Kip's Blog!

baby, it's chilly outside....11-28-09

I just turned on the heat for a few minutes!!  It was 65 here inside the house so thought I needed to warm it up a bit.  Good thing I bought new visquine for Fauna's cage too.  Michele is on her way over to pick up some things and I'll get her to help me put it on the cage so Fauna will be all snug for the night.

Can't remember ever turning the heat on in November!!  It's actually chillier in the house than outside right now but I'm wearing socks too.  Need to get ready for my trip as it'll be in the 30's in NC when I'm there.  I'm meeting Patricia for lunch tomorrow so we can firm up our trip plans.  We're both very excited!

I went and got a haircut and highlights this morning.  Long overdue, man was I grey...not sure why, lol!  Couldn't be becuz I'm so freakin' old could it??

Anyway, Tim did his usual good job and then I hit Starbuck's for an expresso and then onto an errand to get my secret stocking pal something...shhhhh, and then I drove back down to St Pete real quick to get to Mazzarro's before it closed at 2:30.  I got there at 2:15 and it was packed...I'm talking 3 parking lots packed and they were getting ready to stop people from coming in....man that place does business but what a fabulous store/deli!  Here's its' web site and you can see it....what you can't see or hear is the festive atmosphere inside, opera singing playing usually..just a fun place..I got some Italian sausage and peppers for dinner and roasted cauliflower.

Okay, gotta get some things done around here before Michele gets here...Later!

Happy Black Friday, 11-27-09

No, I didn't get up for it though I talked to Linda at midnight when she was on her way to the scrapbook store so does that count?  She and Elle were braving it and also going to hit Walmart but she made a comment on facebook this morning about WM so that must have been a crazy spot to go to.

Had a wonderful dinner at the Sheridan's last night and this year, everyone pitched in and brought things and it turned out great!  Dina made her famous sausage balls for an appetizer which you can make into a dinner by themselves!  Funniest thing was John....now Karen had prepped the turkey at her house, put it in its' bag and took it over to their house earlier in the day so they'd have the aroma of it cooking all day.  She left and John promptly pulled the turkey out of the bag, thinking she had just brought it over that way and stuck it by itself, into the oven, lol!!  Well it still turned out delicious!!  But we did have a good laugh over that!
I brought PW"s carrots and I'd definitely make them again- delish!  We had two kinds of stuffing and Mazzarro's green beans and breads and cranberry and Dina's fabulous potatoes and I'm not sure what else- great dinner!
Barb and Dina were kidding me about always having the camera out and them being "camera ready" so I got two good shots of them!!
Dina has never taken a bad shot I'm sure as she's so beautiful!

We all just had a great time and in between, Barb and I watched the repeats of the Housewives of Orange County and she caught me up on all the drama as I just started watching that show!

I talked to my sis, brother and niece in Atlanta and Woody in Arizona yesterday too so caught up with everyone.

Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thankfulness...

I love this quote by JFK, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget the highest appreciation is not 2 utter words, but 2 live by them."

A wonderful thing to remember I think.  On this day, we all stop and think about all the things we're grateful for and they are usually many.  I try and think about this everyday, especially if I"m down or not feeling especially right with the world.  It's so easy to forget all that we have, isn't it? 

A few of the things I'm grateful for are-

-having a sister and brother who I am close to and can call anytime.

-having an ex husband who I can call a friend and who I know will always be there for me if needed

-freedom to retire and do what I want.  Something I'm still coming to terms with as it doesn't feel natural not to work.  I keep reminding myself that I put in 37 long years, thousands of committees, parent conferences, grading tests, chairing events, nurturing young minds and I really do deserve this time.  But still, it seems to be a foreign thing, to stay home, collect a monthly check or two and not be accountable to anyone.

-lots of friends.  All over.  All kinds. They make me laugh and feel good about myself and nurture the soul so to speak. Lose some along the way for whatever reason, pick up others.  Couldn't live without my friends.  Thanks for being my friend. I hope I bring some type of happiness to your life too.

-a hobby that I dearly love that came to me later in life.  Through it I've met so many people and traveled so many places and still have lots to do and lots more places to go.

-my home.  I've been here over 25 years.  I thought when I was still working, I'd never be able to keep my house but found out that I could and it made me very happy.  It's not high falutin' but it's mine, all mine and I'm in every room, just the way I want it.

-health, knock on wood.  I have many friends so far worse with so many serious illnesses.  I have this and that but so far, so good.  I think it did pay off to be very active and participate in so many sports and other physical type activities when I was young.  I have great bones- thanks mom and dad!  I went and had a bone density test and the woman told me that I had wonderful bones.  That I could sky dive if I wanted, lol.  No, won't be doing that but grateful for good bone structure.

-my pups.  Mudgy and Max.  Love them dearly and they bring me so much joy. Fauna the iguana, who knew you'd live over 15 years, lol. Have always had some type of animal, always, and always will.

There's a little of what I'm grateful for and I hope to keep remembering this list over and over.  So glad I was born in America.  So glad I've lived my life in Florida.

Eve of thanks....

It's been raining off and on all day but no complaints from me.  I love this kind of day and have enjoyed this one.  We needed it desperately too.

