No Time Like the Present

woyww, second week for me

2012-01-25T18:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a pic of my lonesome desk.

Here is a pic of my sewing table.

This week has been all about quilting. I've enjoyed the cutting and sewing and digging out old projects that are worthy of finishing.. How did I get so motivated, you ask? Well the short answer is that I'm going to a quilt guild meeting tomorrow, first one here in Florida, so I'll have something to talk about if there is a show and tell. If you'd like to know more about this WoYWW go over to Julia's blog at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ Thanks for taking a look this week.

Quilt is done and going for quilting!

2012-01-23T18:08:00.000-05:00

OK, so it took me a very long time to complete this quilt top. OK, so it didn't look exactly like I wanted it to. I am still thrilled that it is done as far as the sewing is concerned. I hand appliqued the motifs and also machine embroidered the blanket stitch around them. I only ironed on the finishing embellishments in the centers of the main motifs. Most of the intersecting squares match up pretty well. I am having it quilted in a all over pattern in a dark cream thread the binding will match the yellow center squares.

This is for our granddaughter and I hope she will love it and use it. I plan on washing it before I give it to her, and that it will get that old puckered look. OK, so it is a learning experience. Each one I make will be a learning experience that I may share with you. Thanks for looking.

The latest scraps

2012-01-19T21:26:00.000-05:00

So grateful for the encouragement I received from the nice peeps at Julia's blog and WoYWW. It truly helped me and gave me a wonderful feelings of having kindred spirits. I hope it is ok if I play along. I'll be doing more commenting next week. Here is one of the pages I completed today. I hope by next week I will know how to do links and all the other things I need to do to keep in touch. Julia's blog

A table full of stuff

2012-01-16T19:41:00.001-05:00

It is impossible to say how hard it is to get this mess under control. I want to be able to do my paper crafts, cards and scrapbooing without having to constantly look for things and a place to use my tools. So I have been slowlllllllly, working out a system that may work for me. I need to be able to take the most used and needed items with my when I go on a crop also. Perhaps that is why it is taking me so long. I would love to have some encouragement, but alas none is forthcoming. So I'm just slogging along as best I can.

Halloween

2012-01-10T16:47:00.000-05:00

SOOOOOO cute a few years ago, as a witch. Paige was a cute witch and this year she is a native American princess. I wish I could have seen her, but we are safely waiting out the week in the lovely South Carolina area of Myrlte Beach and Pawley Island. What a fun place and we had such a good time today just hanging out.

My new baby, oh baby what a beauty

2012-01-10T16:18:00.005-05:00

Oh the joy of watching is beauty open up. I'm handling it with kid gloves and praying I can enjoy it for a long time and even watch it re bloom. That is a real goal.

The cross stitch picture is done and I have a frame waiting in NY. It will be a beauty. I enjoyed doing it and hope to finish another one in a very short time. Will share then. Thanks for looking

Goal is getting closer!

2012-01-08T19:39:00.003-05:00

After a full day of organizing scrapbook content, I am so pleased with my progress and actually see an end to my work (play). It is true that I have way too much product, but the truth is that I found a wonderful paper that will exactly complement the pictures that I am scrapping that it was worth the effort to drag it all down here to Florida.

I bought a beautiful orchid on Saturday and I will be posting a pic of that in my next post. I am determined to grow orchids and have them re bloom. Anyone out there interested in orchids. Tell me all about your methods and success.

Oh yes and the Giants won today so my DH is very happy.

Isn't She Lovely!

2011-12-29T18:48:00.003-05:00

Here is the one who makes me smile and makes me happy to be alive. Our wonderful granddaughter standing before us, looking for all the world like a grown up girl who will be starting high school in the fall on 2012. We don't know how the years have slipped by, but they have. Sending her our deepest love and hope that she will always be the way she is now, Christmas 2011. Love you babe.

What is next?

2011-12-28T17:57:00.004-05:00

Where do I go from here. I would love to have a direction for my blog other than random thoughts, but I vary with what I want in most ways. Only natural that I would do the sme regarding blogging. I do want to work on my projects and actually get them unerway and done no matter what the outcome. I'll start with Paiges's quilt and my most recent cross stitch that is dated 2011, so that has to be done by Sunday. Well that is a goal and one that I will work on. OK that is a good start.

Christmas in Williamsburg Va

2011-12-22T19:39:00.002-05:00

We are so priveledged to have spent a few days here among the town people and the really wonderfully done period houses and trimmings to be found there. Wishing you all the best of the season, and a lot of the times that make you happiest. A wonderful new year filled with what you wish for most.

Our special wonderful girl..

2011-11-22T17:51:00.001-05:00

The play was not one we could see, not in the area, but oh how I wish we were there to see her. She has again made us so proud and happy. I hope she keeps going with her interest in the theater and singing. Thanks for sharing with me.

An interesting Place to visit, Atalaya

2011-11-04T19:12:00.002-04:00

This is such an interesting picture. The day was truly beautiful and the place, a highly personal home built just over the dunes in South Carolina, located in Huntington State Park, truly unique. Please forgive any misspelling. Built in the Moorish style, I have never seen anything like it. Just thought I would share it. We are leaving in the morning for home, way down south in Florida. I'm looking forward to unpacking and settling in for the winter. I need sunshine and movement.

Last Dance, oh I mean last test!!

2011-10-17T18:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Honey!

2011-09-27T18:46:00.004-04:00

Here's to the guy who has been with me for the longest time. First as friend, special friend, boy friend, ex boy friend, boy friend overseas, fiance, husband and dad to our kids, grandpa, golf partner, house and yard tech.. well you get it, by my side for 44 plus 5 of his 67 years.. I'm a lucky gal and I know it. Love you, hon. Yes I dated him when he was 17 and I was 15. And they said it wouldn't last.

