Fortune Cookie

We went out to eat at a wonderful Chinese restaurant last night. My fortune cookie said "Tomorrow you will shine in creativity." 

Well tomorrow is here and I have to believe whomever that cookie was intended for ~ it most certainly was not intended for me.  To even attempt being creative, I would first have to clean. I can't even find the countertop of my crafting area.  I hate to tell you but that is just not going to happen ~ at least not today.


Ah, but here's a thought... I could take one project into the family room, there's a bare tabletop in there.  I might have to pull out something to tinker with just so my fortune comes true.  lol

Now where's my crystal ball to see what I should do ~

Wine: The Nectar of the Gods

I did this 'WINE' scrapbook page a couple of years ago and seeing it again inspired some thoughts.

I have to admit, my husband is not a God ~ but he does like his wine! But who doesn't like wine? I just prefer mine a little sweeter than what he prefers his.  I know, it has something to do with that huge sweet tooth I've inherited from my father. 

As I was looking at the snow surrounding the arbor we built last summer, I was daydreaming (actually hoping) that the grapes we planted last year will survive our winter and crawl up and over the arbor within a few years, producing an abundance of fruit.

The leaves canopying the arbor like a little sanctuary, providing privacy from the outside world. Long white sheer panels swagged to the side lofting gently in the breeze, a bench, flowers, candles and wine glasses toasting last years harvest, while setting there gazing at those Concord grapes, hanging in mass, ripening for the present season.  My bottles are ready and waiting. Mmm ...  the scene, the scents, the ambiance.

Sigh...Ok, I'm back now.   

Is Hibernating an Option?

Today is just one of those dark gray days, when I wish hibernation were an option. Sometimes I think the bear has the right idea, it would be nice to just sleep away these kind of days and not wake up until the sun comes out and the air is fresh but warm. The older I get the less I like winter.  I loved it as a child. My brothers and sisters and I spent hours and hours playing in the snow. Digging tunnels, making snowmen, snow forts, snowball fights and snow angels.  But today I'm just wishing I were a hibernating bear! Too bad I'm not tired enough to sleep. Yawn!!

Here's Looking at You!

A couple of days ago I posted pictures of moose looking in at me from when we lived in Alaska. These pictures were taken that same day from my dining room window here in Michigan.

 

I just love everything about nature!!

Roses mid Winter

I'm longing for winter to be over. As much as I love the change of seasons, once January hits I start looking forward to spring. Last year we planted roses and I'm so anxious to see how well they'll handle our winters here in Upper Michigan.  We insulated them with maple leaves in chicken wire cages. So hopefully our following directions will pay off so we can enjoy their beauty year after year. .

Moose on the Loose

When we lived WAY up north, in North Pole, Alaska we had frequent visitors pass through our yard. They are called moose! While sitting in the office it would be nothing to see them walking right past the house and occainally peeking in at us. Now let me tell you... the first time this happened it scared the bageebees out of me. With only a pane of glass between me and that huge animal, it took my breath away. I immediatlly envisioned that monster landing on top of me if it fell through that window. I learned to not make direct eye contact and to always watch that their ears don't lie back flat, a sure sign they they are uneasy about something. We had to watch very closely every time we walked out the door, as not to startle them. But with all said and done it was such a great experience seeing them that up-close and personal. Just one part of why I miss Alaska so much and am ever so thankful for the experience of living there.

I hope you enjoyed a bit of my past.

Summer in Winter

Dolls ~ How do they get their names?

I couldn't begin to tell you how many dolls have held a prominent place in either my heart, the hearts of my sisters, my daughters and now my Grandaughters.  Dolls certainly hold a special place in the hearts of little girls, regardless of what timeframe they are born in or what branch they are hanging on in the family tree.

Of course once a doll is placed into the hands of its new "mommy", she then has the honor of naming her new "baby."

You just never know what is in the minds of little ones as they go through the "naming" process.

I remember naming my dolls Penny and Nicky (short for nickle) because that particular year I was learning about how to count money. Very clever ~ don't you agree?  A generation later I have to believe my daughter named her doll by recognizing words that went together.  She named her baby Polly. But not just Polly, if you asked her she would let you know in no uncertain terms that her babies name was Polly Esther.  lol  Oh how her Great Aunts loved that name. They remembered that doll and her name for many years to follow. My youngest daughter had a not so handsome boy cabbage patch doll whom she named Homer. Her Uncle teasingly made a comment about her "ugly" little baby and she said "he's not ugly he's Homer Lee."  Another doll unforgotton. 

