camp along the way and possibly enjoy even more things.

If anyone has any RV tips for us...feel free to help us out. We dont know very much, just our price range and the layout we like. My goal is to have one by the end of summer, because we are planning a Early Fall trip to Nashville, another of our favorite cities to visit.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-02T06:05:00.001-07:00

I'm off to our trailer for the next couple days. We havent been there in 3 weeks, so today will be a day of grass cutting, cleaning, weeding etc. I'm sure I already have tomatos growing and they need to be unburied! I plan on doing some antiquing, reading, good eating and golf cart riding. See ya Sunday! Have a safe, fun 4th of July!

Sleeping Bed

2009-06-27T07:20:00.001-07:00

I had a tough time finding a photo of what I have in my mind. This however looks very inviting and a peaceful place to grab a magazine and dream away on a warm afternoon. I'm searching for a an old iron or wicker daybed, or porch bed that I can place in my shed. Right now I'm using the loveseat but its not working out. I'm finding that when we finally get to use the little cottage, we feel like stretching out and snuggling up. We've been enjoying movies out there at the end of the day. Baldyman is finishing up the trim painting and then when thats done, it will be doing the little brick patio in front of it. I also am going to hang lights around the top. We are at the very end of finishing it up. Where I live there arent very many antique stores or estate sales. If there are estate sales, they are outrageously priced. A twin size would be perfect. If anyone had ideas on how to locate something affordable and comfy...drop me a note. I did find one new antique dealer where our trailer is and I hope to get there this week. Its one of the cleanest, reasonably priced and neatest stores I've seen in years. She carries a ton of stuff, its all organized and its super super clean and in super condition. I'm hoping she will come across a little porch bed for my cottage!

Have a great weekend!

Farewell Farrah and Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T17:30:00.001-07:00

This isnt the famous poster I grew up with. Lilly has it on her blog if you wish to check it out. This definitely shows the age of many of us bloggers, but Farrah and Michael Jackson are both icons I remember very well. At my age--all the girls wanted our hair to be cut like Farrah's. I remember going to the Salon and asking for that--and hearing it asked for. The swimsuit poster,,,i remember my inlaws got it for a gift from their sons and my FIL had it in front of his dresser. Charlies Angels--everyone had their favorite. She wasnt much of an actress, but she still had a huge prescense. Extremities and Burning Bed were probably her most valued films. I remember her marriage to Lee Majors and its demise. I remember the Playboy Spread she did at 50---to show women dont lose their sexiness at that age...while I may not agree with that morally,,,I dont judge anymore. She was the epitome of a woman who valued her health, always exercising, playing sports, and the sun goddess. Like another blogger, she wasnt my favorite of actresses,,,but I am very impressed with her courageous battle of Cancer and her willingness to show us what cancer does,,,to the rich and famous. She wasnt embarassed to show herself wittling away. Its reality of the harshest kind isnt it? I pray she is with peace now, and smiling once again.

As for Michael Jackson. For me, my 3 sons were very young when Thriller came out. We bought the tape because it was the rage of the country. I remember dancing to it--my sons dancing to it..you just couldnt get enough of it. I also remember Michael as a young boy, and it was quite sad watching what he did to himself. Whether he did it because he was mentally disturbed or health issues,,either way-it was very sad to watch. His body and face literally fell apart. I felt his soul had to be deeply disturbed and tormented. Rumors of abusing little boys haunted his life--his career. A shameful harsh look into what fame can do to some. I also felt his childhood had to be tormenting--there is so much ickiness in that family--it dosnt take a genius to know something horrific when down in that childhood home. What a shame.

I wish him peace also...

A sad day I think in the world of entertainment. Cancer is still taking our loved ones,,,after all the money, time and research so many of us feel there should be cures by now..and yet every day it takes more. Its very troubling.

Alot of memories for so many of us, a very bittersweet feeling.