2011-09-21T20:44:00.002-04:00

is

OK, well as far as I am concerned, the house will be going up for sale next year. It makes me sad and happy at the same time. We will continue to work on the quality of our home right up until it sells. It is a wonderful home and the yard is a one of a kind. I'll let you know more when I know more.

Etsy Shop and other things..

2011-09-14T19:57:00.002-04:00

I'm gathering things of all types to include in my first offerings at Etsy. Who knows how that will play out. It's only a way to see who may like the same things that I love. I've had a medium day, up and down with the blood glucose, pizza for dinner so I'm afraid it will be up, but I'm back on the Byetta so maybe that will help. I finished my quilting today, will pack that along with all the other quilt things. I won't be able to finish, but I did get a lot done, so with that I'm happy. I just love to stitch and see what comes out..

Where have all the flowers gone?

2011-09-08T19:16:00.001-04:00

These two gals, my sister and I, have been through a lot and still we rely and love eachother unconditionaly. She has always been the one I looked up to, she gave me a role model for almost every aspect of life and for being a good human being. I love you Bren

I have a huge desire to scrapbook a lot of our childhood times, but life keeps getting in my way.. I wish I could go away for a couple of weeks to just be and do what I want.. It's not happening, but I can dream.

Tuesday, Blood work day

2011-09-06T17:40:00.002-04:00

This is my dearest husband. Picture taken in North Carolina where we stayed on our way home to NY. It seems that time is passing at warp speed. Today I'll finish quilting an old quilt and tomorrow if I am lucky I'll start on the next one to be finished this year, Paige's. I am so psyched to see it come together. Then I pack up all the quilting stuff and plan, plan, plan. I also took out the knitting in two items that I will never finish, but I may use the fabric in some other way. I saw the most interesting knitting book today. Knit a dog. If I had extra money I would have bought it. Very unique..

Yes today started with blood work and tomorrow, after I see Paige off on the bus to Eight Grade, I'll go off to the doctor for a checkup. It is not a fun time, but I will really try to cooperate and absorb what the doc has to say.

2011-09-05T14:46:00.001-04:00

The picture is from Maine, a truly beautiful state that we visited this spring.

Sitting here wondering where the summer went. The highlights have been just being in my house arranging things and clearing out a lot of stuff that is no longer needed or wanted for that matter.. It seems like an easy thing, but I can make it quite hard and tedious. I'm looking forward to going back to Florida and that way of life. No lawn mowing or gardening to speak of, but I have so much sewing that I want to do that I'm looking forward to all that. It is always go to have a new place to call home. I'm really getting tired of some of the things here that bug me and I want a new place to fix up.

OK Today is Thursday and all is well

2011-08-18T18:12:00.003-04:00

I mowed today and I felt I deserved an adult beverage, so Phil made me one. I truly love to mow and hope I can do it for quite a few more years.. I also did some sewing on Paige's quilt today. I'm not sure if I am going to try and quilt it or have it machine quilted.. what a fun thing to be working on I love it. What are you working on, my friends who sew or cross stitch? Let me know.

again, again

2011-08-16T18:44:00.000-04:00

I want to get started again, why can't I

again, again

2011-08-16T18:34:00.002-04:00

We, Phil and I are again doing our thing in our own way. That means we, mostly Phil is gardening. We are eating a lot of vegetables and some lean meat. Not too many desserts. It was about a year ago that we were starting out on our big trip out West. I find it hard to believe and yet a lot has happened since. I've been reading so many novels and many quilting magazines. I have so many started and also have begun to finish two. So hurray for me, pics to follow. So here is my promise to keep working on my quilts and also to work on keeping this blog and a journal..

2011-06-29T09:41:00.003-04:00

Well, it's just another sign of the ageing process and the need to exert domain over what I eat and don't eat. Today I'll be starting insulin in my long journey on the path of diabetes and it's treatment. I've been diabetic since 2003 and now I will really start to see if medicine can control my disease. Of course I feel hopeful, but also wary because of past failures. As always it will all be up to me.

Garage Sale

2011-06-13T21:03:00.004-04:00

Because we have added many more miles to our car and visited many more antique shops and flea markets, I have to do some unfinished business and sell off unwanted stuff from my garage.. This is not a bad thing, just something that I want to get over with. I'll add my stuff to my daughter's. She has more and it is at her home so she should get priority.. I was so happy to find some cherished Christmas ornaments that I thought were forever gone, that I have decided to get rid of most of the rest, inclluding our first artifical tree. I crave open spaces and cleared closets and closed storage. Well wish me luck. I'll post a pic of the sale when we are set up.

2011-05-27T19:42:00.002-04:00

We only got to attend two games this season, but Paige pitched in both and did a great job. The other pitcher is named Paige too, too funny, but they both are super. It was her bithday week too and we had a lovely time at her family celebration. She turned 13 and now she will be in eighth grade this fall.. soooooo....more time with her and her parents is what I want in the near future.

We have had a great week working in the yard and planting pur pots and window boxes, I'll post a few more pic soon.

We are off next week to Maine, can't wait to see Arcadia National Park. Looking so forward to just seeing the ocean and all the Maine sites.

A great week

2011-05-27T19:33:00.003-04:00

Nothing special, except attending our granddaughters softball game and her 13th birthday party. She had already had a girl party with her frineds so this was just family. We are so blessed to be able to be here in NY and enjoying our yard, chores, and just being together.

Next week we will be off to Maine for a mini vacation. All the records say that we are in for a great time. Looking forward to seeing Arcadia National Park and other attractions on the coast of Maine.

Kitchen Fun and Happiness

2011-03-28T20:18:00.003-04:00

Oh, we are so happy to see the cabinets installed in our new kitchen.. done with care and really great craftsmanship. It is so wonderful to be surprised in this way.
If the countertop comes out as well it will be SSSSWWWEEEEET....ok here is the picture.

They are coming tomorrow to make a template for the counertops and the sink will be undermounted and, so this is all new to me and I hope something that I will be so glad we tried. I'll let you know.