Our Grandaughters recieved numerous gifts from numerous people again this year. Books, video games, cameras, sleds etc. etc. and of course a few new dollies.  Well our little Sydney recieved a special new baby and she named her Kelly. But once again, following in her Mothers footsteps; she listened to words that she knew belonged together... after all her sister recieved a computer game called "Kelly's Pet Parade."  You guessed it ~ that's her babies name.  Not just Kelly, but "Kelly's Pet Parade!"  I guess it's true: the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.   

Things I'd Rather be Doing

I'd rather be heading down the old woods trail....

Or heading off to the garden ...                             

than to be dealing with this awful HEAD COLD that I have. I miss summer!

Random Thoughts about My Past Year

I've explored too little and ached too much. I had such great hopes of exploring more of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan which is right out our backdoor. We spent many hours this past year doing outdoor projects like finishing off our fenced in garden, building birdhouses, a log swing and a grape arbor, just to name a few.  But now that those projects are completed, this will become our summer of fun. We've lived here for nearly 5 years in some beautiful country and want to discover more of it.  We're within an hours drive of both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, and loving the water as much as we do, we plan to visit both lakes more often this year.

And back to my aching; shame on me, I know its because I was lax on exercising this past year. This too shall pass. I don't make New Years resolutions like in the past ~ because it became the same old chant from one year to the next and never with any results. So I refuse to once again vow to "lose weight", I will however become more active and aware of my own physical being.

I am so blessed with "stuff" that I need to start sorting through some of it and downsize. I want to be prepared for whatever comes my way. Having lost my first husband to leukemia 10 years ago, I know how life can change in a heartbeat. Don't be concerned - I have great faith and am not worried about what my future may hold, but I am feeling the effects of natural aging and knowing I still have the abilities and strength to pack up boxes for Good Will, garage sales etc., it's time to sort and give.  Honestly, do I really need 6 HUGE boxes of Christmas "stuff?"

And now that I shared this in print ~ I can read it again as my own reminder! 

Honey, I'm Home!

Regardless of the horrible weather and a nasty "bug"setting up homestead in our bodies, we returned home safely after sharing a wonderful Christmas with the kids and our Grandloves. Our hopes of  "going home" to visit more of the family a couple of hours away, was bought to an abrupt halt due to illness.  My husband has a horrible cold and now I'm finding myself feeling it slowly making its attack on me.  He went through high fevers accompanied by chills and body aches. Then the "thick throat" and congestion set in. As for myself; I'm hoping I can sneak by this round of "sickness" with nothing more than a stuffy nose.  I guess time will tell.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours. We will be leaving on Dec 22 to spend time with family and friends so I wanted to send my greetings now. I just love how the picture of our Christmas tree turned out so I decided it would be the perfect backdrop for this years card. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Shopping

Well wouldn't you know we'd get around to our Christmas shopping on the coldest dang day we've had so far this winter. And technically "winter" hasn't even arrived yet. I would say the wind chill was a tad bit "chilly" right around 10 to 15 below zero depending on the gusts. 

But we did get our shopping done ~ and we did good! I forsee a lot of happy little faces again this year.  Our Grandkids recieved their letters from Santa today.  The six year old was so excited she threw her head back as she was reading her letter and exclaimed "Mrs. Claus loves the same kind of fudge as I do ~ Chocolate mint, and Santa said I should look for some under my tree!" 

Now I have to ask, How exciting is that?  ~ she has a personal connection with the big fella's wife.  They are at the wonderful ages that make Christmas so exciting.  Their eyes just sparkle and their voices echo in ranges of squeals and giggling.  With camera in hand - her comes Grandma. I can hardly wait!

Why Oh Why?