Las Vegas

2009-06-23T17:08:00.001-07:00

I had a few more than I thought. This didnt turn out like I would have hoped. I cannot tell you how beautiful it was to come around the corner after nearly 23 hours of driving and see these lights. It was utterly breathtaking. If you ever drive to Las Vegas, plan your arrival at dusk...its just amazing how bright and beautiful this is.
This is a mountain in Utah. I think this picture turned out pretty awesome. My husband cannot get enough of Utah...I can take it or leave it after seeing it 3 times,,,,he still gets amazed.
This photo--cracked us all up. Janell (DIL) who is 8 months pregnant--had to stop and go potty. We pulled into this pretty desolate station and all that was there was this cage,,filled with grass, dented in and look at that sign!!!! Pet Exercise Area-and even funnier...Please keep it clean!!!! We just had to laugh.
This is Colorado on the way in. Its become one of our normal pitstops to get out and walk--go potty etc. It was kinda cool here, in the 60's. Its amazing how the temps change from state to state--and in Colorado from town to town. You can go literally from the 80's to the 40's in sometimes less than 2 hours. It also will be sunny and hot--then cloudy and snowing. You dont get to see those kinds of things when you fly.

I wish I had taken more--but like I said--we just werent thinking.

Fountain Madness!

2009-06-22T05:45:00.001-07:00

I would have to say if I have one addiction it would be fountains. I cant get enough of them, the sound of running water is very soothing to me. This is my newest fountain. The Serenity Fountain from Hallmark. I think its wayyyyyy overpriced, but when you love something you tend to somewhat overlook that. I've waited about 2 months to get this. With my leftover vacation money, I finally went and purchased it.
This fountain sits on the deck. He makes alot of noise...I love him because of that. AND my cat and dog thinks that these fountains are for them to grab a quick drink.
This is the fountain that started it all. Baldyman bought me this about 6 years ago for Mothers Day. We've replaced the pump at least 3 times now. This is Genies favorite stop for a drink, its right next to the front stoop to enter the house and so she'll just about drain this of water before she comes in. I have to refill this sometimes twice a day.

I have a few more fountains, one small one in the office, one in the little cabin, and then my little pond. I'm on the lookout now for the clearance fountains for outside because I want some on the sides of the house also. The birds will enjoy taking a dip in those!

Hello fellow bloggers!

2009-06-20T19:52:00.001-07:00

We made it there and back safely...no problems! The trip was exhausting, we did alot of running, constantly going out, wanted to see as much as possible. I lost about 120 dollars, then on the 3rd night I wont it all back. I gambled a bit more..so my total loss was about 32.00. Not bad considering I hit the slots ALOT! We saw so much this time around. The only real disapointment was we just couldnt seem to find a reasonably priced good meal. AND...get this--I only took one picture! I got a picture of us arriving at nighttime, all the lights. It was so beautiful. I will post that tomorrow. I dont know why we didnt take any pictures..we just didnt. I'm glad to be home. We drove straight thru...left Las Vegas Thursday morning--arrived home Friday afternoon. Unreal. We were in the car about 24-25 hours, except for potty breaks.

The picture above is of a couple weeks ago--Genie and Bugsy laying in bed with me. This was before Genie got sick. Genie was doing pretty poorly up until 2 days before we left. She seemed to be slowly improving so we went ahead and left. When we came back--our neighbor who watches her for us, said "Let me tell you about your dog Genie....she's got better each day I watched her", "She's getting healthier and better every day". I was so happy. She still collapses when she runs, so we try real hard to not let her run or get real excited. Its hard because her personality is of a fast, nosy, pesty animal. BUT... we want her around as long as possible and she continues to fight to. She's only 6 so I just cant imagine life without her.

When we got home, it is hotter than in Las Vegas. I'm lovin this weather. I hope everyone is doing fine--I have alot of catching up to do!

See yas!

2009-06-11T06:26:00.001-07:00

This is me, baldyman, our daughter on the left, daughter in law on the right, last May in Vegas at the Wynn. Daughterinlaw is now 8 months pregnant and on her way to Vegas. She didnt want to go but once her doctor gave her the go ahead they packed up and left last night. She wont be drinking or having that cigerette like last year,,(thank god). Our daughter Annie, just passed her RN exam and found out yesterday so she may have a celebration drink. I'm just starting to get excited. I hope to see lots of sun and hot temps.