Tuesday, March 22

2011-03-22T10:40:00.003-04:00

Isn't this pretty. It's our pool here at Hi Point. Yesterday I really had a wonderful workout and some sun right here in the pool. I was wiped out the rest of the day, but it felt so good.

I can't think of anything more fun than wearing a big, giant green hat on St. Patrick's Day, especially if you are out with friends and have just had a wonderful meal of corned beef and cabbage at a place called McKenna's. What a wonderful day we had with our Florida friends from the East coast. Before all the festivities we played 18 holes of golf on a very attractive course and meet some lovely people..what a day.

Wondering

2011-03-14T11:47:00.004-04:00

This is the place I call home. I'm not sure if I am ready to sell or rent or do anything different right now. I like to mow and putter out back and then relax and look at the beauty.

We also live for a few months in Florida and I'm hoping with the newness we are doing here that I will learn to love here as much as home, when that happens then I will be ready to move on. OK, that being said, I still want to prepare my our place for the sale and know that if we put it on the market, we will be ready in a flash.

Looking for pictures to encourage me to follow what I know will be the right action now.

Picture Panic

2011-03-13T19:56:00.005-04:00

This is one of the many, many pictures that are slowing my computer down to a snail's pace. I need to formulate a plan to do some burning and sorting. I did manage to print a wonderful picture of DGD performing in her most recent musical production. She was part of the Small group recruited from the Junior High to be part of the High School production..She is on the far right in the pic.

I'm not sure how to choose pictures to actually scrap. I'm going to do fewer and fewer to pages as I already have too many I think, but I will compete my heritage pages and baby album. The rest will be put on CDs and then hopefully a few digital pages and albums will be made...

Today I did absolutely nothing except make my bed. I hope that the time spend just being and thinking will help me get a few things done tomorrow. I did have a nice day yesterday, garagesaling with a friend and going to dinner with more friends and then on to a concert. It was the final one of this 2010-2011 season.

Making Cards

2011-03-10T18:18:00.003-05:00

I have a great desire to start making my own unique cards. A lot of my friends who scrapbook with me on Thursdays, really only work on cards. Today we had a wonderful class show and sale by our Stamping Up demonstrator.. we made three cards. I didn't bring my own tools so it took a long time to complete them, but they are so cute and really very simple. I'm going to use them as a jumping off point to make a few of my own design. I love the things I bought also. I purchased two colors of ribbon, some stamp sets and some very nice pop dots. With my purchase I also received a stamp set free, eagerly awaiting these items. Well dinner is being served and then I'm going to bed early and continue with my PD James novel, if I haven't already read it, I know I say it on TV, but I love her novels and so I'm hooked.

Kitchen Tales

2011-03-09T20:10:00.004-05:00

This could be called the before picture. We are getting a whole new kitchen. I somethings ask myself why, but the reality is that we need one ina way, as this is going to be the main home in our family now. So we found some nasty stuff behind the sink base also, so I'm glad to say that thay has been cleared up and now the new cabinets will be installed. The new counter top, faucet and tile backsplash are icing on the cake. We are so glad we went with the cream with hazelnut glaze.

I'll keep you posted about the progress.

Golf today, with my new clubs!

2011-02-28T18:40:00.005-05:00

Oh drat, this is not the picture I wanted to upload, but it is a good one none the less. My two neices and my lovely sister. We were out having a girls luch, also there was my wonderful daughter I'll add that picture next. We always have a good time when we are together.

Our golf game went well today and the sun was beautiful. We are playing 9 holes and next time we will walk. Oh that is such a good idea. My golf clubs, new at Christmas are so great. They are going to give my game a lift and fo course it needs it.. Ok I'll look for that other picture now. BFN

A Nice Day, no work

2011-02-23T19:26:00.003-05:00

A nice day, but I didn't accomplish much. We bought our new faucet and that completes the stuff we must buy in advance of our kitchen being installed. I'm obsessed with decorating my little home and this kitchen is such a big part of our "open concept" home. I'm hoping that with this the focus will be on the balance more than the actual things and furniture that we will add. As with most things, time will tell all..I have to add pictures of the quilt I'm working on and also the cross stitch piece that I'm determined to finish this coming month. Stitch talk is the site that I enjoy sharing my projects on. Check it out.

Evening News

2011-02-22T16:21:00.003-05:00

I have a reason for posting, mostly I want to help myself along my journey to the home and serenity I want. This tree is one outside our home in NY and it is from last Fall. I have such mixed feeelings about selling when I see my yard and especially when it is looking lovely. I'm going to put some pictures together for a page to have a record of what we have done, where we are going and how we are going to get there.

It's A New Day

2011-02-22T09:02:00.004-05:00

OK this isn't a post about our new kitchen, although I will be mentioning it as I go along. It has taken up way too much of my time and today I'm starting to get it together as far as what I am doing, really doing, with my time. It is right there in my title, there is no time like the present, and I find I am wasting and squandering what I have. I have worked hard all my life and now that my time is my own, if feel I should be treating it with more respect. That said I will leave now and get going. I have been up from a very early time and watching the sunrise. OK it didn't really rise, there was too much fog, but you get the idea. Now after journaling a lot, I'm going to put my plan into action and I'll report back to you when I get a chance.

Christmas in Florida

2010-12-18T19:28:00.002-05:00

Here we are in Florida, waiting for our second Christmas Day to arrive. Our home is cozy and decorated and all the shoppping is done. The cards going out of state are all sent. Now it's time to do some cooking and just relax into the happy times. Even though we don't have any family here this year, we are blessed with some dear friends and will enjoy them this Christmas.

Missing Duffy and Christmas at home

2010-12-08T07:41:00.004-05:00

Oh, I'm missing my puppy today. The thought of Christmas without him and my family close by is too much to bear sometimes. I know I can make it through, but it is hard. I wish I could find the ornaments that I have misplaced. I know I was treating them special and that is why they have disappeared. If I had just put them in with the other things (all of which are here) I would have them now. Oh well just another blow to take right now.