Tomorrow, I will head over to Barb and John's again to share Thanksgiving.  I can't think of a better place to be than their home for this holiday and I always love spending it with them.  I hear that our pal George is in town too, from Kentucky so maybe we'll get to see him.  I am bringing Pioneer Woman's carrots as my contribution and I'll make them tomorrow before I go.  We're eating later in the day as the kids will be at Dina's relatives first.  I am already hunkering for some turkey as I love it!

cute joke!

I realized a bit ago I had nothing for dinner tonight so ran up to Publix and boy was I surprised.  I was in and out in 10 minutes!!  There were lots of people but mostly waiting for turkeys or in the bakery so the rest of the aisles were pretty free and I even had a check out girl waiting for me when I was ready!  Loved it!

This time, next week, I'll be packing for my trip to North Carolina mountains and I can't wait!!

Then when I get back from there, it's time for our Stocking Girl Exchange which I'm excited about as always!  Fun times ahead!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll be back after, with pics from Barb's. 

REALLY raining...

It truly is!!  I'm so glad to see it.  It's been so humid the past two days, really yucky outside and my asthma has kicked in when it's like this...speaking of...Jackie wrote me that when she tried to reserve a spot for her big rig for Winter Retreat, it was filled already!  What a drag!  She's going to try and find a hotel but there's nothing really around that park.  I wonder if I'll be going this year as I sure haven't had a good time the past two years with my asthma and migraines.  Hope so as I'd hate to miss it.

Check this out...
Another wonderful recipe by Pioneer Woman, made from turnips...will have to make this for sure!

I got my December KNK kit in the mail today, second time, lol, as I left it down in Ft Myers a few weeks ago.  I need to get busy on it as I have a reveal on the 30th I believe...will be working on that tonight.  Thanks for resending it GA!

Okay, off to scrapping and watching the lovely rain! Notice, I did change a few things on my blog to make it more holidayish!

Rain is coming!

The sky to the north is dark, so they must be getting it already...it better come down here to us as we need it too.  With it, comes some cooler temps again so maybe I can shut off the AC again which has been back on for 2 days.

I stayed home again today.  Afraid that sitting in the theater wouldn't be a good idea for me today.  I sure wish I could have my old back again, what a freakin' drag it is.

I was surfing the web today and saw some cute Xmas ideas...here's one..
Just made using a dowel and fabric scraps!  Simple but cute! 

 Look at this Gold/White room..I could never do this but sure love it...
I say, never could do, due to all that white...white and dogs don't do well together!  And I'll always have a dog so I'll just look.  Very pretty.  Love the simple berry twigs on the mantle too.  That lap blanket on the right looks very similar to one I gave Clare.  It was so incredibly soft!  Do you know she had a sweater made out of opposum!!  Forgot to get a pic of it though.

I am going to be going to Barb and John's at Thanksgiving and this year I'm bringing one of Pioneer Woman's easy peasy recipes that also looked yummy...
My mom used to make carrots and rutabuga every holiday and we all loved them.  I think that is a northeastern thing.  The ruta's are such a pain to cut into though but together, they are mashed up and were delicious.  Does anyone make those??

Okay, still no rain....but I'm watching....and waiting....

Oh and the picture in the header if one Clare took up north and I really love it.  Thanks Clare!

Saturday eve...

I never made the crop today as I really felt awful this morning..not sure why, other than my back, but thought I was coming down with something and maybe I am.  Feel a little better tonight so we'll see how I feel when I get up.  I was really disappointed as I was looking forward to the crop and seeing the girls and was all packed up.  I'm suppose to go to the movies with Linda and Diana tomorrow so hope I end up feeling better.

My wreath from Maine came, like I told you before, and I love to put my nose up to it and inhale the wonderful smell! I have a table centerpiece coming too so need to clean off the table first.  Here's the wreath.. 
This will be short and sweet tonight.  I have been working on my sides of my blog and changing some things around.  It's a work in progress so still have more to do.

I did remove all my links and am redoing them so sorry if you're used to having them there to link to!  If there's a link that was there that you definitely want to see again, let me know and I'll put it in.  I still have more to add and will work on it tomorrow.

Have a good Sunday!

Just "hanging" around!

Boy, have I ever.......
This is how many pieces of clothing I took out of one closet today!!  Seriously needed to be done and glad it's over.  Still have one more bigger closet to through but this is a good start.  As I said, most of it is going to a friend to pick through and then she can give the rest away.  There's some  really nice stuff too but if it didn't fit me TODAY, it was put on the pile.  No more saving for weight loss, etc.  Saw things I forgot I even had.  Also found several shirts for school that I can give to one of the assistants there that is my size.  I know she will appreciate them. 

So Clare leaves New Orleans today and goes to Nashville and then Chicago and then back to Vancouver where she'll fly out to go back to New Zealand next week.  She has sent so many boxes back home that it'll be Christmas for sure when she gets to open them again!

She brought gifts for everyone too, even for Barbara, which was so thoughtful.  I got a lovely tshirt, a calendar which I always love, and pretty glass coasters.  She also bought one those reusuable Christmas bags at Publix which I'll use and always think of her!  Again, it's so amazing that I've gotten to meet so many people that normally I would never meet, through the wonderful hobby of scrapbooking.  In 2010 I'll be going to North Carolina, Nevada, Utah and the Florida panhandle to scrapping events. So much fun and so nice to meet new people, which because of this hobby, we all share a common love.