I have some cookies baked and the house decorated for Christmas but for some reason I just haven't gotten around to shopping yet. Why?? Not that I haven't had the opportunity. On Thanksgiving Eve I went "shopping" with my daughters. What an experience that was, fun but my feet were on fire from our venture. We decided we didn't want to fight the "Black Friday" crowds so we went on Wed. night instead. We started at 8:00 p.m and ended at 2:00 a.m. Three stores, only three stores! They did good and got a lot of their Christmas shopping done, but this old Granny just picked up a couple of upcoming Birthday gifts and that was it. Why?

So today we decided to go shopping, after all we are within the two week margin now ~ but I still didn't buy a thing that would go under a tree. Why? Oh yeah, we bought groceries and looked for gifts but no luck.  Hopefully we will have better luck on Moday, or Tuesday or Wed or maybe Christmas Eve!

Christmas Decorating is Now in Full Swing!

Help! Now that I've started decorating I've become unstoppable! The Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls had company stop for a visit.

The stockings are hung ~

on the railing with care!

The tree is trimmed!

Santa's watching my stocking ~

Every year he fills it with love!

The dining table awaits guests.

And my beautiful doll reminds me Christmases past.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tree is Up!

The Christmas tree is up, and not only is it up... it's even decorated! All of this in one afternoon is pretty good for this ole' gal.

Several years ago on one of my many treasure hunts at an auction, I won the bid on some beautiful antique tear-drop ornaments . I should have counted as I hung them but "if my recollector is recollecting correctly" (as my Dad used to say) there were 35 to 40 and the entire box sold for the grand total of $3.00. Each one is multi colored in shades of gold, pink, red, green and blues. They are now adorning this years tree. With colored lights as a backdrop and crystal beads as garland the tree turned out just beautiful. But not just night-time beautiful ~ it even looks great in the daylight.

We are invited to join some friends at the "Parade of Lights" tonight. Time to pull out the long johns and bundle up. That shouldn't be a problem - after all when we lived in Alaska we would go to the Yukon Quest dog races when it was 30 below zero or colder. Here's a pic of me that day and "Baby, it was cold outside!"

I know what you're thinking ... who wants to see a picture of her? Where's the tree?  Well, maybe later. 

Shifting into the Christmas Mood

I was in a horrid mood through most of the day,as you can see by my last posting - but I'm back to my jolly ole' self again. I decided it's time to do more than just "think" about Christmas and to take some action. So I'm beginning here in my blog, by changing my background to a country Christmas tree. 

I have oodles and oodles of Christmas boxes to go through. Now when I say boxes I'm not talking shoe boxes, I'm talking HUGE boxes.  When I got remarriend and we joined our treasures, I was amazed at how much "stuff" we have.  I change things from year to year so I'm not really ready to part with of much of it just yet but I do plan to have a "garage sale" box setting on the sidelines as I peek through everytihing this year. I really don't need as much as I have.

A couple of years ago I did the tree in all white lights with crystal icicles -okay so they are fake but they're still beautiful - and white, gold and tan ornaments. I used white lacey Christmas ribbons wrapped throughout the tree as garland. It was just gorgeous. Last year I trimmed the tree in all colored lights and loaded the branches with homemade ornaments and keepsakes from years gone by.  Once agian it was a beauty but totally different from the prior year.  I haven't really decided on this years theme yet but it will come to me as I go through those boxes and find things I've forgotton about since last year. It's just like Christmas!!

We used to live in North Pole, Alaska so we also have a nice selection of the "Dept. 56 North Pole Collection." How fitting is that?  It's a beautiful village with very detailed pieces.  I love it but it's a lot of work to set up and take down every year. This fall my sweet Aunt gifted me with an old store showcase that will be perfect as a display case for part of our collection. I plan to refinish the showcase next spring and set up the village permanently. I know I will enjoy it every time I pass by whether it be the holidays or not.

Moody Moody Moody!

I'm in such an ugly mood today!  I should be ashamed of myself but I just dont give a tinkers damn. Where in the hell did that phrase come from anyways?  See what I mean, I said HELL ... on a good day I would have said "heck" to be politically correct and not have people think badly of me. But not today, today I dont give a damn.   So there, take it or leave it but whatever you do, keep your distance from me!  Maybe tomorrow I'll be nice again.