Duffy is gone, but not forgotten

2010-11-24T17:48:00.002-05:00

We will never forget our little buddy Duffy. He was more than our pet. He was our constant companion and a friend in all times in all weather and in every way a dog can be a help to a human. He went peacefully but after a week of unrest and sickness. We just couldn't see him suffer any more. Perhaps selfishly, we are not sure. Each day brings a new day to help us recover from our loss. It will take awhile, of that I have no doubt.

Mad little Hatter

2010-10-31T08:43:00.003-04:00

It is Halloween again, October 31, 2010. I cherish being able to participate in the creation of a costume that will most likely be remembered for a life time. Our grandchild is the most wonderful thing in my life right now and I wanted to share this face with everyone. Most of all I want to have her in my life and love her as much as I can.

Traveling South

2010-10-27T17:08:00.004-04:00

It's just a little humble Florida home, but we love it and we are headed South in just a few days. I have a lot of packing to do, mostly crafts and sewing stuff. Just a few items for some decor that will bring us a homey feeling. We sold our second car and will be using some of t he money for a few upgrades.. Painting is in our future too, don't tell Phil. Don't worry I know how to paint too.. Well Florida friends see you soon.

October is Here

2010-10-01T08:34:00.004-04:00

Today would have been my mother's 93rd birthday. She was a Registered Nurse and a mother to me and my three siblings.. There was practically nothing she couldn't do. Her sewing was accomplished on a little black machine that only went forward and back. She made everything from pajamas to wedding gowns. She was a crocheter and made many beautiful items. Her home was always neat and clean, the old fashion way. Cooking was a way she showed us her love and caring. No one can even come close to her apple pie, apple crisp, cakes and turkey gravy. We still make some of her favorite dishes and love them more each time. She ran businesses and did the bookkeeping and tax prep. I could go on and on. I loved her and miss her and always will. If anyone tells me that I am like my mom, I consider that the ultimate compliment. Happy Birthday mom with all my love.

Home from the "trip of a lifetime"

2010-09-19T17:49:00.003-04:00

Our trip started in NY, we traveled through 17 states and visited 11 National Parks along the way. We saw wonderful sites and vistas that were truly breathtaking and awesome. Our imaginations were sparked and our hearts touched. Coming home was also a high. We live in a beautiful state and seeing it from a traveling point of view was fun. We are grateful for a safe and life altering trip, and I can't wait to scrap all the pictures that were taken.

Baseball in our town.

2010-08-05T21:08:00.004-04:00

Winding up for a big pitch.

Here it comes. Post Game Hug... oh I just love softball in our town...June 2010. Thanks for looking.

A Look at the yard..

2010-07-13T18:48:00.002-04:00

Our yard is a constant source of joy and work. We have been working on it for about 40 years and have had the fun of seeing a vision come to life.. My husband has planted almost everything you see, the plants as well as most of the trees. I'm looking forward to the time when we will be doing not much but maintenance and admiration. Thanks for taking a look.

I bought an I Pod Touch Yesterday!

2010-06-14T14:01:00.002-04:00

Wow, finally I can organize my music and take it with me wherever I go. I can also get the Internet and do emails and browsing. This will be super when we are on our trip to the West and by then, August, I will know what I am doing, hopefully.

A New Knee

2010-05-11T19:35:00.003-04:00

My sister has a new knee. So far she has done so well and will return to her own home tomorrow. I have so much respect and admiration for her and all those who have gone before to face the unknnown. Someday I may have to do this too. I only hope I can do it with such grace and good humor.

A Brief Note

2010-04-14T20:38:00.002-04:00

It is a happy day for me. I'm getting ready to go back North and resume my life as a grandmother and sister and mom. It is just hard to do from down here. I'm really homesick and this is just what I need. Maybe I'll start doing some more blogging and some digital scrapbooking. That is the direction I think I am going in. More later.

Starting Fresh

2010-02-27T11:51:00.003-05:00

It would be so great to get a fresh start on my scrapbooking adventure. I would love to soar to new heights and really add some zing to my pages. I have so many beautiful embellishments to use and tools to create with, I feel all I need is a little freedom to experiment. This past Thursday we made a few items, two cards and an Easter candy holder. All very cute and super easy. It was just a matter of doing it so to speak. Well maybe this really will be a "fresh" start. I'm hoping.

February 2010

2010-02-10T18:36:00.003-05:00

Something fun to do in the snow.

Check out these Pics

2010-01-26T13:00:00.005-05:00

Don't you just love the beautiful street scenes, photographed by my daughter when we were lucky enough to vist Disney in Orlando in late December 2009. I'm going to print out a few more of her gorgeous pics and do a page or two while the memories are pretty fresh..

January Half Over

2010-01-22T07:50:00.002-05:00

2010-01-13T15:32:00.002-05:00

Sometimes my pictures drive me crazy. I want to print them and scrap them, but I can't seem to FOCUS on getting it done.

It was so much fun to revisit Mickey and friends recently and I just love to bask in the glow of the memories. Maybe tomorrow at my regular crop day I'll get my act together and get a good start. Meanwhile, I just want to sit here and relive the wonderful times.

A New Year

2010-01-05T10:38:00.002-05:00

This holiday season included a trip to Orlando Florida with some of our family. The five of us had a fab time and I cannot wait to scrapbook the rest of the pictures I took with my new camera. It is just a small Nikon point and shoot, but it seems to have all the power I need. I will be printing my most favorite ones today and start planning my pages.

I hope everyone is having a good start to the year 2010. I have started the new year with a cold and so I'm just relaxing and taking each hour and minute as it comes.

Safe and Sound

2009-12-21T11:25:00.001-05:00

Arrived safe and sound at about 11 PM. all is right with the world and we are just celebrating being together.