See yas next weekend!

While we are sleeping....

2009-06-09T05:28:00.001-07:00

Look who keeps busy in the night! This spider web sits just above the entrance to the hot tub. Its rare you get to see a decent web these days to...all we normally get are the scary spiders!
Its a pretty good web if you click on the picture to enlarge it. No bugs are in it yet--and we havent seen the spider. I try not to think about this web when I climb into the hot tub at night--I mean wonder if its a HUGE spider sitting just above my hair as i climb in....eek!!!!

The weather in Wisconsin since Saturday has just been sad....no better word. Its cold, cloudy, damp,,,and today is starting out the same. It dosnt feel like Spring or summer here, in fact it feels like early Fall.

Nothing else going on here, but trying to plan our vacation and looking forward to some sunshine.

Las Vegas

2009-06-05T08:03:00.001-07:00

Well, Ms. Silly I'm gonna miss you by about a week or so! Finally we have plans in place for Las Vegas. We are leaving late next thursday night and hope to arrive by late saturday night. We are driving once again, this will be our 3rd year doing so. This was me and family last year having dinner at Mortons in Vegas. I'm super excited. We stay at a timeshare that is absolutely relaxing and very very nice. The drive isnt bad either, we all love it. What I like, is that i'm done getting my tan in one afternoon! And I adore just floating in the pool and sleeping in the sun. I hope everyone has a great weekend,,I plan on getting alot done before we leave.

Gone

2009-06-03T17:47:00.001-07:00

The nest is empty once again. 2 days ago, they flew the coop. I saw 2 of them leave, one flew off nicely, one flew but then landed and went into the shrubs and the parents went after it. I dont know how they are doing, I wish I did. We have alot of shrubs and bushes in the back and i'm hoping they are around. It was the neatest experience watching all this. Maybe I'll get privledged and have it again next Spring!

Genie is doing ok, still being fussy about eating, her stitches come out this week. So far no collapsing, but then again she is not up to par, so she's not running around. We are hoping it was the tube in her that was giving her problems.

I'm off to check out blogs--nothing else new here!

Genie

2009-05-31T13:03:00.001-07:00

Genie our furdaughter, has once again had surgery. About 2 years ago, she became ill, a rare illness, long story, but she wasnt suppossed to survive. She managed to survive that time of her life and for the last year and a half she's been doing really well. We thought she had kicked it all and for the rest of her life would remain ill free. When she was ill the first time, they decided to leave a tube in her that we had to drain the fluids from her chest. They said this tube shouldnt bother her.

Okkk a couple of weeks ago, we noticed she was slowing down. When she would run, she would collapse. It got so bad, when she would bark, she would collapse. Soo, we brought her back in, they did some heart tests on her, saying her heart appeared fine. The other illness--hasnt come back into play either. They decided its remotely possible the tube left in her is hitting something in her that causes her heart rate to drop which causes her to collapse. They also said removing the tube wouldnt be a big deal.

Well, She had the tube removed last Friday. Of course it took longer than they thought, was more troublesome than they thought. She is home now recovering. You can see the little bandage on her side. She has stitches and stapes on one side. She also had a heart monitor put inside her and when she collapses we are suppossed to hit this button that records what is going on with her heart. Her recovery is so slow going she isnt barking much and surely not running. Soo we havent been able to catch her collapse. She is doing ok but like i said her recovery is so slow. Its not as easy as they said it would be.

Our weekend at the camper was very nice. I hope everyone else had a great weekend. I'll be around to catch up on your blogs.

Sad News

2009-05-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

My little heart was broken yesterday. I came home from work and found one baby robin had fallen from the nest and was dead. I thought it might be alive at first and it may have been but only for a second and then i knew it wasnt. I said my little farewell and placed it in the shrubs. Soo for now I have 3 babies and so far they continue to do well. They look like Robins now. I go up to them and when they see me, they scrunch down into the nest as far as they can as if they are hiding from me. They are adorable. Mom makes her noises in the trees but by now she knows I wont bother them. I'm thinking next week is it and they head on out. We are off to our trailer tomorrow--I hope everyone has a safe, relaxing weekend.