Folder 6 Picture 6 you have been tagged

Thanks my friend, remember I get even!! This post is in honor of Rachel who tagged me asking me to write about my 6 folder and 6 picture. Golly I am glad I liked the picture, I can think of a few I would have trouble with.

This is Kit (Nosey, *ithcycat, Kithastrphe ) she was born about 13 years ago in my back porch. I had brought home a pregnant feral calico from work hoping to tame her a little. It never happened, she and all the kittens she had but Kit went to a home as barn cats. I kept Kit because I adore calicos. You would think she would be tame she was loved from the beginning, oh no Kit has a personality of a wildcat. When she was younger I was the only one brave enough to pet her never knew when she woud attack!

She is always wherever you are; digging a hole her head is right in it. Working in the garden she is laying just a row away watching. The first time she jumped up on the hammock I was laying in I was a little shocked. She curled up and went to sleep next to me, I reached down to pet her, she bit me!!

She has mellowed a little in her age she acknowledges I feed her so I am needed in her life. She was out cold when this picture was taken this summer.

Thanks Rachel it was rather fun.

A future Daughter

I received the best gift late Christmas night, Donald called and told us he had given Katie an engagement ring. I feel Blessed beyond words, they have been dating for 10 years and I love her like a daughter. She is beautiful and charming and the perfect partner for my son. (She keeps him grounded in the real world)

Have I mentioned her Mom, Pam, and I have been good friends even before they started dating? This was in the marching band era when we both helped the boosters out. So actually I have gained a sister too in this too. Both of us are Northern girls so we think a little differently than most people down here. (Even thought we both have been here for 30 some years we are still considered from up there!)

Don called up Katie's parents Christmas Eve and asked if he could see them. ( OK that is really a red flag for all who know Don) He asked permission for her hand in marriage the old fashion way. See I knew I did right raising him. Pam and Kirby laughed and said yes.

Christmas was a wonderful day with family and friends just the way it should be.

Etsy Front Page 12/25/08 WhimsybyMari

Etsy Front Page 12/25/08 WhimsybyMari
Originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers

Merry Christmas. I will write more tomorrow but I wanted to share my first Front Page on ETSY. I felt strongly about doing a Treasury that showed the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Crafty Nation

Buster has a worried look on his face, do you think maybe I have figured out who keeps moving the Santa in the window? ( See the one over his back) It mysteriously gets moved every time we leave, not hurt just moved! I wrapped his gift today and he goes over to just that one and smells it.

Last week I joined a new craft web site named Crafty Nation. It is crafters from all over that just log on to get together and talk about what they are doing. This week's Blog from them have both me and Rachel featured- http://www.craftynation.com/blogs/201 . Go take a look. It is exciting to have recognition and I am glad Rachel and I are in the same one. She has come up with some wonderful Lip Balm, you know I am already addicted to her soaps. They make my face feeling so soft and clean.

Everything else is pretty quite here. My shoulder after a week of taping is feeling better.

You Won't Believe them

I have struggled the last couple of days trying to load pictures, so this morning I reloaded Adobe. Woohoo it worked so here are two pictures I took the day it snowed, beautiful aren't they. The weather looks like may have a white Christmas, how cool is that. I was supposed to go Caroling tonight (yes I was going to make a joyful noise!!) but it is too slick. Hope I get over the fear of falling.

I have made cookies all week with more to make tomorrow. Cookie exchange this weekend and I can't wait, so far I made oatmeal cookies, biscotti and these candies that are so easy to make here is the recipe:

YOU WON'T BELIEVE THEM

1 cup Butter
1 cup light brown sugar

1 pkg. chocolate chips
40 saltine crackers
1 c. pecans, chopped

Line a jelly roll pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Lay crackers flat on foil. Melt sugar and butter together on stove until "foamy" Make sure all the sugar has melted. Pour over crackers and spread evenly. Bake @ 350 for 10 minutes. While mixture is hot sprinkle chips over top. Let them melt 1-2 minutes then spread chocolate out evenly. Spread pecans evenly over top and use a glass to press them into chocolate. Cool and refrigerate until hard. Break into small pieces. Store in air tight container.