A Long Day

2009-12-19T18:10:00.004-05:00

Just passing the time, waiting to hear my "kids" are safe for the night. I can't believe that they have traveled from central NY to NC during the worst storm of the season and the worst storm in many years to hit the middle Atlantic states. So far they have done very well, but I'm sure they are so tired. They are young so of course they are more up to that kind of stuff...

Meanwhile we are enjoying our Christmans tree (see above) and hope you are all safe, warm and with your loved ones tonight..

2009-12-16T05:53:00.001-05:00

Christmas in Central Florida is strange to me. This is the first year we will celebrate here in our winter home. We traveled home last year and stayed with family over the ten days or so and it was wonderful.. Some of our family will be traveling here this year, so perhaps when I see their faces it will feel more like holiday time. We have a lot of activities planned and also a trip to Disney World after the 25th. That will be the thing that will be the most amazing this year for me. That and seeing my granddaughter as she opens her gifts with us. That is what I am most looking forward to.

A New Beginning

2009-11-25T16:11:00.002-05:00

Okey Dokey,

This is one of the first pictures I took with my new digital camera. It's a Nikon CoolPix S570. I bought it yesterday and today I have installed the software. I did the quick start, took some pictures and managed to download a couple of pics to my computer. So a new age has started for me. My birthday is Friday and I'm going to start doing things a little differently. I have to use my tools more efficiently and produce more of everything. More scrapbook pages, more stitching, more reading and now some paintings in acrylic also. I know I can do it, but I need to challenge myself to not procrastinate and do things when I want to. Looking forward to this new year and another new beginning, aren't we all..

Tree Trimming

2009-11-23T08:07:00.003-05:00

Today I'm going to trim our Florida tree for the holidays.. Now that Thanksgiving is the new Christmas, I think it is more than appropriate. I have copper colored tree ornaments with some blue accents, but there is also the traditional green and red around here too. It goes with the rest of our living room decor.

This is Thanksgiving week and it is special to me. My mom always made the most fabulous dinner for our family and however else may have been coming "home" on that day. She made wonderful apple pies, stuffed dates rolled in powdered sugar, figs, mashed potatoes and super wonderful gravy. These are only the highlights..

I hope your Thanksgiving Day is just the way you want it to be however you celebrate. I will be spending the day being thankful for my family and all the really fun times we have had this year. I'll be missing others who are not here with us any more, but always in our hearts..

Bound for Florida, Monday

2009-10-30T19:43:00.003-04:00

Home Sweet Home,

We will be leaving on Monday, hopefully, to settle for the winter in Florida. We live near the Gulf coast North of Tampa and this will be our second year of owning, we rented for two years in the same community. It is a real nice place to be. Super nice people, lots of things to do and abundant sunshine. Our house faces East and we get a great morning exposure and in the early evening I like to sit on our porch and enjoy the afternoon sun coming through our ancient clump of Live Oak trees. I hope to do some quilting, scrap booking, and needlework while I'm enjoying just sitting around. We will be missing our family and friends....a lot.

Special Day, our Anniversary

2009-09-30T08:15:00.002-04:00

Can it possibly be 42 years since we married. Yes, but it doesn't seem possible at all. We will probably go out to lunch and then to our daughter's home tonight for a pot luck dinner and cards (poker), and some left over birthday cake. Phil turned 65 on Monday and we haven't gotten over that either..

Both of us know how blessed we are and pray that our good foutune spreads out and covers our family and friends on this special day. Hope it is a great one.

Happiness is fleeting

2009-09-18T19:03:00.003-04:00

A happy time I shared with my older sister, and twin brothers.. One of my dear brothers is now gone. I am slowly accepting it, but I'm never going to be the same. That is just the way it is. It has something to do with how I view life now and how much death I have experienced in the last few years. Not unlike most people. This is just a new way to see the way life works. It is still so hard to accept that people have to suffer so before they go to their reward. I'm praying there is a reward because I know my bother deserves one, he was a super good guy.

Reconnect and Reach out to my HS Classmates

2009-09-08T13:52:00.004-04:00

You may not recognize the children, but you may remember this auditorium? This is an invitation to go back aways and remember and reconnect with the Class of '64.

Everyone is welcome and all are invited to share. I'm starting a community on facebook and will be asking you all who are now there to be my friend.. hope you will join me.

Yard Work

2009-09-02T08:31:00.000-04:00

A Rainy Day In Paradise, NOT

2009-08-29T19:15:00.002-04:00

My latest.

I wish I could be happy with this page I finished, but I'm just plain glad it is done at all. I have totally lost my desire to scrap. I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything that long.. It seems like such a long process for what is accomplished.. I need to do something with fast results, like pulling weeds.

I have got to finish my decorating and sorting things out around here and get to some satisfying pass times. I think I will start some sewing. That is instant gratification and I get to play with some of my great fabric for awhile. See you later.

A Wonderful Meeting

2009-08-25T13:51:00.003-04:00

My own view is to keep it as fun and as simple as possible. I'm wondering what others will think.

We met today to see if we can get a little history put together about our class. Since our class reunion, one of my classmates had this idea and at least two of us agree it is a good idea. So we will try and do some brainstorming to come up with ideas to send out into cyber space to see what the others think.

Yurning for a change!

2009-08-20T10:09:00.002-04:00

Just trying to find out what I want to do now. I have cut my hair and I'm so much happier with shorter hair. I need new glasses and would like to update my living room decor as well as my kitchen and bathrooms. Well you can see what I think about. Me Me Me. Yes it is the truth. I have thought so much about others this summer and have found no answers to anything, that I am forced to concentrate of the things that I can change and have control over. I'm going out today for some inspiration and recreation. In other words I'm going to be my own best friend today. Hope you have a good day.

2009-08-17T18:27:00.003-04:00

OK, if you are into old pictures here is one for you. You are looking at two young kids who were very happy and who still are happy, with life and with each other. At least on most of the days we are blessed to spend together.

