keepsake moments

Where I went today

2012-01-29T22:20:00.001-06:00

Today I went to a par-tay here

It was nice. Her kitchen table is always set with a fresh bouquet of flowers. It never fails. And everytime I pass by the fresh florals in the grocery or walmart I think of her. I need to take pointers from her and do the same.

Her resident dog-child greeted us at the door. He comes and goes thru the doggie door as he pleases. I told him I was jealous of him being at home all day by himself in his pretty house.

She shared her delicious goodies with us.

On her everyday dinnerware.

I love all her doors. Her front door, her kitchen door, her back doors.

If a powder room could be sweet, her downstairs guest powder room is the sweetest ever.

It was a lovely par-tay. I'm glad I was there.

Hope there is another one scheduled soon.

gin

Happy Celebrations

2012-01-25T21:02:00.002-06:00

January Birthday time for the guys was all about the food.

Steak, steak and steak was enjoyed by some of the guys.

Charlie's Steak and Seafood was the restaurant of choice. And it does not disappoint.

Happy Anniversary Brandon and Julie and Happy Birthday Chris and Larry.

Can't wait for next months birthday celebrations. It will be for me!!! Yippee!

gin

Thursday Thirsty Theory

2012-01-19T19:32:00.000-06:00

I like Thursdays. The week is almost over. The next day is usually a fun good day. Thursday is my housecleaning day/night - dust, vacuum, mop, bathrooms, all laundry, and put up all out of place stuff. That way everything is ready for the weekend. There is usually plenty of leftovers from the first of the week so I don't have to cook on Thursdays.

I'm thirsty. For water? Sure. I drink a bottle of water every morning when I get up. Then refill it from the fridge water spout all during the day. It's good. Cool. Refreshing going down my mouth to my insides. But I'm also thirsty for time with God. I've been a slacker. Not taking the time for the time I need with Him. So, I've re-started every morning with my Bible in one hand, and "40 Days with Jesus" in the other. Today is my 40th day. It's good. Refreshing. Soaking it up in my mind and filling up my day with Jesus.

I have a theory. And that theory is that it's never too late to do what is good. Do what is good for yourself. Do what is good for others. Life is short. We may not have tomorrow.

gin

Dog Day

2012-01-14T21:23:00.001-06:00

I want this dog.

We saw "it" in the back seat of a car at a red light. Look close in the window, there is a dog in there. I love "it's" fur. It looks like one of those mop hair dogs. "It" is so cute. Has a little sweater on. "It" is my perfect dream of a dog -- big, furry, cute.

Then within 15 minutes, Jennifer texts me this picture of a dog in the back seat of a car in the Winn Dixie parking lot.

It's the same dog. It was strange. I see it on one side of town, and in 15 minutes it's over on the other side of town. I told her it was the exact dog I had just seen at another location. And we both took a picture of "it" without knowing the other one took a picture.

Wonder where "it" was headed next after Winn Dixie?

We're Having a Baby

2012-01-12T18:26:00.001-06:00

We're going to be grandparents. I'm gonna be a mawmaw. It's gonna be great. I can't wait.

Technically, it's not about me. I know.
It's about the mommy-and-daddy-to-be.
It's their life. Their baby. And they're in charge.

But around August 3rd it will be all about the baby. And this maw-maw can go wild spoiling this lil' one. Why wait? I can start the spoiling now.

gin

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-06:00

Oops!!

The Tigers played lousy last night . They did not make their fans happy .

Now we will see if the Saints can redeem LA. We love our Saints!!!

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

I am one of these.
I bleed purple and gold.
It's gonna be a great nite in Tiger Land!

2012-01-04T11:48:00.000-06:00

Can't leave the family fur babies out of Christmas.Santa brought Macy and Molly a genuine snuggie brand "pet snuggie". FYI: Santa found them at CVS for $3.99. Santa couldn't resist.

2012-01-03T19:43:00.000-06:00

T'was was the holiday that never stopped. It went on and on and on. From Christmas Eve to the day after New Years.

Jennifer & Chris came for several days at two different times. A little shopping and a little hunting was enjoyed by all. Even though I worked everyday.

Trent came his days off that was during the week. A little more hunting, relaxing, and eating was enjoyed by all. Even though I worked everyday.

Brandon came Friday for the day. A little more hunting and eating.

It was nice!!

gin

Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T22:09:00.000-06:00

A Christmas re-cap. Because I know You want to see.

It all started with Christmas dinner. Then let's get on with the important stuff.

Tyler reading the Christmas Story for us, "The Newborn King".

And then every one opening gifts from name drawing. Gifts included everything from guns to jewelry.

The girls.

My present.

Tyler and me.

The crew.

Praise to Our Savior on His birthday!!

Monday Monday

2011-12-26T21:37:00.001-06:00

Rest and relaxation comes after Christmas Day. Don't have to cook today because there are leftovers from Christmas Day. I stare at the Christmas tree, the Christmas wreath, the Christmas decorations wanting to clear everything out today. But I'll do it tomorrow. Enjoying looking at my Christmas pictures taken on Christmas Day.

It has rained for 2 days and nights. New pj's are really getting a work out!! Thank you!

Entertaining myself by blog surfing and see what y'all and y'all are up to. It's like reading a good book.

Let's get the New Year on!

gin

Reason

2011-12-16T21:33:00.000-06:00

It's close. 9 days to go until the family crowds, the oohing and ahhing over gifts, the non-stop foods, the tree skirt in full view from an empty floor under the tree. These are the reasons for all the hustle and bustle.

And, Christmas tree cookies of which I have eaten dozens and dozens of in the last week and have literally made people eat them with me and even insisted they take some home.

The fun of wrapping papers spread out all over the floor to wrap those special choosen gifts for those special people to place under the tree for the big day.

The Christmas book that we read every year on Christmas Day before we open the gifts. Because, after all, it's HIS birthday.

And, it's the reason for the season, for the spirit, for the giving that we can celebrate, rejoice, worship, and praise The Newborn King.

gin

Come on Santa!!!!!!

2011-12-01T21:58:00.000-06:00

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Come on Santa!

The tree is up ready for the presents. Come on Santa!!!!

Poochie is ready as she adores the angel on top the tree.

Come on Santa!!! Can't wait!

gin

Thank You

2011-11-11T10:00:00.001-06:00

It's Veterans Day 11-11-11.....

Thank you to all the military men and women who have so graciously served our country to give us what we have today - freedom.

To all my generations of family members who have served, I thank you...

And to my dad and my son-(in-law), I thank you...

gin

Through the woods

2011-11-10T09:09:00.000-06:00

A nice fall day calls for some outside time in the wilderness. With a hike thru the woods with Jennifer, Chris, Larry and me.

It's late evening and the sun is beginning to set.

Some walking, some riding while feeding the deer along the way. Jennifer did see one deer ahead of her as she drove thru the wooded path.

Some falling and laughing. That would be me. Tripping on a something and down I went but making sure my camera was safe. Got to take those pictures you know.

now, where is my camera?