I'll be going to Teresa Collins' event next September in Nevada and Woody will come meet me and we'll ramble back to his part of Arizona for a week or so which will be nice too.  Yes, Michele, I'll need you again to take care of the boys!!

Also getting excited about our Stocking pal exchange which will happen right after I get home from NC.  I sent the girls some pictures from last year's event and here's one of them...
We've been at Jules house for 3 years for it but will be moving to Linda's house this year to give the Tampa girls a chance to be closer to home.  Plus, Linda has that new wood floor and furniture to show off!  I've seen it and it's so nice!!

Guess what just arrived?  My wreath from Maine!!  Wow, it got here quickly.  Can't wait to open it and smell that wonderful aroma.  My house will smell so nice now!

Okay, off I go....hope your Friday was a good one!

Thursday eve, 11-19-09

 Another nice evening out.  I actually put on the AC for a couple of hours last eve as it got very humid and I could feel my asthma coming on.  After 2 hours, I turned it off and it was nice again.  I'm sure loving this weather. I talked to Woody today and he said they were having temps in the 30's where he is!

I was cleaning out a clothes closet today, still have lots to do but have made quite a pile of things to give away that I don't wear, can't wear, etc.  Some have tags on them- bad me!  I asked a friend if she'd like some and she did so she'll get them instead of Salvation Army.  I'm really trying to downsize as I hardly wear 1/3 of what I have, especially now that I don't work.  'Corse Max was helping out quite a bit as I did it...
 Watching over them don't ya know...

I found a picture today of Clare with the banyan trees she loved so much...
I can't remember if I showed this one or not but here it is again!

I did go to Mazzarro's again today also, trying to get more of that delish salmon and lobster but they didn't have it so I was forced to buy other things, lol.  I brought some twice baked potatoes over to Barb and John too as she was at the Dr's all day.  Looks like she'll be having some hip work finally done in the near future which she needs so badly as she can barely walk now.  One hip bone is gone and the other is on its' way out and then she has spine problems with it so the poor girl is in constant pain.  She's dreading going back to the hospital again but this time at least, she'll be at Palms of Pasadena which is nice.  That's where both my parents went so I'm very familiar with it.  Speaking of, today marks the 9th anniversary of my mom's death.  Doesn't seem possible.

Okay, here's something fun....posted on one of our scrapping boards today and I loved it!  Ever wonder where Pumpkin Pie comes from???  LOL

 

It's Hump day, 11-18-09

November has never really been a good month in my family the past 10 years as it's the month my Mom and Dad died.  Mom on the 19th, 2000, and Dad on the 11th,2001, one year apart.  I tend to feel a bit down this month so have to make an effort to not get caught up in memories so to speak.  This year has been better which is a good thing, partly due to keeping busy!  It's hard not to have either parent living anymore and those that have experienced that, know what I mean.

On a happier note, it's another georgous day today.  Our winter is here with cool temps in the evening and morning and high 70's during the day- just perfect.  I sat outside reading yesterday and got a bit of sun on my arms and could feel it last nite.

Barb and I were going off to do some errands today and do our weekly lunch but she wasn't feeling great so we'll put it off.  Feel better Barb! 

Also, continued good thoughts for my friend Wendy who just went through a mastectomy but is doing well now.  Do you remember the days when you didn't know ANYONE who had cancer?  I do, but boy is that a long time ago.  When are they going to find a cure for this?

Patricia called last nite and she's as excited as me about our upcoming trip to North Carolina.  We're both hoping it will be real chilly so we can have nightly bonfires outside her home.  We plan on spending a day in Asheville too and doing some Christmas shopping.  When I get back from there, it'll be time for our annual Stocking Girls Exchange and I can't wait as it's always wonderful!

I worked on two things at Ruban Rouge the other day.  One was an envelope album that I saw one of her design team girls make.  I had actually made one of these several years ago at Whimsodoodle with Jen and forgotten how much I like it.  I did my own thing and this is what I came up with...


I used those wonderful Webster Pages Christmas papers on it.

We were also given a small Making Memories book in our stash filled with  journal pages and acetate sheets.  I got really into it and made a little book of it which someone will get for a gift this year....I wonder who??

It's really cute inside too with all the acetate sheets...

 
I had a lot of fun making it!

Okay, I need to get off here and get some things done around here.  Have a great day!

Anyone seen a Kiwi around??

Yes, the house is empty without our resident Kiwi and her crazy accent around!  Clare flew off yesterday afternoon to New Orleans to have some fun up there for 5 days.

She was busy packing up Sunday night as I had given her a ton of scrapping stuff to go through and pick out to take home.  They don't have too many places in NZ to buy things and they're far more expensive down there.  Needless to say, I have more than enough.  She filled up two or more priority boxes full of things she chose.  
Before we took off, we both took some shots of her in the alley with the beautiful bouganvilla that is growing.  My shot is in and out of the sun but you get the idea..
I took her for a last ride down to Roser Park area so she could see that St. Pete really does have some hills, lol, and she loved it.  Then we were off to the post office where she has bonded with the PO lady!  When she saw Clare she said, "You again!", lol!!  We also went to Target as she had never been so I could pick up some of my Emeril Tres Intense coffee which I loved and she did too.  Then off to the airport we went as she was a little nervous about going through security, etc. but I'm sure she did fine.