These are really good they have that sweet and salty thing going on.

Tomorrow more cookies and this weekend bourbon balls.

ArtFire is a wonderful adventure

I have been on ArtFire for about a month and so far really like the site. Sure it has a few bugs, but that is true with anything new. I have even had a sale this weekend. The community is very supportive of each other. The listing is so easy and new features are added every day to make it an easier site to navigate.

I was reading the forums on ArtFire and someone stated that the blog Autonomous Artisan was featuring ArtFire jewelry designers today. Well shoot, being the nosy person I am I had to go see. GUESS WHAT? My bracelet was the first one on the page . Wow what a surprise, you all know I am a little shy about my jewelry designing so to honored in this way just tickles my fancy. Thanks you guys very much for the honor. http://autonomousartisans.blogspot.com/ please go look at this great blog

It snowed last night, we got about 3 inches of snow and ice combination. I am hoping Spring is right around the corner! I took pictures but for some odd reason they will not load tonight. Buster I think disliked it more than me and was very thankful that Dennis had the 4 wheeler out and made tracks for him to walk in. This morning he wandered all over the back yard until he found a lone blade of grass to christen,

Tomorrow pictures.

Christmas Tree, a snippet of my life

Our Christmas Tree is a small snippet of my life. I have a story or memory for each of our ornaments.I love putting it up and always feel sad when we have taken it down. The pickle above is new, however I have the original tucked away for safekeeping. When we were little my Grandparents always tucked the pickle in the tree after we went to sleep. Christmas morning the three of us searched the tree for it. There was always a special gift for the finder. It is an old Slavic tradition that I have carried on. First with my son now with the neighbor kids who call to see if I have the tree up yet!

OK I know it is a little odd looking. This one was made by my Mom (86) when she was just a small child. It is paper machie and heavy so it always hangs on the lower limbs, now that you know the story it is beautiful isn't it

This angel is the only one we have from Dennis' childhood, it was his Grandma's.

One of my favorite gifts every Christmas was from my Aunt Wanda. She used to send us a ornament each year that was plastic with a Christmas theme. Inside there was always 1.00 tucked it it.

Dennis helped us put ornaments on this year, a job he doesn't usually do (he is the light man) I didn't realize how set in my ways Donald and I are. He would put on up and Don and I would move it to where it belonged!!! Silly I know but still.................

Just looking at my tree it looks like a hodge podge of sometimes not so shiny ornaments, but to us it is looking at our lives and wonderful Blessed memories of Christmas.

Win a Pair of My earrings

Bluegrass Etsy Street team is having a contest this month and a pair of my earrings are being featured. All you need to do is go to the Blog and leave a comment. How easy is that?http://bluegrassetsy.blogspot.com/

Not much going on in my life. Physical Therapy is difficult and I almost dread going. I just can't seem to get my strength back or the over the head. Tomorrow I promise to take you on a tour of my Christmas tree. I have ornaments from the 20's. I have one my Mom made when she was about 6 she is 86 now! Love my tree it tell a story.

Rain Rain and More Rain

I am still struggling with the new computer, getting it the way I want it. I uploaded pictures into it and rediscovered my Bryce pictures from 07. I look like Ranger Rick don't I? That is my nephew Charlie who is now about 6'4'' He is the best teenager I know.

Our trip to Bryce was fabulous, beautiful and one of the best trip I have ever taken. It was there among the HooDoo's that I realized them path to heaven was opening to me. I realized I could never go home by acts alone. I Thank both Charlie and Kathy for this.

I look at the last year with reflection and realize that I have more patience, understaning and peace within me. I feel His Amazing Grace every day. Everything I have endured this year with my shoulder I could not have gone through this without Him. He knows the plans He made for me, and I beleive that now. Without Him I am nothing, He is my everything.