After a long hike and a couple bruises on me, it's time to head back to the house.

gin

Happy Birthday Trent

2011-10-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

A little birthday celebration party.

Trent turned 26.

His request: Lunch at Chili's.

He was announced as the birthday guest with the happy birthday song sung by the waitresses and his very own hot fudge cake with ice cream. He did not want to be acknowledged, but he would enjoy the cake.

Brandon and Julie laughing while Trent is being serenaded by the whole restaurant.

Jennifer and Chris watching.

His 2nd request: birthday cake from Gambino's.

A happy birthday to Trent with cake, presents, and family.

gin

Project #853

2011-10-18T22:49:00.000-05:00

I need to make an enchanted swan for my YOE project.

My thought is to use a fall seasonal item and transform it into an enchanted swan.

My plan is to use a gourd -- a small plastic gourd with a crooked neck that comes in a little net bag with other seasonal items like pumpkins and leaves. BUT, I am at home and 22 miles away from the closet cheap little store. To make a long story short, my husband calls and ask if I need him to pick up anything on his way home from work. Yes I do, and thank you very much. He arrived home an hour and a half later with a little net bag filled with gourds, pumpkins and leaves from a cheap little store. Price: $3.

(I already took the gourds out)

With the gourds, and my paint stash, and my craft necessities drawer the swans come to life.

I painted the gourds white. It took several coats to cover the orange/yellow gourds. The gourds had a small stem on the end of the crooked neck that was perfect for the swans beak And I painted the stem/beak yellow and painted a dot of blue for the eyes.

The paint is dry. Now it is time to adhesive the feathers and feet to the painted gourd. I have this trusty adhesive that adheres anything to anything. It works on anything. I adhesived the feathers to the fattest round part of the gourd on each side. Then I adhesived the yellow sparkly pompoms to the bottom of the gourd for the feet. And lastly, adhesived a silver twine to the top of the crooked neck for the hanging loop for the swan ornament.

I am amazed myself at how cute they are.

It was super easy to make, and you can make one too.

gin

While in Florida. . .

2011-10-13T02:15:00.002-05:00

A little sight-seeing going on at the beach and Harbor Village before and after the wedding. The beach and weather couldn't have been better. It was beautiful.

Walking thru Harbor Village. We saw a lot of hot stuff. But this boat was named HotStuff. We ate at Harry T's, but no pictures. Don't know what I was thinking of not getting any picture. But the very extra large nacho appetizer piled sky-high with all the fillings was more than enough to feed 8 of his at 10pm at nite and was delicious.

Back view of some of our group. Peggy, Cheryl, Julie, Brandon while walking down the boardwalk at Harbor Village.

And Trent, Brandon, Julie taking in all the sites.

And more walking

It made for a very nice time.

gin

2011-10-11T09:15:00.000-05:00

September 24, 2011

Jennifer & Chris

Destin Florida

A beautiful beach wedding. Perfect weather, blue skies, white sand, and the sound of the water.

Jennifer and her dad.

Saying their wedding vows

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr & Mrs Christopher Donaldson!!

gin

An awesome lady

2011-10-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

Today would be my mawmaw's birthday. She is always on my mind and in my heart.

gin

Friday Morning Rush Hour

2011-09-30T14:03:00.005-05:00

Have to be at work before 8am.

Have to pick up my morning caffeine.

Have to cruise the side streets in the neighborhood by work to catch a glimpse of garage sale items as i drive by.

Have to have this find -- a wrought iron patio swing. $20. . . . . . Did I pay too much? No way!

It's a good Friday.

gin

2011-09-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

First, I know it's a bad picture. But you gotta act fast when duty calls.

Let me set the scene.

Home alone. TV is on with the debate beginning. I'm laid up on the couch with my laptop. On facebook and checking in on blogs. A movement catches my eye. I'm not really a scaredycat, but I stop everything to see what it is.

Do you see what I see?

I went to the bedroom to grab my cell phone for the camera. Went to the bedroom window. It was very close to the edge of the porch on the other end of the house. Took a picture anyway. Then went to the living room window and took another picture as it walked away.

This means, the calendar says it's almost fall. And almost fall means deer hunting. But deer hunting in my yard means shooting them with a camera.

Like I said, sorry for the bad cell picture.

Project 481

2011-08-17T22:53:00.006-05:00

Project: YOE mermaid

My new etching interest produced an etched mermaid on a make-up compact mirror. It came out really cute for August YOE ornament project. Go here to see how it's done.

Also, an appliqued mermaid on a hand towel.

This mermaid has green hair. She is supposed to be enchanting. I took a mermaid template, cut it into sections and choose fabric remnants to put her back together.

gin

Tis the season

2011-08-13T20:35:00.000-05:00

I'm liking me some football. We'll be cheering on the Saints and the LSU tigers.

With a little bit of clothing attire to match. Have you seen the collegiate pom-pom knit gloves, especially in purple and gold? I like them. But probably wouldn't wear them in public. I'll just stick to my saints and lsu's tees and shorts. Oh and matching flip flops.

Here's to the fans.

gin

Is there a doctor in the house?

2011-08-05T10:52:00.003-05:00

No. But maybe one day.

Jennifer is continuing her nursing education.

When she grows up she wants to be a doctor.

Some People

2011-08-03T21:04:00.003-05:00

Some people are living the good life this week.

That would be Brandon and Julie on a weeks vacation.

This is the view from their balcony in Destin.

They are texting me pictures, knowing I love the beach.

Looks like they are not the only ones on a last vacation before school starts back.

Wish i was there!

gin

Nothing

2011-07-29T11:30:00.002-05:00

I've got nothing.

Nothing going on in my head this week.

Just did some summer sales rack shopping.

Only dresses and tops.

Ummm . . have to go back to the sales rack for shorts and pants!!

gin

I'm looking for . . .

2011-07-15T09:51:00.000-05:00

Return to the lake for some R & R.

Clearance racks at the mall for some cool summer stuff cheap.

A three-day weekend coming up.

Another etched mirror project.

What are you looking for? link up here.

gin

Friday

2011-07-08T08:46:00.002-05:00

It's Friday at life.rearranged with a story in cell phone pictures of the week.
What is this about "peace sign" tees?
I have bought two this week.
Do you know it's an anti-nuclear symbol?
I saw a picture of Malia Obama with a peace-tee on this week too!

And I kinda like them.

Wednesday I returned Molly-dog to her rightful owner.
At 7am in the morning.
We met half way at a McDonalds.
She spent a week with us while her owners were in Destin for a fabulous beach holiday.

Doing a little wedding planning over the cell phone with Jennifer while we both look things up on the internet.
Taking a cell picture of a picture on the internet then picture messaging them back and forth to each other.
It's almost like being in the same room.

And, my husband thinks if Bass Pro does not make it in the week, well then, the week is just not complete.

gin

2011-06-30T21:59:00.003-05:00

Happy July 4th holiday weekend.