It was strange to get up this morning and not have her here and I know the dogs are wondering where she went!

Today, I'm staying home all day and scrapping and doing my laundry.  Perfect Tuesday!

Beginning of Week....11/16/09

I need to start dating my posts for myself as I've been doing this for about 4 or 5 years which makes for many posts!

Happy Monday!  Another beautiful day here, lots of sun but I can open the windows as we have a cool breeze.  I haven't had to have the AC on for about 3 days now!

Today Clare flies off for New Orleans to continue her US adventure.  She's going to stay at a darling place there and has tours lined up and her mouth is waiting for that chicory coffee and beignets!  I will say that she has fallen in love with my Keurig coffee machine though!!  She'd love to take one of those back with her!

Our plans changed a bit yesterday as when we got to the Rib Fest, we couldn't find a parking spot anyplace.  Even all the public and private parking lots said, "full".  It's too bad as I had bought the tickets to get in ahead of time too but alas, it wasn't meant to be.  We had a nice afternoon anyway, back home, sitting in the sun and taking a nap!

In the morning, I drove her out to the Bayway and down to Pass-a-Grille beach which she loved, loved.
She was fascinated by the birds and the white, white sand and she took a long walk down to the Don to take pictures.
My back was acting up yesterday so I found a bench and it was so nice just sitting and looking at the water and talking on the phone to Barb in Ft. Myers.  She told me all about GA's successful crop on Saturday.

I then drove Clare up to Treasure Island and over to Sunset Beach where I use to live so she could see my cottage that I loved so much.  It was neat as a lady who now lives there, came out and I got to talk to her about the cottage.  I used to pay $160 a month rent.  She now pays $650! 
My cottage she told me, is being redone now for winter visitors but hers was all fixed up and looked darling.
Melissa and I sure loved living there!  I was there 5 years and Melissa, 6.

We then drove through Treasure Island and over the causeway and I showed her the houses on Park Street.  We then went to Joann's as she was looking for an embellishment book I just got but we didn't find it there.  We did get some cute other things though including the neatest Mod-Retro stack from DCWV, 8x8!  I started working with it last night and am going to use it for my mini album about the girls trip to North Carolina!

We both finished up our Mazzarro's dinners last night as it was more than enough for 2 dinners and watched some TV.

It's been fun having Clare here in my little corner of the world for the past 5 days and I hope she had a good time too!  Max is going to miss her terribly!

Happy Sunday!

Another beautiful morning with the windows open and a nice breeze.  Just took this picture of Max and Clare...
He's her little guardian angel, lol!  Always looking out for her!

Yesterday started out with the Saturday morning market where we found some wonderful new things to eat- Mozarella pies!!  They're actually cornbread with mozarella between them and they were so yummy..I will definitely be eating them again!!

We saw lots of cool things and Clare even bought a hat to keep the sun off of her, made from palm fronds!

We saw these cool gourds that were unreal...
 
 Can you believe they're gourds?!!

Look at this cute pup that was being wheeled around by his owner!

Clare loved all the veggies and plants and found several that she had never seen before, like greens and collards.  We got there when it opened but it was already filled with people.  My favorite was we actually found the tea/coffee steamer that I talked about the other day and Clare bought it for me!!  So excited to get it!  I also bought some freshly made garlic pasta that smelled heavenly.

We missed seeing my sister as she was at a show in Anna Maria but her booth looked great and Clare loved all the colorful bouganvilla.  
 

We had a nice time and then I dropped her off home to have a Clare day to herself and I ran off to Ruban rouge for the Xmas holiday crop.  I didn't take any pics of what I made but I will show you later but Lisa and her design team had lots of good things on display to make and we got a ton of product to play with.  She had Wright's from Tampa, cater the food which was an actual Thanksgiving dinner!  Delish!  I had some nice ladies at my table but I sure missed my peeps!!  Not the same without them!

I got back home about 6:30 and Clare and I watched TV and ate our meals from Mazzarro's which were positively wonderful.  I will definitely be buying the salmon and lobster again and Clare loved her lasagne.

Today we're off to Rib Fest and I'd like to show her the beaches as she flies out tomorrow for New Orleans and her next destination!

Friday, the 13th but a good one!

The only one I know that's had a semi bad day is poor Barb but more about her later...we had another beautiful morning today and could even sleep with the window open last night and not wake up totally stopped up.  We really had fun last nite on the ghost tour with Lynn.  She did a great job and we both learned so much about the city and various buildings and about 'sightings' that have been recorded here and there.  It was about a mile walk, very pleasant and cool, and we took several shots though it was dark so not sure if they'd come out.  Here's Lynn, our guide.. As you can see, she was fashionably attired for the walk! We had a little yogurt before we headed off, lol.  We actually went into two hotels, one was really a bed and breakfast, to hear about tales from their walls...very cool place was the Pier Hotel... It had a neat ole Florida interior and a good story about Charles, the old butler...
Another neat place was the Indigo hotel with another good story.  This was the outside verandah on it which I loved...

We ended up by the Vinoy in the park for more stories.  The blue lights were all lit up on the trees there and it was rather magical...
If you have guests in town, I highly recommend this fun tour as it's fun and informative.  We didn't get home until about 10:30 and had a drink on the patio and talked for awhile and before we knew it, it was after midnight.