As a huge dark snow cloud hoovers overhead, I find great comfort in peeking at sites like "Todays Flowers."
Looking at all the beautiful flowers inspired me to pull out my digital photos and once again take a little trip down memory lane. These African Daisies were stunning in real life.  I snapped this photo in 2003 at the University of Alaska Botanical Garden in Fairbanks.  We lived in that wonderful state at that time and really enjoyed our visits to the gardens. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Home Again, Home Again ...

And this little piggie went out for Thanksgiving! 
Home again, home again Jiggity-Jig-Jig!  

She ate all her stuffing, she ate all her pie
forever it stays on her belly and thigh.

So off she is now, to waddle and try
to lose a few pounds before Christmas comes by!

                     *************************
I hope to get back to a regular posting schedule soon ... bear with me.

Happy Thanksgiving Family and Friends

To those of you who are hosting this holiday ~ 

I wish you help and harmony.

To those of you who are cooking and baking ~

I wish you wonderful recipes with outstanding results.

To those of you on the invitation lists ~ 

I wish you appreciation and manners. 

To those of you who are traveling ~

I wish you safty and comfort.

To those of you whom I call family and friends ~

I wish we were together and I send my love.

To God the Father who makes all things possible ~

I glorify You through my humble thanksgiving.
I am ever so grateful for all my blessings.

In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ

Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

 Amen

Plant Rescue

A couple of years ago as I was browsing through a local greenhouse, I came across a pot setting off in the corner, It was the saddest plant I've ever seen. Their heads were bowed and nearly dead and yet I thought there was something peculiar about it. Upon inspection I noticed there were two different colors hanging there - pink and purple peeking through the tips of what was supposed to be a beautiful fuschia plant. I asked if it was suffering from some sort of disease and the lady said "no, it just wasn't flourishing and so we gave up on it." Being it was still on a marketable table, of course I had to know "how much?"  She told me that if I took it, I'd be rescuing it from the trash. So - I rescued it. 

With a little fresh potting soil, water and love that plant had a major comeback. It was beautiful!  I couldn't stand the thought of bringing it back to health and then tossing it out at the end of the season so I clipped it back and set it in my basement, just out of direct light. I dropped a little water on it about once a month, but never really thinking it would survive. But to my surprise it started showing signs of green come spring. I  must have done something right because it was just as beautiful the second year.  So once again when fall rolled around it got  a trim job and I tried it agian.  Third season wasn't quite as prolific but it was still pretty and it put a smile on my face everytime I looked at it.

If you ever have the opportunity to save a plant ~ do it. Not only is it good for the plant, it's good for the soul.

Pickled Pork Hocks, Limburger Cheese, Amaryllis and More

As I go through my daily routine, living life as I best  know how - there are constant subtle reminders of those I've loved and lost.  It doesn't take much to stir up a memory.

As I was grocery shopping shortly after the loss of my first husband; I became overwhelmed at the site of a jar of pickled pork hocks. Of all things - pork hocks! It was one his favorites, and an occaisional treat. I stood there almost breathless struggling to hold back the tears. I just stood there and stared. The pain in my face must have been apparent as a sweet little lady appoached me and asked "ma'am are you alright?"  It snapped me back to reality and I answered that I was fine, "It's just those blasted pork hocks." I told her I had recently lost my husband and she touched my arm expressing her sympathy. We talked for a little bit and then continued onto our shopping.

That was over 10 years ago and I've lost several close relatives and friends since then. Limburger cheese reminds me of my dad, along with suffolks sheep and many other things too numerous to list. An amaryllis plant always reminds me of my Grandma. She gave it a good run and passed away just before her 102nd birthday. Roosters and snow villages remind me of my Aunt. Hairspay - a classmate etc. etc.  

This morning as I was getting ready for the day, I glanced in the mirror and I swear my sister was looking back at me. My bangs swept across my forehead in such a way that it shocked me at just how much we looked alike.

I don't wallow in my losses, I know they are all out of pain and misery and with our Lord, believing I will see them agian. But in the mean time I will enjoy every passing memory I have, whether its pork hocks, hair or whatever.

Memories are a gift!

Treasure Hunting

I'm a treasure hunter!  I'm a believer that one mans junk is another mans treasure. But lets forget about men for just a minute, I'm talking about the great deals we women can find.  There are certain places I have a hard time passing. Thrift stores, second hand stores, garage sales, estate sales, auctions etc.  I've mastered scanning a garage sale in a  matter of minutes.  If there's a treasure to be found I'll sniff it out.