Molly-dog is spending the holiday with us. I think she's enjoying herself.

Macy, wish you were here too.

gin

2011-06-22T23:22:00.003-05:00

We have been fishing for two days in a row. We have caught ZERO. unless you count the one that got away. We've used fake lures, real live bait, cute and pretty lures, and even the lures the tournament pros recommend.

We need a fishing tour guide. Because this ain't gonna cut it when I sign us up for all those fishing tournaments.

gin

2011-06-21T08:44:00.002-05:00

Cruising the lake at daybreak.

It's Jennifer Day

2011-06-10T02:44:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Jennifer. Her 28th one.

Have a Happy Day.

Jennifer and Chris just bought a new house

and is in the middle of planning a wedding. They picked out a few wedding/new house items for me to get.

Really cute Noritake casual china!

And Pfaltzgraff silverware. And I'm sure I'll add a few other things for them.

And this is how you play putt putt golf and win --- with your eyes closed.

gin

It's hot out

2011-06-01T10:11:00.002-05:00

It's hot outside for sure.
And hot inside too.
No a/c for two days.
New one installed Tuesday. YAY!!!!!!!

gin

INSTA-FRIDAY

2011-05-20T23:21:00.001-05:00

Time for Jeananette's life.rearranged INSTA-FRIDAY with cell phone pics of the week.

I got the fever, land scape fever that is. Wanted a few new things to put out in the yard. I won't say I went wild, but it was hard to decide what few things to get. I ended up getting some pink/purple calla lillies, 2 hydrangea, and gardenias.

Working on a project all week. Remind me to remind myself that everything I see is not that easy to replicate!

Dining out. Literally, dining outside with a table of boiled crawfish. All hands on deck.

Moving week for Jennifer and Chris, with a little help from me. Say hello. Congratulations on y'alls first place!

A little happy hour for me on the way home after a hard days work!

Check out more week in cell phone pictures here.

gin

Project

2011-05-18T08:49:00.001-05:00

I see things, then think I can copy it and it will look just like the original. I need to remind myself that things aren't as easy as they look.

Thus, this project took a lot of planning and work. Probably because I didn't know what I was doing.

Supplies needed: etching cream, framed mirror, cut stencil, brush, and kitchen contact paper.

Etching cream - I read up on this on the internet. Couldn't find any, anywhere local. Finally ordered some online from Walmart. Price $21.03 for 10oz. Enough to do several projects. The bottle of etching cream has instructions for the project from start to finish.

Framed mirror - I looked for weeks everywhere. Couldn't find the size I needed, around 12 x 24. Finally found a framed picture at Family Dollar for $6. Called a glass place and got a mirror cut and set in the picture frame and bought 2 little brushes for a total of $11.80. Total for framed mirror - $17.80

Cut stencil - what a pain. Could not find alpha in script in a stencil. No where. Not online. Not in any store that was in my area. So I made my own. What a pain in the booty! After many, many, many attemps I finally learned how. I printed the name in script from the computer at a font size of 450. Cut it out and then traced it on my kitchen contact paper. Then cut it out again and stuck the contact paper to the mirror, making sure it was centered on all 4 sides. What a pain! Cost - $1.50 for contact paper, which can be used for many projects.

Paint the stencil area on the mirrow with the etching cream. Let set 5 minutes. I of course gave it an extra 5 minutes. Don't think it made a difference though. Rinse off with tap water. Yep, right in the kitchen sink. .

Peel off contact paper. And clean the whole mirror with windex.

To my surprise, etching cream really works. I can't show the finished project yet. It's a gift. Shhhhhhh.

gin

Improvise

2011-05-17T08:52:00.001-05:00

Probably you have heard or seen the topsy turvy tomato planter?

Larry wanted a "topsy turvy tomato planter, as seen on TV."

So, farmer meets redneck, duck tape and all! .He improvised and made his own "topsy turvy tomato planter". See the arrow, it already has blooms.Although, it's not growing downward like the true topsy turvy. It's hanging in the almost finished greenhouse.

We are at war. I couldn't let him win, there are also the traditional planted in the ground tomato plants. See the green arrow pointing to the baby tomato.

Hope we have tomatoes.

gin

This week

2011-05-13T22:20:00.002-05:00

Here's a few cell pictures from this week to share along with

A special day spent being a MOM. I loved it. But I love everyday being a mom.

And showing a little appreciation to my MIL with a little wrapped gift for mother's day.

My prayers are thoughts are with all those along the Mississippi River while the flood waters rage down to the Gulf. I have family and friends who are watching the flood waters as it is scheduled to make it to them on May 23. Go see them here and here.They are keeping a watchful eye on it.

A visit from the UPS guy. A gift for my husband from his work. Their quarterly points rewards. Its a expresso/cappuccino machine. Gonna try it out in the morning. Any body know anything about this brand?

And of all things, it was least expected, and lasted only 15 minutes. Here's the rain shower bouncing off the concrete..

Check out others here.

gin

New Book

2011-05-11T14:20:00.000-05:00

I bought a how-to book.

Though this is not new to me. I have been around home vegetable and fruit canning all my childhood life. Not so much during my adult life. I do make strawberry jam almost every year, check it out here. And now I going to use this book and do a little grocery making this fruit and vegetable season in canning and freezing.

gin

What were they thinking?

2011-05-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

While driving to work Friday, there was this huge traffic jam. I take the same route every single day thru a nice neighborhood with nice houses. Cars lined up on the side of the street at 7:30am can only mean one thing -- garage sale, yard sale, estate sale, etc.

It was too late to slam on brakes and turn onto the street, (didn't want to wreck my new truck). So I went up a street and made the block. I joined the lined street of vehicles and walked hastily to the house (couldn't be late for work),

I wasn't looking for anything in particular. And I haven't been "shopping" like this in a while.

There parked on the driveway among all their other outdoor equipment were 2 children's bikes. Priced at $3 each. How could that be? What's wrong with them? Why hasn't anyone else taken them? They must be meant for me? I wasn't prepared for this. I didn't have any cash on me. I asked the gentlemen if he would hold them for me for 10 minutes while I went to the ATM for some cash. I drove like a maniac for 5 or 6 blocks to get to an ATM, hoping I wouldn't be late for work I paid the $6 and rolled them to my truck. That's not a tear on the seats, that's a price tag that says $3.

The green one is going to make Tyler very happy.

gin

Random with cell

2011-05-06T11:06:00.000-05:00

This week has gone by fast. It's already Friday.So here is a random view of my week.

Celebrated a 31st birthday for Brandon. Happy Birthday.

While sitting on the back porch late in the evening, we observed humming birds getting their a sip of nectar before dark. You have to look really close to see the little hummer on the edge of the feeder.

Clipped some good coupons (well, really only two coupons) to use in the next week or two. Cut them out from my BHG magazine. We are going to treat ourselves to dinner for 2 for 20 bucks at Ruby Tuesdays. And a trip to Bed Bath & Beyond to save 20% on a house gift for someone.