This morning, we hit the big post office and Clare sent off some packages home filled with stuff she's "collected" and I had to get some cards off to Gerri Anne. Then we went to Pier One and she really like that.  I also picked up several Xmas gifts there and saw lots that I liked!  Next up was Home Depot as I needed plastic for Fauna's cage and Clare spotted some Mickey ears on paint samples so picked up a dozen or so, lol!  Then off to Mazzarro's for real fun.  She was amazed at the amount of people there and the speed of everything...it had the lunch crowd and was packed.  We picked up a bunch of good stuff from their deli including spinach and sundried tomato lasagne and lobster stuffed in salmon!

We then went home to put the stuff in the refrig and feed the pups and off we took off again to pick up Barb who had just gotten home from having some MRI's taken. 
 The poor thing had a brand new "baby boomer stroller" that had everything on it including a seat.  Somehow, between their house and the Dr's office, it disappeared!! Don't know if it fell out of the truck or someone lifted it out but very strange.  We all went to Cantina for lunch and Clare had the wonderful crab and shrimp quesidilla and loved it!  I did too and Barb had the duck one which was also wonderful.  We then went to Whimsodoodle and Clare drooled her way through it!  Of course, she had to buy some items so more stuff for her!  We're going back to the PO on Monday to mail things off.

 Oh I should say that we went on a "find the missing stroller" mission but were unsuccessful, lol!  Clare had read Barb's blog when she was sick and so felt like she had known her too and was so happy to finally meet her face to face.  We had a fun time together and the afternoon flew by!

We are now home for the evening and ready to chill.  I'm taking Clare to the Saturday morning market in the morning and then I'm off to Ruban Rouge and Clare is going to relax and catch up with things while I'm gone.

It's been wonderful having her here!
 

Fun day around town...

Clare was up early as she always does and I rolled up a tad later, lol.  Was surprised to find it was chilly outside!  We had taken a short walk with the dogs last night and it was cooling off a bit then but nothing like this morning.  We took off mid morning to go to Salvadore Dali's museum which she wanted to see.  I hadn't been there in a couple of years so it was nice for me too, especially as they had a new exhibit inside of SD's jewelry which I loved!  We had an excellent docent who did the tour and was very informative and both of us enjoyed it.  Here's Clare sitting on a Dali-esque bench...  and in front of the museum..

We rode by where the new museum for it is being built and I can't wait for that to open in January, 2011 as it's very cool.

We then left there and I drove around downtown showing her various sights.  She especially loved the banyan trees!

We ate outside at this cool cafe,
across from the park.  It was a beautiful day for eating outside.  Clare had the fish and I had a Thai chicken salad.  We had this bean and corn salsa beforehand with chips which was wonderful!    I also had their cranberry iced tea that was served in the neatest gadget that brewed the tea.  You then put it on top of your class and it poured it into the glass! Very cool thing that I'd love to have!

We were going to go to the historical museum too but ran out of time so ran home.  The yard boy was finally here, cutting all the dead fronds!!

Tonight, at 8pm, we meet a guide downtown and go on a ghost tour which I've heard is very cool so I can't wait!

It's fun being the tour guide for dear Clare and I love showing off my little town.
 

Clare Day!

Yes, the New Zealander herself, is coming my way today, via Jules house.  She'll be here through the weekend which will be nice.  I have a few things on the agenda but will play it by ear as this is the first time she's been here to this part of Florida and I know she wants to see as much as possible.  I believe she has a hair appointment first and then will be down this afternoon so am anxious to see her face to face finally, after all these years of talking via email and message boards.  The wonders of the internet- we would have all not met if it weren't for the beautiful world wide web!

We finally got some rain here yesterday, late afternoon and then again at 2am when I woke up and it was pouring outside.  We need more so hope it's coming but right now it's sunny outside.  The tree/yard guy is suppose to come today too so we'll see if he shows up.

When I was riding down to Ft. Myers last weekend, I stopped at the Cracker Barrel and picked up a book on tape.  You rent it for a week or how ever long and then trade it back at any Cracker Barrel restaurant.  I got John Grisham's book, The Associate, which is about 5 CD's long.  I really got into the story and now need to finish listening to it so I can take it back on Friday.  So here I was, snug in bed last nite at 9pm, tape running.  I have about 1 more CD to go and can't wait to hear how it ends!  If you're going on a long trip, that's a good book to rent as it's long and keeps your attention.

I was going to go to Publix this morning before Clare got here but then decided she might like to have the Publix experience, lol, so will wait until she gets here!  Photos to follow I'm sure!

Ida-less

Not a drop of rain....it's all off shore they say....ummm, wonder if we'll ever get any??

Happy Tuesday!  I'm kind of half awake again as I stayed up til 2am again...puttering around.  I've got errands to run today and some cleaning to do as Clare comes tomorrow!  She's been up with Jules for a week or so and I get her next before she continues her travel through the US meeting all her scrapping pals.  She's on about a 2 month tour and has been to Victoria, Montreal, Moncton,NB, Vermont, Massachuetts, Nashville,Anna Maria Island, Orlando and Tarpon Springs so far!  She might hit New Orleans and then Nashville again and Chicago before heading home.  Some trip!!  We all met many years ago through a scrapbooking message board and now we finally get to meet face to face after all these years.  Clare is the one who sent me that wonderful sheepskin covering for my bed many years ago.  She wants to go to the Salvadore Dali museum while she's here so we will.  I've also arranged a "ghost tour" through part of the downtown, Thursday evening with my teacher pal, Lynn.  I'll play the rest by ear and take her to wherever she wants as she's anxious to see as much as possible.  She'll be here tomorrow afternoon and I'm anxious to meet her though we've talked on the message board and phone!