But as long as I've been doing this (no -I won't mention how many years) I still learned a valuable lesson this past summer.  Be the first one in the door, and if you're sisters are along, scan fast and head to whatever catches your eye even faster! 

My oldest sister was visiting and knowing she's also a "treasure" hunter, we headed to our local St. Vinnie's.
Now knowing we have very similar tastes, I knew I was taking my chances that she'd find something I'd like.
Neither of us buy, just to spend - we just get things that we know are functional for our purposes or maybe just a gift for ourselves because God knows we deserve it! 

Being a lover of old tapestry; I've found purses, table runners, wall hangings etc. at these wonderful sales.  However; I don't have a large shoulder bag perfect for an overnight bag or to take along on future shopping sprees - but she does!  She found the most beautiful green tapestry bag right in front of me.  Talk about a deal, it was only a few bucks and it's in perfect condition.  I spotted it across the room because it was even in my favorite color. Now I have no idea how she snuck right past me to get to it first but she did. 

I LOVE IT ~ but she owns it. Oh well, you win some and you lose some. 

Recalling Summer Beauties

As the cooler winds blow in and the temperatures drop I find some serenity in reviewing the pictures I've taken throughout the summer months of my flowers.  I just linked my site with "Todays Flowers" so I thought it appropriate to share some of my beauties.

This is my first year of growing hibiscus. Hopefully they will survive our Northern winters as well as the saleslady said. They are the "hardy" type so wish me luck.                                                              

I'm well aware that cabbage is not a flower, at least not this particular one; BUT it's still as pretty as can be with the sun shining through it's leaf. Don't you agree?

Insomniac Searching Backgrounds

I've been bouncing all over the net searching for a blog background to suit my mood. I think I may have found it, at least until I change my mind again. I do still have that right to change my mind - and if you must know, I like to keep people guessing about me. I guess there's a little part of me that likes to stay mysterious.

Speaking of mysterious, what the heck is up with insomnia. Sleep used to be my friend, but not lately. I catch myslef staying up way into the wee hours of the morn. Then when I do slide betwixt the sheets on my comfy, beautiful bed - there I lie; eyes closed and the brain just a wandering. Occasionally I peek at the clock, hour after hour after hour.

How can one person have so many thoughts? If I do drift off into sleepyland, the dreams keep me as busy as if I were wide awake. The dream, dream, dream - DREAMS!! And of course mine come complete with color and sound effects. Cartoons come to life and trees talk. Chocolate flowers grow in the garden and cows dance. People from my past visit often, I'm a kid shooting marbles or an old person grumbling. I move from house to house and I'm constantly redecorating. Don't ask, because I can't tell you. It all makes sense at the time. I've heard that a lot of people don't recall their dreams but I recall my dreams so vividly. Some could and probably should be made into movies.

Well enough about that, sure hope I can sleep tonight.

REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS

My heartfelt thank you goes out to all our veterans and to our servicemen and women who are presently serving our country.

I personally have had several family members who have filled those shoes throughout the decades. My Dad and Uncles in the WWII era, brother and husbands (deceased and living) serving the Vietnam to Desert Storm timeframe and my son and other relatives in the Iraq to present timeframe.

It breaks my heart that these men and women gave their all and still are as I watch our nation self implode. Our stiving to remain "politically correct" has become our "political pitfall."

God Bless America!

My Wireless World

I remember a time when my kids were quite young and the television quit working; it bit the dust and was a goner. In those days, we didnt run right out and get a new one, we spent months SAVING for a replacement.

But as I recall, I accomplished more in those few months than I did in several previous ones. I pulled out the treadle sewing machine and stitched up some of the cutest little kids clothes, and patched up worn out work jeans.. Ok, I know you're wondering about the "treadle" machine, and NO - it's not that I'm that old, it's just that I loved that machine and it was all I had at the time, it was functional and so I put it to work.

I delved into my recipe collection and rediscovered cooking and baking, I spent time playing with the kids, took walks, READ books and finished up a lot of odd little projects that had been put on the back burner for too long.