I've decided to try and make my blog a place where I track what I am doing and what work I'm accomplishing toward my goals. One of my goals is to finish my scrapbooks, paper ones, and begin my digital adventure. I working on that today by sorting my stash and putting together the next few pages I'll be working on.

I didn't get too much done today, but did go to our local beach with dear daughter and granddaughter and one of her friends. So far this month we have traveled to Pa. and done a bit of sightseeing at Bushkill Falls near where we stayed. Very pretty. A wonderful little trip which was punctuated with a few stops at local antique malls also.

2009-07-28T11:37:00.000-04:00

What is up wiht my internet connection.

2009-07-07T10:07:00.000-04:00

Our house has a great backyard. It hasn't always been so lush. We had it renovated two years ago and now the plantings and gardens are coming into their own. Just thought I would share. We have new neighbors and it's hard to explain that our yard had nothing in it when we moved in in December a

You will love this old photo..

2009-06-23T19:03:00.004-04:00

This is an old picture that I scanned and now you are seeing it. I want to do heritage LOs and this is a good one. My mom on your right and my aunt on your left.. I have no information about the occasion or the costumes, but it must have been important cause this has survived a long time and I don't have a ton of pics of their childhood.. It is amazing to me that they look so much like they did as grown women. They were live long best friends and my aunt was a second mother to me and my brothers and sister, as she had no children of her own.. Cant wait to print this out and get it scrapped.. I may do a digital too, but I want this on on paper.

Sunday Notes

2009-06-21T11:11:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone, I just clicked on one of my most recent heritage scans and up popped my mom in her nurses uniform.. I'm not sure what to say except she was an exceptional woman who made due with very little and never complained. She was a wonderful mom with many, many talents. Cooking and baking, sewing to the max, keeping house , being a friend to many people, and working 24/7, these are just some of them. I'm motivated to keep doing the scans and seeing what kind of pages, paper or digital that I can come up with. Thanks for looking.

What I'm working on right now

2009-06-17T10:02:00.002-04:00

I'm working on this rather large cross stitch project. It will be perfect in my home and there is not really a lot left to do, but I'm losing some of my interest. This is not an uncommon occurrence. Thanks for looking. I'll post again when I get it done.

A Party to Remember

2009-06-14T19:15:00.005-04:00

Two of the girls having their facials and resting in the quiet with candles and "new age" tunes..

Karen and Kevin made such a cute party for Paige and 7 of her friends.. they were at the "SPA" and had a facial, pedicure, made some cute flip flops to wear and finished up with custom blender drinks and wonderful nibbles. Paige got some lovely presents and they all had a great time. This year has been a good one for Paige. She has adjusted to her new school and has made many friends. She has been in two musical productions , learned to ski, and managed to make some very good grades.. I'm so happy for her and her parents.

2009-06-08T08:32:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to finish up two albums so that I can begin our travel album. This page is a tribute to my DH. School age pictures , a companion page to one I did earlier about myself around the same age. I've decided that I am a flat scrapper and have to add dimension with paper embellishment more often than not. Just want to try and keep the pages as interesting and original as I can. Well I'd like to use up my stash too..

This page is of my DH's parents on our wedding day and their own wedding day. It is also a companion page to our wedding album. Most of these pics are rather battered. My parents anniversary was September 11, my in-laws anniversary was September 26, and our anniversary in September 30. Indeed " Fall Weddings" the page title... Thanks for looking.

Starting the Cinderella Pages

2009-06-03T11:21:00.002-04:00

I've begun to make some pages from the play digi pics that I took. This is my favorite one and I'll share the page because I want to motivate myself to keep doing the pages that are most important to me. Someday, Paige will remember this night and how proud we all were. She was a lovely little Cinderella.

2009-06-01T07:17:00.002-04:00

I can't even begin to tell you what it means to see our grand daughter so happy and proud of herself after being one of the leads in her 5th grade play "Return of the Glass Slipper". The play was last Thursday and it was held in the Fabius-Pompey Middle School auditorium, which was the school my husband and I attended for high school. It was just Fabius Central HS then.

So much has happened this past two months and I am just now getting my act together to resume work on my hobbies, mainly scrap booking, quilting, gardening and cross stitching. I'm thinking of using my blog as a prompt to keep getting a lot done at a pace that is productive but pleasant at the same time. Most of the setting up is done and I can easily switch back and forth as the mood strikes. Today I'm off to shop for printer ink and paper so I can print a few of the play pics and then I am working on most recent pics with a few older one thrown in, as well as some pages that are in progress and need to be finished.

Plans for April

2009-03-16T19:27:00.002-04:00

This is a shot of our backyard in spring time. I'm hoping that this year it will look even better. We are returning home in a few weeks and will be there in time to enjoy the work and glory of all the blooming and sprouting of our plants and shrubs. We love to garden and hope that each day can bring us time to be outside and enjoy.

A page for today

2009-03-06T18:42:00.002-05:00

A trip down memory lane with my children when they were young and so was I. This NY State Park is a wonderful place to visit and camp. Thanks for looking. I hope your weekend is great.

Saturday, Saying a Prayer

2009-02-28T15:44:00.003-05:00

This page will be added to my Florida album. Our good friends are just the best. So much fun to have on a trip and anywhere. We play cards, go to concerts and of course go out to eat as well. Please say a prayer that Jim recoveres quickly and completely from recent surgery and returns to our merry ways.

Our Florida Living Room

2009-02-08T10:17:00.003-05:00

A view of our new valances that I made. Got them up a few days before our Super Bowl party. I'm very happy with the way they turned out. Velcro was used to attach them to a wood strip that was attached to the window casing. The Velcro cost almost as much as the material for the valances. The total cost was about $75.00, not to bad for six lined valances. I also put up some wall decor over the couch, until I can make a quilt to go there..

New Valances, by me

2009-02-08T10:12:00.002-05:00

I made these valances for our front windows and managed to get them installed before our Super Bowl party. I'm pretty proud of them and hope to do some more home dec sewing in the near future. I love our little house here in Florida.