Well tree guy never showed up so now my yard guy comes tomorrow and he's going to cut the dead fronds off for me.  I was looking at my fence the other night and it's about 14 years old.  Part of it is leaning back badly so before long, it'll be a new fence time.  Always something when you own a home, isn't it?

Okay, I'm off...things to do...leave you with a cute pic of Max.  The other nite I was wondering where he was and I found him in my bedroom....quite comfortable, lol...

It's a New Week!!

Gotta say it again, I LOVE Mondays, now that I'm retired, lol!!  Gives a whole new spin to Sunday nights which I use to dread.  Now it's like, "what fun am I going to have this week?"!!

We have IDA out in the Gulf as many of you know.  Thank goodness, she has downsized a bit but poor Jayne in Pensacola, is feeling her wrath.  On the up side, Jayne got off work for 3 days!  I'm just hoping we get some rain as we need it so badly.  Today is overcast and very windy but no rain yet.  Wednesday, Clare will be here visiting from New Zealand, and I plan on taking her out to the Gulf so she can see the wave action, lol and catch a bite to eat at Caddy's.

This morning, on Scrapscene, they spotlighted my Maya Road Christmas tree which was nice!!  I love that little album.

Last weekend, we had KNK's online crop and my challenge to everyone was to make a name holder for the dinner table at Thanksgiving.  I used KNK's November kit to make mine because it had that cool pumpkin in it...here it is...
I used Tim Holtz's crackle paint on it which I love.  Behind it is a "gratitude" card that pulls out where you can write down what you're thankful for...

We had so much fun at the crop and there were so many neat challenges and games!

Okay, gotta run...errands to do.  Have a wonderful Monday!
 

Kiss the weekend goodbye...

but it's been a good one again!  I had a wonderful time down in Fort Myers again, with Gerri Anne, Sonja, Barb and Pennie.  We sure did laugh a lot while we did the online challenges at the crop yesterday!  It was a fun day at KNK.  We also got several things done for a school crop which was good.  I had the fun task of putting together prize packages of all kinds of neat products from KNK's store!

Barbara is always such a good host and cooked us all lasagne last night with a delish salad and garlic bread.  She had plenty of snacks for during the day too so we were well fed.  I love her house and her community down there. Here's Barb and her grandson, Robert, who also came and joined us yesterday.

The evening was georgous last night- very low humidity and a nice breeze so we sat out by the lake and had some coffee and Robert had his picnic supper!  Barb caught me earlier sitting out there looking for the alligator! 

I got home this afternoon after a pretty quick drive back.  Only took me an hour and 45 minutes today.  There was a huge wind blowing today and going over the Skyway had little Flo swaying, lol!  The wind surfers were out in mass though I only was able to catch a couple of them to take a pic since I was driving 75mph! You have to squint

in this picture to see the sails!  There were actually about 25 of them out there today in the surf, along with some white caps due to the wind.  So dear ole Ida is out in the Gulf! Hurricane season is over the 30th and I guess she just wanted to make an appearance.  They're saying now it could hit the panhandle but it could change directions 5 times so who knows.  Maybe it'll bring us some rain which we need.

Hope you had a nice weekend too- they sure fly by fast but not as fast as when I was still working, lol!
 
  

Happy Friday!

  I got up very early this morning, around 6, as I had to take Mudgy into the groomers and they want them there early.  It was nice for a change, to get up at that time though I did sneak back for a little nap later, lol!

Yesterday, Teri was in town so she dropped by and got me and we headed off to Whimsodoodle to do some damage as always...lots of new product in and all so yummy.  I picked up a couple of things for my stocking pal and myself!  I told her about that Cantina restaurant so we hit that afterwards and had that delicious crab and shrimp quesidilla again plus thier chips and salsa which is unique too.  I was stuffed!  It was fun seeing Teri and getting to spend some time with her.  She has a new 'do and it's so cute on her!

Today, after I pick up Mudge and do a few errands, I'm taking off for Ft Myers again to stay at Barb's for the weekend. KNK has an online crop tomorrow and Bingo tonight so we'll be working on that and getting ready for GA's big crop next weekend down there.  I think I'm "on" at 2pm tomorrow so check by the web site and join in the fun.  Lots of neat prizes I hear!!

I did open the house for a couple of hours this morning as it was nice but it's closed back up now as it's headed back to the high 70's again.  It will be warmer down where I'm going to so no Uggs will be worn, lol!

I'll check in from down there.  Have a good day!

Oh, I wanted to show you Barb's rug from Turkey as it came in too... So beautiful!!

Happy Thursday...

Another hot and sunny day here in Florida, still no Fall!  I think we'll just go from summer to winter at some point.

Started out this morning with those religious folks at my front door and the pool guys at my back door and the dogs barking in between!  I didn't realize until I retired, how often those church people come around...I think I need a sign for my door-"It's too late for this woman, walk away"...