The worst part of any week is mopping, cleaning and scrubbing. And this week was no different.

Go here to see more

gin

Happy Birthday

2011-05-04T20:15:00.004-05:00

Celebrating a 31 with Brandon.

gin

This week

2011-04-29T14:35:00.001-05:00

It was Easter week. Spring break down south.. So some spring break pictures texted to me via cell phones. I wasn't there, but the pictures made me day dream. This one sent from Destin FL

Took a walk down the paths thru the woods. And some deer/turkey blinds still standing from the guys hunting adventures this past season.

Wanted to pick some nice magnolias from my big trees. But they were to high up to reach.

Had an April YOE due to be mailed by the end of the month. It was "bird's nest" month. I crochet a tiny bird nest out of fun fur yarn and added 3 little glittered pompoms. And sewed a mama bird to add to the package. I got it to the post office at noon Friday, beating the deadline by 1 day.

And, wish I could lounge around and nap all day.

Go here to see more participants.

gin

My monthly fishin' fix

2011-04-26T20:55:00.001-05:00

It's in the middle of the spring, just the right temp - not too hot yet. So, hit the lake is just what they did.

Tyler and his dad. Tyler was the winner for the day. He caught the first fish. The biggest fish. And the only fish!! Chris and Larry were zero for zero. I have to have the award ceremony.

gin

Transformation

2011-04-25T15:18:00.000-05:00

From this

To this

and some to this

I made some strawberry jam. Easy as pie using directions on the box of Sure Jell.

gin

An Egg Story

2011-04-22T17:16:00.002-05:00

For the 50th something time I am dying Easter eggs. I have done this every year of my life. Usually with help from my grandma every year, years and years ago. Then dying Easter eggs with help from my kids for many many years. And this year I dyed Easter eggs all by my self. Husband was at work and kids are not home. Well, the show must go on.

A few dozen boiled eggs plus a cute egg dying/decorating kit joins me and gets me started.

. Plain dyed eggs. No glitter, no writings or drawings with the wax pencil . No little bunny and chick cardboard egg holder for the egg to sit in. No fancy smancy stickers to stick on the dyed eggs. I must have bought the wrong kit. All it had was the colored tablets, a plastic egg spoon and plastic disposable cups to hold the dye. Oh well, the plastic disposable cups were great!

All dyed and waiting for the Easter bunny to give

Then, we can hide some dyed eggs and eat some dyed eggs, And eat some more in tuna salad, chef salad and any other kind of salad.

But the most important part of Easter is our risen Savior Jesus.

gin

Gardening 101

2011-04-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

I picked up several hibiscus today. Kind of starting to add to my yard this spring.

These will remain pot plants. Hope I keep them watered so they make it thru the summer.

All this with in 5 hours

2011-03-30T09:51:00.000-05:00

4:45 pm - searching desperately for an important paper for my boss at work so I can leave at 5 o'clock.. I don't even think that correspondence has come across my desk. he thinks it is very important. I don't, especially not at 5pm. I didn't find it.

6:00 pm - started supper, thunder storm arises, lights went out. uncooked chicken and gooey rolls are not very appetizing. we had to eat ham sandwiches.

7:00 pm - luckily lights are back on and I get to watch the re-runs of last weeks 1st episode of the new season of dwts for a whole hour until they have the live elimination at 8 pm. why they do that I don't have a clue. during commercials I cleaned the kitchen from supper and ran the sweeper over the floors.

9:00 pm - the dog needed a bath. but, instead I spent 45 minutes combing her and trimming her facial hair while she stood on the bath room counter. I think she liked the brisk combing I was doing to her. Then, I had to re-sweep the bathroom and clean the counter.

10:00 pm - did my 20 minute dumb bell workout.

10:45 pm - trying to come up with a good excuse to use to call into work the next morning.

I don't have time for work.

gin

Congratulations

2011-03-29T08:41:00.000-05:00

To a happy couple.

Jennifer and Chris.

Bayou Baby

2011-03-23T05:29:00.015-05:00

It's not a baby creature I would want to play with, but makes for good conversation.
.

gin

New Truck

2011-03-22T11:15:00.001-05:00

My new wheels. Didn't want one just yet. Had no choice. One truck wrecked. One truck as replacement.

I do love it though.

gin

Awarded

2011-03-21T10:54:00.000-05:00

I finally got to award my trophys to the anglers.

First catch trophy to Trent. Biggest catch trophy to Trent. Most fish caught to Larry.
Unusual catch to Trent. Runner Up to Brandon. And Champion Angler of the day to Trent.

Even though Chris, Tyler, and Joe didn't get to make the first trip, they still got an award.
Joe excited for his tournament medal. He wants that big trophy to be his on the next trip.

I had fun anyway. We'll see how the next trip goes.
gin

Happy Spring

2011-03-18T10:39:00.001-05:00

Of course I'm loving it. I saw these tulips at a nursery. I would love to have a tulip field like this. But I know it will never happen. I'm not that good at it.

So, I'll tend to my little bit of flowers that I can sit at the dining table and look out at.

gin

Sync My Ride

2011-03-17T18:48:00.001-05:00

gin

F.I.S.H. 101

2011-03-16T08:55:00.003-05:00

The family guys had their first family fishing tournament. Planned by me. They set out on an early Friday morning with equipment, food and drinks, and camera in hand.

    Although I was not along for the day, I did request, demand, and expect pictures. I got 4 pictures from them. Less than what I wanted, expected, or asked for. But, I gladly accepted what I was given.
Only 3 participants on this day.    But still competition.




The catch.

And a scenic view of their location.

Now, to get the trophys awarded, soon.

gin

Confessions

2011-03-15T09:35:00.001-05:00

a wrecked truck - It wasn't me who wrecked it. Husband wrecked his Mazda truck he drives to work everyday. Only the 4 th wreck of that truck in the 5 years we've been here that a large animal has been hit. This time there is no salvaging it. The sad part is it was a great gas saver for his 86 mile one way to work and 86 mile one way home from work. So with gas now 3.00 + a gallon, what are we to do?
"Dancing with the Stars" --I like watching "dancing with the stars". Though this is the 12th season ,this will be my 2nd season to "have" to watch it. I've never had any interest in it before. I watched it last season because of Jennifer Gray and Bristol Palin. I kinda wanted to see them fight it out -- the best and the worst. This season I read Kristy Alley is on it. I like her movies and I like her personality. So I'm gonna pull for her, whether she can dance or not. We'll see Monday night.
projects -- I have some incompleted projects that are wayyyyyy overdue. There is this foot stool I've covered for someone and need to get it back to them. P.S. I have not been using it for my personal use. Just lazy I guess. It's on its way to you. And a couple of projects I have taken from people to quilt and have not done that either. I'm on top of that now, and you will have it back before you know it.
work -- 42 weeks left for me to work; that's 294 days till January 2012; that's 210 work days; and if 8 holidays and 5 vacation days and 5 misc days are subtracted that leaves me with 192 work days.
groceries -- I am not fond of grocery shopping. Because, drive to the grocery store, push cart around each isle putting groceries in cart. Take groceries out of cart and onto checkout stand. Take from checkout stand and put back in the cart. Push cart out to vehicle and take groceries out of the cart and put them in the vehicle. Drive home. Take groceries out of the vehicle and put on counter. Take groceries out of bag and put in pantry. Then finally take out of pantry, cook, and eat. See? But I do like to eat.