What Next?

2009-02-07T14:43:00.003-05:00

Back from a mini cruise. The weather was less than wonderful, but we managed to have a very nice time with some friends from the community where we live in the winter time. Such a diverse and interesting group.

Heard some great guitar with a dose of good ole' rock and roll thrown in. Ate until we couldn't hold another once and had a few drinks. Saw a wonderful sunset. All in all a great time.

Torn

2009-01-14T08:33:00.002-05:00

I just want to be there so bad to see Paige learning to ski. She just started and at the place where I learned to ski. I think I was in the same grade, 5th.. She seems to be loving it and that is good, because she lives in an area that get a lot of snow and all the kids usually learn.. Well at least I have the internet to keep me more than updated. I love all the new techie stuff that lets you communicate back and forth. I got this pic off facebook and now it's going on this blog.. Hope you have a great day.

Now What?

2009-01-08T17:26:00.006-05:00

Well now we have to get going on our plans for 2009 and also just for today or tonight, as it is past 5 o'clock.. Well actually I have been letting the days plan for me. I have been walking most mornings and then just moving from scrap table to around the house consulting with my husband on what he is doing, and answering the phone and making coffee and getting the mail and letting the dog out and etc etc etc,, I really makes you feel like you need to get a life.. I'm not really complaining although it sounds like it doesn't it? I did manage to organize my scrap area in our guest bedroom and it makes me happy to be there.. I have done 3 LO since then and I'm going to post them here right now.. night,

December 26, A Big Hello

2008-12-26T13:54:00.003-05:00

We have been having a great Christmas time here in the wild and windy hills South of Syracuse. Our children are nearby and our grandchildren will be together this evening as we gather to continue the celebrating. We had a lovely roast beef dinner yesterday, and an early bed for me. We stayed up Christmas eve watching old films and just waiting for Santa.. Hope this finds you well and safe and warm. Missing all my cyber friends.

2008-11-24T20:07:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures

2008-11-23T21:28:00.007-05:00

Garage sale find, a suite of furniture that is now in our entryway or lanai. It much inproves the room.

New lamps, love the green, got 2 for the price of one.. hurray.

New dinette table and chairs. DH brought them home and had to put them together.. Now I have to make the valances for the bay windows.

Old dinette table out in the "Florida room" where we are doing a lot of just plain loafing. It is usually warm and we have a super view across an open lot and down our curving street. It is a very serene scene.

2008-11-20T19:42:00.002-05:00

What a fun day..I have been doing up my room, listening to i-tunes and hoping for an I-pod for my birthday. I really want to pick it out myself. I can scrap easily here, I can put stuff on the bed behind me and I've stored stamps and other stuff in the little dresser to the left. On the right I have a hand me down computer desk for my computer and printer. Not set up yet. So slowly we are putting it all together. I actually did a page and hung it on the wall.. This afternoon we got our new furniture, some of it and put it together. Wow, just love it, will get the rest tomorrow, so naturally I'll be cleaning and posting the pics here for all to see.

Working it out, outside.

2008-11-18T21:39:00.003-05:00

Just a pretty picture of a tree in our backyard.

I had such a good day working outside and doing some simple gardening, which I love. It really brings you right down to where you want to be. At peace.

Maine, NH, moose

2008-10-30T19:20:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to share a picture from the past. Actually last fall in NH. We were riding around looking for moose. We stopped at this little park along the road, and explored around the falls and the pretty road side setting. We were reluctant to leave, but it was getting late, and we had given up on siting a moose, so we were headed back to Maine and our cozy vacation lodge. Little did we know that around the next bend we would spot the most fantastic and majestic bull moose. Just fantastic.

"Florida Dreaming", yes it is here, going South soon

2008-10-28T09:03:00.002-04:00

Yes I really think it is a "going home" now. Returning to Florida is a good thing and we have made a home there and some good friends and have lots of activities we enjoy doing. Naturally we will miss our family, we have had a good summer with many great times. Wednesday night dinner and poker, our family dinners on the new deck and a couple of great mini vacations. We have also been blessed to have sold our travel trailer, boat and now a wood stove. Things are definitely coming together for us, as a couple. We remain full of gratitude for our many blessings. Today is one of those dark melancholy late fall days, wind and rain with a lot of the remaining leaves falling as I type.. I'll keep thinking of the Florida sun and wearing sandals. What a blessing..

I was tagged by Sarah

2008-10-18T19:35:00.004-04:00

Sarah tagged me to list seven ramdom or weird things about myself. I'm challenged with posting links, but I'll try. First I'll do the seven items about me.

1. I'm naturally an introspective person, but I love connecting with people who have a zest for life and what they love to do.

2. I have lost 50+ pounds over the last 2 years and I'm still trying to understand how to live my life this way after being overweight for most of my adult life.

3. I'm diabetic, trying everyday to eat right and do what I need to do to stay healthy.

4. I have a toe ring..

5. I used to be a jock, softball, basketball, tennis and biking.

6. I am happiest planning any kind of design idea, from a garden to a scrapbook page
to a whole house or room.

7. I have too much stuff even thought I have sold, given away and purged a ton.

Now I need to tag 7 people, but the people I blog with have already have been tagged, so I ask anyone who may read this to please go ahead and share yourself with us..

The rules are:

Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Sarah's blog: http://2pawsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Bittersweet Day

2008-10-14T11:55:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone, just a quick note to show you what a glorious day we are having. I'm having bittersweet thoughts, as I pack to go south. We won't leave so early next year, as I like to savor each and every day that turns out like this one. I wish I was walking in the near by park with my dog. Instead I'm washing and sorting stuff to pack. Oh well, in no way am I complaining. Just musing about the things that are all part of life. Autumn is special to so many people.

Canada was a blast.