I had a nice lunch with Patricia yesterday and we talked about our upcoming trip in December which I can't wait for...I haven't been in that part of NC, the mountains, since my parents moved away from there so really looking forward to it. 

I also got some errands done which is always good.  Today I'm going to head up to Teresa's later this afternoon to check out some things and I need to think about packing as I leave tomorrow afternoon for Ft. Myers.  First thing tomorrow, Mudgy is going in for a grooming which he really needs.

I'll leave you today with a really special treat, thanks to Di who sent it on...watch and listen to this and I dare you to not be clapping or swaying to the beat by the end of it!  It's wonderful!! 

Hello Hump Day!

I didn't blog yesterday as most of the day, had one of those sinus headaches where you feel blah so didn't do much of anything.  Feel much better today as I closed the windows again and AC is back on darn it.  It's another warm and sunny day out there...again.

I was suppose to go see Teresa yesterday but didn't go but hope to go tomorrow.  Today I'm meeting Patricia for lunch and to hear about her last NC trip.  She sent me a picture this morning of the area near her house and it was so beautiful... Too bad fall doesn't last longer, and too bad we don't have it, lol!

Okay, gotta run...things to do, places to go....
 

Happy Monday!

Well the day started out nicely, with my cleaning lady coming which always puts me in a good mood!  I had to ask her about dogsitting too when I go to NC and one of the Ft Myers weekends and no problem there so that's great too.

THEN I got the mail...good mail/bad mail.  I got a letter from my house insurance company that I've only had two years, telling me basically that they were pulling out of Florida like so many others due to Hurricane coverage.  So they're through with me come February when my contract is up.  I did put a call in to my agent and was told not to worry, they had plenty of other companies to go to and they would rewrite my contract.  You do have to worry though that the price will go up.  It sure did last time.  Insurance companies are a huge rip off in Florida, the way they're pulling out...makes me so mad.  Never had a claim with Nationwide for 20 years and they pulled out.  The State needs to do something about this...Woody's idea was that they shouldn't be able to do car insurance if they can't do home insurance and I like that idea!

The good mail was my kit from Carol Wingert which is always a pleaser. 
This is her Christmas album and I'm sure it will be beautiful.

Speaking of, here's the mini album I made using Maya Road's chipboard Xmas tree which is in layers.  I used Graphic 45 with it and just love it...

We're suppose to get cooler temps tonight so looking forward to that...hope it really happens!!
 

The beginning of November

Wow, hard to believe that November is here today.  Still have the AC on and it's still in the low 80's all week, well 78 today but still.....our lows are suppose to be down in the 60's so we'll see but no Fall or Winter here for sure.  I've decided I'm going to spend next Fall somewhere up north, at least for a couple of weeks, so I can really experience it.  I just need an invitation to go somewhere, lol

Last night I ended up staying home after all.  I got some early T or T'ers and of course, Max was going nuts.  He doesn't do well with loud noises or people he doesn't know, at least at first.  I put him in the bedroom and put the TV on for noise cover up.  I ended up only having about 20 kids so have tons of candy left as I bought more to take to Barb's.  I guess I'll either give it to Linda for the crops or take some down to school for the teachers.

Michele gave me two passes to rent blockbuster movies at Publix so I used them yesterday.  Not great choices out of that big blue box so I ended up with two new releases, American Violet and Life is Hot in Cracktown!!  Both pretty depressing movies and so I don't recommend them.  Thanks Michele anyway, lol!

Got my monthly check from retirement again....think I love it, love getting paid when I don't work!  Good thing I also get a monthly check from investments or I'd be in trouble.  As it is, I need to start watching my spending as I sure can't do as I've always done.  But I'm not complaining at all as I know I'm very lucky to be able to do what I'm doing.

Speaking of spending money...got an email today as I am on the sub list for Teresa Collin's weekend retreat for next year.  There is only a limited number that can go and I'm not even sure my name will come up but I hope it does.  I loved what they did this year.  It's in September in Henderson, Nevada.  I've never been there.

I really love it too as TC has kept the price reasonable and manageable, not like others.  So that's a nice possibility for next year.  Any of my friends from here that might like to go, let me know so we can get you on the list too!

Okay, I'm off to finish up a project for my reveal tomorrow at KNK, so need to get busy!

Trick or Treat, Smell my feet...

well they should smell good since I just had one of Peggy's famous pedicures!!  She always does such a nice job and gives the best leg massages. 

Tonight is Barb's house for Halloween as always.  Her neighborhood, Woodlawn, always has the best time.  All the houses participate and people bring their kids there from all over as they know it's fun.  One neighborhood grills hot dogs for everyone, there on the sidewalk!  Barb always has a lot of people come over and great food too so looking forward to it, not to mention Josh's Sangria!  Last year I had Jayne here and she went with me but she couldn't make it this year due to travel restrictions in her county.  She was here for a meeting last year so it worked out nicely.  We'll miss you Jayne!  But I'll see you in January up in the Panhandle for the Beach Crop!

I was talking to Linda the other day about the Utah trip and she is going to Portland, Oregon, first, to see her daughter and then head to Utah.  We decided I'd go too and I can't wait as I LOVE Portland!  Been there twice, once for a convention and once on a trip with Woody.  So we'll have a little mini trip first!  That's happening in June.