Now its your turn. Confess something in the comment you leave for me.

gin

2011-03-14T11:05:00.002-05:00

Molly enjoying her self out on the patio. Sunning and napping.

Wish that was me.

Pictures contributed by Jennifer.

Time

2011-03-11T09:44:00.005-06:00

Time is flying by. Time does not stand still. Time waits for no one.

Seems like just yesterday me and larry were just wee little ones ourselves, with no responsibilities. Just eating, sleeping, and playing.

Now, with a full work day everyday, with home responsibilities everyday, it doesn't leave much time to do what I want to do, what I need to do. I tell myself soon I'll have more time. Soon I can stop and smell the roses. Soon I can do what is really important..

But until then. Until I can stop and take care of the most important things for family and friends, and the small, trivial things, that really in truly mean so much to them and me, I will have to take the beaten path to work and back home every single day.

Sorry, just daydreaming. . I need a day off. Work will always be there. I need a piece of cake..

gin

Plans

2011-03-10T01:58:00.002-06:00

The family guys like to fish. So they planned a fishing trip with just the 4 guys. They would meet, fish, and go home. What kind of plan is that?

Personally, I like planning things. So I took over the planning. I'm planning on making this fishing trip a family fishing tournament. What does a tournament have? Trophys, of course. On a side note, I planned this without telling the participants because I knew they would not go for it. I found trophys on line for a mere $2.65 each plus with fish figures on them and everything..

That fits just perfectly into my plan! Now, the only problem is to get the trophys in and present the awards .

Plan 1. Trophys are ordered.

.Plan 2. I instruct the participants( aka. the family guys) to take pictures with their cell phones of their day. I need pictures to document the day -- biggest fish, most fish, unusal catch, group pictures of them in the boats, snacking, bait, at the dock, arriving, leaving, etc. If I were there, I would have plenty of pictures. But I have to demand pictures from them or else.

this was my catch on a fishing trip a while back. No, I really wasn't scared of the little fish and
I would have probably won smallest fish trophy..

Plan 3. Arrange a day for us all (guys, girls, and kids) to get together and have the awards presentation. And there I will give out the trophys.

Plan 4. Since we are a fishing family. My plan is for this to be an ongoing fishing season tournament. So every fishing trip each participant will have a chance to prove he (or she, hopefully the girls can participate some) is the best angler out of the group.

picture from a while back, fish caught out of the pond and would have won biggest catch.

The trophys will be for biggest fish, most fish, unusal catch, and particiapant. And then an overall trophy cup for the best angler of the day. The best angler of the day takes the trophy cup home, but can only keep it till the next fishing trip and has to pass it on to the next best angler of the day. That way there is strong competition to be able to keep the trophy cup. And just have fun in the sun.

Tyler on a fishing trip last year

Ok, ready, set, go.

gin

Julie's Birthday

2011-03-09T10:18:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Julie . . . .

Celebrated with cake, gifts, and food for the 25 year old who is studying for her Masters at Southeastern, working on campus in the Dean's office, and finding time for her husband, home, and family.

Cake to Celebrate

2011-03-08T16:09:00.001-06:00

A king cake that is....

Mardi Gras is today. Usually the ones I find in the stores here are not that tasty. They are shipped in from elsewhere. Not like the real king cakes from NO or BR for that matter.

And some beads to add to the partying.
Peg sent me these, along with a few others I had in my stash,

Bobbie is eating king cake today too.
Happy Fat Tuesday.

gin

YOE II

2011-03-08T00:11:00.003-06:00

YOE II is in full swing for the second year.

January was "dressed for winter".

Does this look like a tree sprinkled in snow? I hope that's what it looks like, cause that's what I made for my ornament.

I cut a tree shape out of felt. I have yards and yards of this pretty ribbon. I wrapped the ribbon round and round, starting at the bottom of the tree shape. I hand stitched the ribbon on to the felt with invisible thread to hold the ribbon permanently in place. Round and round to the top of the tree shaped felt. I tacked on a little ribbon bow with a loop to hang from the tree. Then, I had a can of spray glitter paint. I sprayed the entire completed ribbon tree. (I was not sure weather to do this or not, not knowing what would happen to the shape or to the ribbon) But, alas, all was fine. Glitter is sprinkled over the tree. The spray glitter paint did make the completed tree a little stiff. But that is a good thing. A few days later, I added another coat of glitter spray for a little more snow effect. It was really easy, using stuff I had on hand, and making it up as I went along

February theme was a gnome home. I really couldn't think on this one. I had no idea what to do. Finally, this gnome home evolved. The red checked kinda had the idea of a brick house for the gnome and the leaf print roof kinda had the idea of tree limbs with leaves. Then it kinda had the idea that it could belong to one of the three pigs who had the brick house.

Whats a gnome home without a couple of gnomes? I also sent 2 little gnome people I found in the summer garden isle at the dollar store.

My January dressed for winter I received were these cute cute cute red birds. A felted stuffed one, and two hand painted ones.

gin

Way down south

2011-02-28T14:05:00.002-06:00

in the Louisiana bayou is my iphone-Reporter. I have my own special contributors to my blog. Remember, here I had asked for pictures to be submitted for me to use for stories on my blog. I have had several responses. I call them my iphone-Reporters. It's like I have my own CNN network.

This iphone-reporter was out fishing in a tournament (story to come on that later). And this was the image right before their eyes. It is a a true southern louisiana bayou scene. It's almost picture perfect. It couldn't be any better. That little fellow was just sitting on the limb while they were fishing and trolling by. Brandon was my iphone reporter for this magnificent scene. Thank you Brandon for sharing it with me. He doesn't know I'm posting it here.

Want to be a contributor? Just text me a picture!!

Sick

2011-02-24T11:58:00.006-06:00

The "dog-child", (a.k.a. Poochie) has been ill. Nothing major. Just constant ear scratching.

Which calls for a vet visit before it gets any worse. I gathered her harness and leash and got her dressed for the ride to the vet, which is 22 miles away.. I even combed her coat real good so she would look nice and brushed her teeth. She likes to ride. But, she undoubtedly did not want to go to the vet,. She fussed all the way there.

Then the sad part. She was scared when we got called back to the exam room. She was shaking and didn't make a sound.

A change of attitude. After the exam is over and a well deserved treat, she thinks it is all over. That's her vet in the background updating her electronic chart and coming up with a diagnosis.

All's well. Pay up and get our stuff and let's get out of here.