Now several decades later here I am caught up in a world where I sit in front of a computer, spending precious hours surfing the net, wasting time day dreaming, doing virtual landscaping, getting upset with online news reports, shopping, etc. My evenings are spent multi-tasking - I'm in front of the tv and on the laptop at the same time. Such talent! When in reality, it's such a waste of talent.

I wonder what my world would be like if I lost electricity. I still have that treadle sewing machine, lots of candles and oodles of crafting supplies gathering dust. Hmm... just wondering!

Off the Beaten Path

Even though yesterday was a "gray day" we still took our usual walk. This time we decided to go a little off the beathen path to do some exploring in areas we hadn't yet visited. We turned left instead of heading down our usual trail, and knowing the general area and how the roads ran, where the river was, in what direction the lake was etc. we headed straight into the woods.

We really do live in a beautiful wooded haven. Pine trees reaching high into the sky, maples dropping their varied colored leaves and ferns preparing for winter. My thoughts kept going back to the numerous hours spent playing in the woods and exploring as a child. I loved it then, and I love it now. You never know what's around that next corner, like a bucket hanging on a branch, way out in the middle of nowhere. I think it was there just in case someone like me came along with a camera, which I did. I've learned to pocket the camera for just such occasions.

We came across this beautiful little oak tree. The display of bright red against the browning leaves was brilliant, even for a "gray day."

It's quite obvious that our fall is beyond it's peak but there are still a few trees holding on as long as they can. Although we've already had accumulating snow that lasted a few days before melting; I'm like that tree, holding on to the hopes of a few more warm days to call autumn before succumbing to the wiles of winter.

Snow pics coming soon !

Chickens and Goats

They say that a good fence makes for good neighbors. Well ~ we put up a fence and it changed what used to be a tolerable old neighbor into a cantankerous old fart! The man just won't smile at us any more. Okay, okay ... So maybe it's the way my husband finds humor in staring at him as he tries to back his pontoon into his driveway, or it could be the fact that we put up a fence in the first place because he was treating our yard like his private parking lot. So being the good neighbors that we are, we measured out the limits set by the codes and we proceeded to build a beautiful split rail fence.
Of course this lead to the old codgers curiosity and he quickly sprinted to the best of his ability, to inquire as to what we were up to now and to inform us we were too close to his property... the humor being that we had already measured and knowing where the survey post is buried we were WELL WITHIN our limits. We even left enough room on "their side" of the fence (which is actually still our land) to enable us to use our riding mower on that side. So... back to my naming this post chickens and goats. When the old grump asked "what are you up to now?" I responded "We're going to get some chickens and pygmy goats." I don't know what made me say it but I thought they were going to faint. The way their heads spun around was like watching "The Exorcist!" I was laughing so hard inside, but I was still able to maintain a straight and serious face. My husband fell right into my joke and never cracked a smile ~ at least not within thier view.

Now mind you, WE DO LOVE ANIMALS and we would love to have goats and chickens but although we live on the outer skirts of what we laughingly call the "city limits" we are still within them, so we don't have goats or chickens ~ yet. But we might just check into that a little further and see what limits we can push. I do love my farm fresh eggs, and who can resist those cute little goats?

I woke up this morning snickering to myself after dreaming that when our snow-bird neighbors returned from wintering down south ~ we had chickens and goats. But it was only a dream.

Our Corner of the World

Fall seems to have taken a turn for the worse here in Upper Michigan. We've already seen snow and the cold set in long ago even though we're just now in mid-October. The leaves on our maple tree are green and changing ever so slowly. Leaves are falling off of it but its so much duller than last year due to our cool weather and early frosts.

Our maple tree this year ~

Our Maple tree last year ~

We raked and raked and raked today. Covering the flowers and raised garden beds with leaf mulch before the snows decide to stay. Brr... just too cold for this time of year.

The Scuffle

I've been having a scuffle amongst myself. My mind has such great aspirations but my my body lacks the ambition. Without the get up and go, what good are my ideas? Even in my dreams I'm doing fantastic things and accomplishing all my undone tasks; so why can't I get that burning desire to actually get things done?

Today I'll blame the dreary weather. Tommorrow I'll blame something else.

Maybe if I keep journaling about it, I'll get tired of my own prattling and take action.

So it goes...