January is the Beach Crop in the Panhandle, February is Winter Retreat up at Oleno State Park and May is Donna Downey's Inspired Event in North Carolina.  I have March and April open for trips, lol! 

 

It's beginning to look a lot like....

No, not Christmas yet!!  But for some unknown reason, the Christmas spirit awoke in me this morning.  I do not have the tunes on yet, nor really bought any presents, however, I did purchase two things this morning to put me in the mood...  a beautiful Victorian wreath and a balsam centerpiece from Maine.  I always used to order a wreath from Maine every year when I lived at the beach for 5 years and loved the smell of it.  I haven't even thought about it for the longest time until this morning and I went looking and found what I wanted online.

Oh, I can smell my house now!!  I can't wait for them to be delivered this year so I guess I better clean off my dining room table! 

And guess what came in the mail yesterday?  My Pioneer Woman's cookbook!  Wow, what a cool book the way it's laid out.  Tons of pictures of not only food but her family and home.  She has the best recipes!

Today I am off to see pool girl Caroline's new home!!  I can't wait to see it and to see her and the boys.  Caroline is having a little girl also in the New Year so I imagine she's quite big right now so pictures I will take!
 

Good Thursday Morning!

 I got up late again today.  Well actually, I get up early, let the dogs out and then go, ho-hum, time to go back to bed and off I go, lol!  I can't help it, I'm enjoying the heck out of sleeping in after getting up at 5:30 am all those years.  I am better in the latter part of the day anyway, energy wise and now I stay up late so it works out great.

I made a decision this morning- I'm going to Utah baby!!  Regrettably, Hilltop had planned their fabulous Utah trip at the same time as my Alaskan cruise.  We had a problem with dates and it just wasn't the right time to go to Alaska so I'll go there later and be able to go with all the Hilltop girls afterall.  It should be a blast as Dawn and Linda have secured a FABULOUS place for us to stay in for a week..look at it HERE!  Now when we're there, there won't be snow...I don't think...I'll have to ask my friend Margie about the weather...but we're going to see the birthplace of scrapbooking.  Dawn has all kinds of trips planned for us and we have a bus for just us, and a driver, for the whole time too.  I think something like 20 people are going.

So don't cry for me Argentina- I will go to Alaska, just not this coming June!

Tonight I'm headed to a Southern Living party at Lynn's house, with Barb, so looking forward to that.

Saw this the other day and loved it and wanted to share....the new kind of bathtub!!
Ms. Elle, I think this would look nice in your house!! 

Fun Evening!

I had the best time last night at Whimsodoodle, taking a Debby Schuh class.  You can check out Debby's blog
 with a link on the right side of my blog.  Anyway, always enjoy her classes as I learn something new and last night was no exception.  She had some cute folding ideas that I will definitely use in future projects plus I love what we made.  We made an ATC holder with adorable cards.  Her idea is to have this by your door and when people visit, they take one of the cards and write out a message to you as a memory of their visit.  I love that idea!  Do you think the UPS guy would do it? lol!!  Anyway, here's some pictures from the class which was a full one...

Dianne wasn't really mad in this photo, I just caught her in an off moment, lol!

Jen and her sister.  Jen flew down from Pennsylvania for the weekend.

Some of our ATC cards we made..


I always like to show my messy work station but WAIT!  I found out someone who is MUCH messier than me and it's Stacy!!  She said that wouldn't surprise anyone, lol.  She had stuff all over the floor going everywhere, too funny!  I felt positively neat!

Yes, we had some Hilltop people too!  I wish more of my Hilltop friends could have come join me but since it was a week night, not a great time for people who work.

There were quite a few ladies there from over the Skyway. I bet there were 5 or 6 that had driven up from Sarasota.  Nice group of ladies and fun, fun class.  It was nice to catch up with Debby too and I was so happy she had heard from her son who was in basic training and away for a month.  Debby is from Syracuse but travels all over and her parents winter down here by Anna Maria Island.  She loved Whimsodoodle!

Yesterday, on top of my rug arriving, my Anna Griffin Christmas kit arrived too which is sooooooooooo pretty...can't wait to play with it.

 Okay, I need to get off here and do something today....my house is a mess!

My Turkish rug is finally here!

It just arrived...took me 20 minutes to cut off the packaging around it!  I love it!  They put two little rings on the back of it also so I can hang it....

If you go HERE, and scroll half way down, you can see my pictures from the place where it was made and some of the processes that were so cool.

Rug and Debby kind of day!

Two big things happening today, my rug is arriving from Turkey!!  Can't wait to see it.  Barb is coming over to housesit and wait for the UPS guy if it hasn't arrived by the time of my Dr's appointment.

The other thing is I have Debby Schuh's class tonight at Whimsodoodle which I've been looking forward to for awhile!  Here's the project we'll be working on..an ATC (artistic trading cards) holder of sorts... Isn't it cute?

Can't wait to make it tonight as the class is from 6:30-9:30.  Debby is the one who we originally were suppose to travel with on the med cruise until Scrapmap screwed it up.  Speaking of, I see scrapmap is offering a Tim Holtz cruise to New England and Canada next year which I'm sure would be great if you didn't have to go with Scrapmap!  I refuse to ever give them my money after what they did.  But it all turned out good as we found an even better cruise!

Okay, need to get some more coffee here and do some things before my app't this afternoon.