Diagnosis: allergies, don't know what kind though.Only irritation on the inside of the flaps of her ears.

Treatment: steriod shot to relieve itching in the ears,; benedryl to relieve itching; and a change in diet to see if that is where the allergy is coming from. (Don't tell me another 10 years of allergy visits to the vet.)

Anyways, Good Doggie!

So, on the way home, we stopped and treated myself for being such a good dog-mom.

gin

Try this at home

2011-02-22T10:04:00.006-06:00

Usually, it's don't try this at home. But this is so cute, I just may have to try it at home. I don't have a cat (would sure like to have one though, hint,hint), so I'll have to put the Poochie dog to the test on both of these videos. It probably won't be the same, though. Cats are just so perfect!

Check out this great MSN video: Klepto Kitty

And, try this one, too.

Check out this great MSN video: Cat-tographer

2011-02-22T09:57:00.004-06:00

What I Read

2011-02-15T19:55:00.003-06:00

I'm usually not a book worm. I don't take the time and I can't sit still long enough to actually get interested in a book. But, this book just might turn me into a book worm.

I read this 364 page paperback in just about 4 hours. No stopping to eat, no breaks, did take a couple bathroom breaks. I just couldn't put it down. I found the book at work in a back room. So with nothing else to do at work, I read the book.

Lady Jasmine begins with her racy life style in her early college years. She needed money to support her self and pay her way thru college. Then later on in life she falls in love for real and marries the guy she will spend the rest of her life with -- a minister. They are heavily involved in his father's church in Harlem. There's lies, blackmail, and wanting what she wants and won't stop still she gets it. She manages to bring down 4 high profile members of the church while the senior pastor of the church, her husbands father, lays in a coma in the hospital for several months. And all along, she professes to be a Christian, praying daily, and actually ends up --- well you have to read it to see how Lady Jasmine ends up.

It was good. How can an author come up with all this stuff. There is a saying "you can't make this stuff up". Well this story was constant action. Lady Jasmine was non-stop. (or either I was just bored out of my mind).

gin

Classic Valentine

2011-02-14T20:49:00.003-06:00

We spent a quite Valentines Day at home, after a long day at work. A small simple dinner of 2 very large chef salads -- 2 kinds of lettuce, shredded ham, roast, and cheese, tomato, onion, bell pepper, boiled egg slices, and I don't know what else was under all that. But it was good. We got it from the little country restaurant/store down the road. Very good.

Then. Cut the cake. Get to the best part of the meal.

look here for my recent Gambino's cakes

This is always my valentine treat. Every year for 37 years my husband brings me home a cake -- either from Gambino's or Baums Bakery, It was just as delicious as the big salad, but in a very different way. It won't last long, believe me.

gin

Inspiration

2011-02-12T16:13:00.004-06:00

We spent a few hours doing the monthly shopping for groceries, toilet paper, and stuff like a new mail box, cause ours was broken, and some bird feed, cause the birds have been eating us out of house and home this cold weather.

And stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat a mid afternoon meal. You probably agree with me that Cracker Barrel is a good place to shop for stuff that you don't need. They have such pretty and unique stuff.
While gawking over all their stuff that I did not need, I came across this cute little replica of the sock monkey. Remember the sock monkey made out of the brown and tan socks, and he had the long legs and arms? Well this looks like a sock duck to me.

I'm going to hunt some yellow patterned socks and see if I can come up with this sock duck.

Then there are these cute bunny and bird applique quilts.

This gives me some good inspiration for the Easter season. I'll see what I can do.
gin

5 years old

2011-02-11T08:48:00.000-06:00

Joe is growing up fast, so his mom says. But they all grow up fast. He had his birthday in January.

Here is Joe showing me he is 5.

He's all boy, ruff and tuff, running and jumping, and cute as can be.

Happy Birthday Joe. We love you.

gin

Winter Routine

2011-02-10T19:27:00.001-06:00

It's cold outside. Can't enjoy the weather cause it's too cold. Don't want to stop anywhere on the way home cause it's too cold. Once home don't want to do anything outside cause it's too cold. Are you getting my drift. IT IS TOO COLD. I didn't even stop for gas, cause it was too cold. Just hope I don't run out before I get back into town. I've been told, E is not for enough. It is for empty. And the Low Fuel light means "stop now for gas."

I come in from work. Fix dinner. Clean kitchen. Throw clothes in the washer. Then pile up on the couch watching Seinfeld, another Seinfeld, the Office, some CNN and what ever else the remote stops on. Then bath and bed.

I have no life in 30 degree weather. I have to have 99 degrees to be happy.

So I will end with a warm fuzzy picture

gin

WiWW

2011-02-09T16:06:00.001-06:00

I am participating in What I Wore Wednesday.

Black & Pink printed top -- Target
Black pants -- don't remember, old
Black suede ankle boots - TJMaxx

Look here for more WiWW.

Countdown to fun

2011-02-08T13:48:00.001-06:00

The next few weeks should bring some fun.
Of course there is Valentines Day next week.
Then there is birthday celebration for me, Bobbie, and Julie (Feb 27 and March 2)
Then party with Mardi Gras thru March 8th.
And the first day of spring on March 20th.

I'm looking at chocolate candy, birthday cake, king cake, and spring time.
Couldn't be sweeter.

gin

A 10 pounder

2011-02-07T19:04:00.001-06:00

I want leaner, tighter, sculptured, showy, sexy upper arms. And this, I hope, will get them for me.

I did this last summer, but got kinda lazy during the winter. But I'm starting again with 10 pounds in each hand.

They are kinda heavy, but you get used to them after 10 minutes.

Move over Michelle!

gin

Wintery Scene

2011-02-05T12:38:00.000-06:00

These cute little green pine trees are dressed for winter. They are coated in ice from the wintery mix we had this week.

gin

January Birthdays

2011-02-04T14:09:00.001-06:00

Did a little celebrating in January for birthdays and anniversaries. We did have 2 cakes. That was my fault. We ordered one cake for the planned big day. At the last minute, we could not go, so they all celebrated without us. Then we planned another day and ordered another cake.

#1 Brandon and Julie's wedding anniversary #2 Chris' Birthday

#3 JoeJoe's birthday #4 Larry's Birthday

Why do you think some ran from me and the camera and would not look?

We met at a Mexican restaurant to eat, then went to Jennifer's apt for birthday cake, played Dance 2 on wii, and back home.

gin

A wintry mix

2011-02-03T13:51:00.004-06:00

The first wintry mix of 2011 down in the south finds schools closed, businesses sending employees home, grocery stores packed with shoppers -- because you know it just might get a little bit of ice on the overpasses and bridges and we're not use to that. So everything is blown way out of proportion. So in the winter we actually live for "wintry mix" so we can stop and slow down for a minute.

So here I am at home.

Icicles are beginning to form on the roof edge on a gray dreary winters day.

There getting bigger by the hour.

Soup is on.

I made homemade vegetable soup with beef, onion, celery, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, peas, corn, carrots, beans, okra, tomatoes and tomato sauce. It's delicious.