2008-10-10T17:53:00.004-04:00

These are the days that we just love to experience. I have been cleaning today, but while doing that I have been reliving the last few weeks and all the blessings and fun things that I have done. The weather has been very nice and we had a lovely trip to Canada. Before that, I was treated to lunch with three friends from High School and had a wonderful time. We had a great lunch out on a sun drenched deck, drinking in the warmth of the company, good food and fellowship. It was perfect, and so hard to see end..

I've started the shift to packing up my things for the move to Florida. The deck has been cleared and we are now in full Fall mode. It is bittersweet for a lot of reasons, however we are full of optimism for a good Winter season and are hoping for the best for all our friends and family and really everyone. Sending blessings to all who may read this. Have a wonderful weekend and please be careful in all you do.

Going Home? I love Florida

2008-09-23T06:29:00.005-04:00

Maybe I'll take some pictures of what I may bring and get some opinions. How would you like to help me decorate by Florida home?

This looks very white, but I'm making valances for the front windows which are two bay windows side by side and extent into the dining area. My dream is to hang my own quilt on the wall above the couch. Each end opens out for a reclining chair and our TV is directly across from this, so it is very comfy to watch. I plug my computer right into the outlet on the left and enjoy both at the same time.

This is the dining area and it is too cozy. I'll be moving this table to the porch or lanai. P can use it for his card games.

I really can't decide what to take to Florida except our patio furniture and wicker love seats and a couple of end tables. I am just so undecided about adding a lot of stuff to a place that is very simple and clean and uncluttered. But, that said I still want to take a few personal things to make it more like home.

Saturday, Good Morning

2008-09-21T07:23:00.004-04:00

These are two of the last pages I'll be doing for awhile. They are for our 40th Ann. album. We were given a stay at this gorgeous inn and a balloon ride over the falls that flow right in front of the place.. It is called the Grand Canyon of the East and it is truly spectacular. We had a wonderful time and will be eternally grateful for the wonderful gift our children gave us..

A sweet thing

2008-09-18T21:59:00.002-04:00

This was given to me by Pat, my DW friend. We have a lot of fun and also find some great inspiration for scrapbooking and life in general over on 2 Peas. I have been on there for about one year and I have learned so much and I am enjoying my scapping so much more and finding that it really brings me something that was missing. Well I'll pass it on to two friends in the morning when I figure out exactly how to do it..

Get to know your friends better

2008-09-17T08:32:00.003-04:00

. What time did you get up this morning? Before 5am, couldn't sleep

. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds

. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Indiana Jones newest

.What is you r favorite TV show? PBS Mystery

.What do you usually have for breakfast? Coffee, cereal, fruit, toast

. What is your middle name? Alene

.What food do you dislike? Meat

. What is your favorite CD at moment? "At Last", Etta James

. What kind of car do you drive? Pontiac Vibe

. Favorite sandwich? Egg salad, the way my mom made it. I can never duplicate it.

. What characteristic do you despise? being lied to

. Favorite item of clothing? great fitting cropped pants

. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? English countryside

. Favorite brand of clothing? Talbot's pants

. Where would you retire to? UMMM, Florida

. What was your most recent memorable birthday? My upcoming birthday is on Thanksgiving

day and I'll qualify for SS benefits..

. Farthermost place you are sending this? To the girls in Canada via blogs!

Person you expect to send it back first? I don’t know… maybe no one… this sucker is LONG

. When is your birthday? November 27, 1946

. Are you a morning person or a night person? early riser

. What is your shoe size? 9

. Pets? Duffy Dachshund, 12y

. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? My backyard garden is really coming

together.. totally renovated last year.

. What did you want to be when you were little? teacher and mom

. How are you today? I'm happy, but I know I'm going to be dragging

. What is your favorite candy? Hershey's chocolate with almonds

. What is your favorite flower? Too many to list

. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Sept 26, going to Canada on vacation

. What are you listening to right now? It's quiet here right now

. What was the last thing you ate? Cereal, milk, cantaloupe

. Do you wish on stars? Sometimes!

. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? red

. How is the weather right now? cool and sunny, perfect

. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?Haven't talked to anyone yet

. Favorite soft drink? Diet Coke

Favorite restaurant? Panera Bread, specialty salads

. Real hair color? Brunet, dark.

What was your favorite toy as a child? playing office with real office supplies

. Summer or winter? Summer, and Florida

. Hugs or kisses? Hugs, then kisses

. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

. Coffee or tea? Coffee!

. Do you want your friends to email you back? I'll check the blogs

. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday when I was talking with a nice lady in the resale shop. Her sister is dying and it is very sad.

. What is under your bed? out of season clothes in my suitcases and Duffy's bed

. What did you do last night? we had Chinese for dinner and watched a dumb movie.

.What are you afraid of? major illness in me or my immediate family

. Salty or sweet? sweet

. How many keys on your key ring? 2 rings… 2 each for two cars.

. How many years at your current job? the longest I ever worked at one job was 6 years as a field consultant for CHAMPUS, military related health care.

. Favorite day of the week? Saturday, I work on my kitchen and they play

.How many towns have you lived in? Fabius, NY, Hanover, PA, Jamesville, NY and Brooksville, FLA.

. Do you make friends easily? Yes, but not as easily as when I had kids in school and a job.

. you made it all the way to the end, congratulations… you are either very patient or have a lot of down time right now. :)

This is long, thanks for reading.

2008-09-15T18:50:00.003-04:00

Well today was so weird. We had a little wind last evening, thanks to Ike, but nothing that bad. I have been on pins and needles all day. Well I just want to feel comfortable and productive. Above is my self portrait for a new avatar, but somehow it doesn't look like me. In this pic I look so much thinner than I have been in a long time. I've been on Byetta for two years, I'm diabetic and I have to struggle with quite a few meds, but I'm doing ok, most of the time. I wish I could reconcile my new look with how I feel inside.. I wonder if that will ever happen. Do any of you take Byetta, I would love to hear about your experiences.. TIA