Fire is blazing.

Flannel jammies and sock feet.

Now, all tucked in inside out of the cold. Life stops for part of a day, just because of mother nature.
Tomorrow we find that it didn't get as bad as the weatherman said it would, so life is back in full swing.

gin

Hornets

2011-02-02T06:35:00.001-06:00

The New Orleans Hornets Basket Ball Team makes my headlines today.

Brandon and some friends had tickets to the Hornets home game in New Orleans this week.
He sent me pictures.

They were up top in a private suite thing with catered food, luxury seating, and what ever else comes with the vip treatment.

Remember my plea for pictures? Well it worked. At least someone read my post.

gin

Easy,delicious, oven roast

2011-02-01T13:30:00.001-06:00

Try this simple recipe.

1 beef roast
1 can mushroom soup
1 package Lipton onion soup mix dry
Pepper

Line baking pan with heavy aluminum foil. Use a large enough piece to be able to fold over roast and seal along top and edges so gravy does not leak out.

Put 1/2 of the can of mushroom soup on top of the foil in the pan.
Sprinkle 1/2 of the Lipton onion soup mix on top of the mushroom soup.
Sprinkle black pepper on top and bottom of roast.
Place roast on top of mushroom soup and lipton soup mix.
Put remainder 1/2 can of mushroom soup on top of roast. Spread around on top of roast.
Sprinkle remainder 1/2 package of Lipton onion soup mix dry on top of mushroom soup.
Fold alum foil over, sealing top and edges.

Bake 3-4 hours on 300 degree. (Bake 1 hour per pound).

You will have a delicious roast, and a delicious gravy, and no messy pan.

You can also substitute chicken breasts.

gin

Send me your pictures!

2011-01-31T11:30:00.003-06:00

And I will be happy to share them with blog land. I am looking for some good stories to report on. -- I'll be happy to tell about your day.

Aren't these some pretty fish? Pinks, blues, yellows, oranges . . .

And the aquarium set up is just as pretty.

Credit given to Jennifer and Chris == they did a good job on decorating their fish's home and picking out such cute fish.
gin

Meet Rudy

2011-01-29T00:20:00.002-06:00

Rudy is a canine therapist.

He visits Jennifer's medical clinic where she works.
He visits twice a month and interacts with the patients, giving them love and laughter, and I'm sure by his looks he puts on a great show.
Wow, he is a big standard poodle!
What a great job he has.

gin

2011-01-28T01:06:00.005-06:00

Celebrating holidays early is nothing new for me. I've already started the next holiday -- Valentines Day.

I have eaten quite a few little boxes of these Sweethearts candies since they have been out on the shelves in the stores just the past week or so. I've given them to myself. I think I deserve them -- being at work all day, sometimes all alone with no one here but me.

So its me, my computer (where I blog stalk A LOT), my Dasani water, my radio, and the few phone calls and few customers and a lot of UPS and FEDEX guys who come in and out, and my cell phone to take pictures of this.

It's sweet!!

gin

One of the good things . .

2011-01-27T08:42:00.001-06:00

. . about the ending of winter is all the 50-60-75% off and clearance sales, and of course the great spring warm weather that comes.

Just by hitting the mall during lunch these caught my eye:

Like the sweater with the faux fur around the collar -- clearance rack.

And, boots everywhere!

Some good steals out there. I was good though, I didn't buy anything.

gin

Shuffle

2011-01-26T15:22:00.008-06:00

I’m in the shuffle, in the mix, with my new ipod shuffle.

(this is not my hand. but it is the exact ipod shuffle that i have - model, color, and all)

I got a lot of great gifts for Christmas. I enjoyed them all. Thank you for all my great gifts. This was one of those great gifts.

Our family draws names for gift giving and this was my gift. It’s great. I can lip sync, jive, and work all at the same time. And you don't want to be around me while it's plugged in my ears, because -- I won't hear you, I won't know that you're even around, and you will probably think I am out of my mind or too old to act like this. But, I'm having a good time! (just ask my husband)

Some of my first itunes downloads are Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, The Beatles, some Christian music, and a few others. I have tons more space, of course, for many, many, many more.

I ROCK!

gin

2011

2011-01-03T10:21:00.002-06:00

The new year started off good. Just hanging around the house doing really nothing.

Found a few sparklers left over from last year and we played with them till we burned them all out.

Just us and the dogs!

A little cuddling with the fur balls. Molly-dog spent her holidays with us.

A little cooking and eating. Some good ol' comfort food -- shrimp etoufee'.

And doing a little bit of spring cleaning -- early!

I've made no new year resolutions this year. Mainly because I know there is a lot of stuff I need to do -- or a lot of stuff I need to do better. So I really work on that every year anyway.

So instead of a new year's resolution, I have a mission. My mission (other than to always be genuinely kind and courteous and helpful) is to search all year for several "choir angel trios" sets. You say what? I would love to have (and to give) a set of little "choir angels". I saw exactly what I want to have --they were displayed at someone's house; they are vintage, old, and really sweet looking. It was a set of 3 little ceramic /glass angel choir boys with robes on, holding their song sheet. You really had to see it to want a set, I guess. Somewhat similar to this, either choir boys or an angel choir:

So that is my mission for the rest of this year. I'll be looking high and low, in every nook and cranny, in every antique store, flea market, junk shop, treasure chest. I can't wait to get started and accomplish my mission!!

gin

7 days

2010-12-18T20:39:00.000-06:00

Seven days till Christmas Day.

At least the dog is ready.

Yes I know it's Christmas

2010-12-06T11:50:00.000-06:00

19 days till Christmas. I know.
I'm almost done.
I have the tree up, the stockings hung, most of the gifts wrapped.
I'm almost done.

Here's some Christmas cheer for your enjoyment.
(Disclaimer -- these are not my pictures, but of Jennifer's Christmas stuff!)

Notice the leg lamp in the upstairs foyer window!! Riding around looking at lights. This one was a favorite!

This is actually her Christmas tree.

Little guys Tyler on the right and JoeJoe on the left wanting to open their presents!!

Tomorrow will be Christmas cheer from the wilderness.

gin

December's Christmas Countdown

2010-12-04T18:45:00.001-06:00

The last chance for Cathy's Christmas Countdown.

I've made a few reindeer ornaments this month already. One for an ornament swap, one for YOE, one for a hostess, and one for me!!

Check here for more projects.

The Real Halloween

2010-11-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

Trent, Lillie and Joe did the pumpkin carving, trick or treating, hay ride, they did it all at Lillie's parents and sent me some pics.
One Spider Man trick or treater.

Joe's pumpkin looks scary all lit up at night.

And two carved pumpkins. The own above that Trent, Lillie and Joe carved and the one below that Jennifer, Chris and Tyler carved.

Halloween is fun.

gin

Cathy's Christmas Countdown

2010-10-29T15:16:00.007-05:00

Cathy is inspiring us to get busy with our Christmas gifts.

My October project was stocking stuffers for girls. Some quick and easy crunches for pony tails. All colors and designs.

Fabric sewed together and ironed.

Crunches made.

Models

fabric = 16" long and 4" wide.

elastic = 6" long and 1/2" wide

sew fabric strips right sides together.

turn right side out, iron

feed elastic thru

sew elastic to each end of fabric tube to hold in place,
(fabric will be gathered up around elastic)

turn ends in and sew ends together.

Now I have to come up with a guys stocking stuffer!!

Go here to see more participants projects.
gin

Happy Happy Happy

2010-10-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Trent

Happy Anniversary to us

Happy Halloween to you

Spookify Me Saturday

2010-10-23T10:01:00.009-05:00

Check out Val's Halloween project time for some spooky ideas and link up your own ideas for Halloween for us all to see.

Pick some pumpkins, real or styrofoam or plastic lighted, any size. I used a styrofoam one and a plastic lighted one. You probably have plenty in your stash from last year.
Now, dress them up.

On the plastic lighted one, I made a quick witches hat and sat on top of the pumpkin.

Quick

The witch's hat took like 15 minutes or less for me to make. Cut a piece of fabric in a large triangle. Sew the long sides together, wrong sides together. Turn, besure and poke the top point of the hat so it is pointed. Trim the bottom edge of the hat so it will be even. Sew ribbon or some sort of trim around the bottom, gathering slightly as you go around.

Happy Halloween.

gin

Edgar Allen Poe

2010-10-18T21:43:00.007-05:00

". . . .One night, returning home, much intoxicated, from one of my haunts about town, I fancied that the cat avoided my presence. I seized him; when, in his fright at my violence, he inflicted a slight wound upon my hand with his teeth. The fury of a demon instantly . . . . . . . ." Ok, enough of the story, on to my package from the POE swap.

We were to choose one of Edgar Allen Poe's short stories and our partner would create an altered box to portray the story. I choose The Black Cat and this is what I received.The altered box had the cat fur in the box and a bobble head black cat.
Also, a black cat halloween treat bucket and all these things you see in this pic.
Also, the cute button bracelet.

My partner choose the Raven by Edgar Allen Poe.
This is what I sent her. A box covered with a large dark haunted looking house with a orange moon and a raven sitting on top. The box was filled with spiders and bats to give out on Halloween night to her trick or treaters.
And a doorknob witch hanger and a few other halloweeny things.
Happy Halloween.

Wow!

2010-10-17T08:10:00.001-05:00

How awesome for me to win the October extra prize in the YOE swap.
A crafted mosaic tray from Val. October month theme was mouse. The mosaic tray has a little mosaic mouse complete with tail and whiskers and a trail of cheese made out of glass and grout into the cute design.
And a acrylic liner for the tray to put the food on.
A lot of work and talent went into this.and I love it!
Thank you Val.

Spookify Saturday

2010-10-16T07:52:00.000-05:00

Visit Val for Halloween project sharing and link up to add your own project.

Everyone needs a black cat for Halloween to scare your guests, ghosts and gobblins.

Here is my scaredy-cat!

Of course a better Halloween themed ribbon around his neck would make him more scary.

Here is the pattern you can use for your own black cat for Halloween. Just click on the picture, save it to your picture file, and then enlarge it and print the the pattern to make your own cat.

Instructions:
print out pattern to the size of your liking.
cut 2 - one for front, one for back.
put right sides to gether, sewing around the cat, leaving a 3-4 inch opening for stuffing.
clip curves so it will lay out good
turn right side out.
stuff with polyfill, being sure to get in the ears, tail, and all corners well.
slip stitch the opening closed.
add eyes, whiskers, ribbon, etc.

He turns out so cute, you will think he is real!!!!

gin

A little bored?

2010-10-15T11:30:00.005-05:00

Friday.
Waiting for lunch.
Only one in the office.

I am bored.
So I'm reading blogs and posting on mine.

We have a resident office cat. He/she comes to the door. We let him in. We keep cat food to feed him. He jumps up on every thing. But won't let you pet him. He slaps at you and bites you, but doesn't run away from you.

One of the guys hates the cat. And the cat goes to his work cubicle all the time. And the guy asks us "whose been fooling around my work bench?"

Well I got the culprit on tape.

But the culprit is cute!!

gin

The fair is in the air

2010-10-11T09:46:00.001-05:00

Oh, how I love the fair. I've been going to the same parish fair for 50+ years. I love the atmosphere -- the rides, the food, the exhibits, the people.

So here is a few pics of the kids and their day at the fair.

Joe driving himself around and around.

Bronco Tyler

Enjoyed by all!!!

gin

Spookify me Saturday

2010-10-09T05:10:00.001-05:00

Join in with Val for some Halloween fun projects.

This week I'm hatching some spider eggs.

I got the inspiration from Martha Stewart. But I'm doing it my way, no plaster and I'm missing a few other supplies, but they came out cute.

Supplies needed:
small white balloons
plastic spiders
glitter paint
crazy glue or tape
red, green, orange and black markers
spider web
urn or bowl or some sort of container
moss

blow up balloons. with colored marker shade in a peeled crack in the egg. with black marker make crack lines around the peeled crack.

paint spiders with glittered paint

attach dry spider with crazy glue to the balloon near the "peeled crack"

place moss in container, place "eggs" on moss. and drape the spider web over and around the eggs and urn. The web will help hold the light airy balloons down.

I didn't use moss yet because I didn't have any. I placed a glow light strip (which I got from the dollar tree) in the midst of the egss s to create the glow. Buy several so you can light up the spider egg nest throughout the coming weeks.

I'm not through yet. I also want to hang a giant momma spider over the nest of eggs.

Is this Halloween scary or what!!

Go here to see other project participants or link up to share your scary scene.

gin

Another season

2010-10-05T20:34:00.008-05:00

Fresh air. Crackling leaves. Shorter days. This is what we get when we give up the 100 degree days.Add some orange, gold and browns to the greens.
But still enjoying the outside.
With Halloween just around the corner.
Happy Fall

gin

Spookify Me Saturdays

2010-10-02T11:14:00.005-05:00

I''m linked to the fun over at Val's for some halloween time.

Dress up your witch costume this year with a witch's broach.I made this for a Halloween package that I mailed.

You need a ribbon rose. You can make a rose by using ribbon, or cheat like me and by one from walmart for $3 already made. You will also need a roll of wide ribbon of your choice for the outside round. I used a wired black sparkly roll. I took the wire out of one side of the ribbon and just sewed the wide ribbon to the back of the rose gathering slightly as I went around.

Then I sewed a small loop of a very thin ribbon on the back to have for pinning to your lapel, or pin it at your waist, or put another ribbon thru the loop and tie it around your neck for a choker, or around your wrist, or wear it in your hair.

Hot glue in a bat or spider in between one of the petals on the front.

One witch will be looking spooky great for Halloween.

Go here to check out other goodies.

gin