All of you that know me, know that I have always been a kind and giving person. I am no different in that respect now His Grace covers all I do. There is so much Joy in my heart knowing He loves me so.

I love you all and thank you for reading this, I feel so deeply about my Joy. Read the Bible if you haven't for awhile it is our Instruction on Life. Start in Psalms and read what David thought.

Back home and Vote for me

This is a shameless plug for my ornament. So all 5 of you that read me OK maybe it is 6 by now VOTE!! Here is the link http://bluegrassetsy.blogspot.com/ come on all you lampwork lovers help me out.

I had a great flight home, I have flown into O'Hare for so many years I forgot how great Midway is. It too is a small airport like Louisville, people are nicer and you don't have so far to walk. I got to board early because of my arm. And the weather was perfect.

Mom ended up with 6 inches of snow more expected Wednesday and Saturday. The snow was beautiful a great wet snow that blanketed the trees. It was so pretty by the arboretum and with all the Holiday light up.

Last night my cousin and I went to eat, I had Italian Beefs dipped. My mouth waters now thinking of the wonderful tastes. There is a place in Etown that has Chicago hot dogs and beefs, they are close but not the same. I have decided it is the buns. There is just no good bread in Kentucky. My BIL my first day in took me and Charlie to breakfast i got so excited that I could order real rye bread. Toasted with butter, it doesn't get any better. I don't think Rob caught my excitement!

It was great to see Mom and Kathy but nice to be back home soon in my snuggly bed.

The Squirrels, Dogs and Snow

My sister has the biggest squirrels I have ever seen. I think they know all the best places to eat. I left for Chicago on Thanksgiving morning, what a great time to travel. there were no crowds and the plane was only 1/2 full. I travel on Tuesday to come home so maybe I will have the same blessings. This is Winston showing off for Aunt Mari. Charlie makes a jump for him and he jumps over to catch the ball. OVER AND OVER again. He is very well behaved and like a huge lap dog. I love big dogs that a leaners, he either leans or sits on your foot when he is close to you.

The most disgusting thing happened today!!! It Snowed, pretty to look at but I would much rather see it in a picture. 3-7 inches!!!!! Picture below is from Mom's window. (I really wish Mom would move to a warmer climate, visiting would be so much better.)

I will try to pop back later today I just wanted to post pictures.

I LOVE ARTFIRE

Newest Listing on www.ArtFire.com

Art fire seems like it will be a great venue. Support on there is amazing, so quick answering emails I actually feel important. Last night I signed up for the unlimited listings for $7.00 a month. That in turns gives me memership priviledges as far as the forums and postings. Posting is a dream, all done on one page with lots of picture options too. I am still feeling my way around, but found some cool things today. You can link an item to http://www.twitter.com/ then Artfire has the capabilities to tally how many hits you received from that URL.

I have some things listed on ArtFire that are from ETSY with good savings. Go and check my site http://www.whimsybymari.artfire.com/ .

If you decide to take the jump to ArtFire here is a link that gives me credit for you joining.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=sevenforlife&afuid=3968

I would love to see you guys there. I already have Rachal from Wilmoth soaps there

I just signed up on ArtFire

Always looking for another outlet to showcase my jewelry. I have noticed a few forum posting on Etsy about WWW.artfire.com and yesterday took a look for myself. There is no listing fee and no sellers fees, HMM looking good so far. You can pay 7.00 a month for unlimited listings, that sounds pretty good too. So I opened up a shop on ArtFire last night. I posted what I had that I could duplicate in case I just happened to sell something on them at the same time. Take a few moments and look at my new shop let me know what you think.

WWW.WhimseyByMari.Artfire.com

Rachel stopped by today and we did my favorite thing. TRADE! I know have some wonderful Body Butter and soaps and Leah will have some beautiful earrings. I showed her Artfire too so maybe we both will be there.

Friday

Jacket Pull
Originally uploaded by whimsybymari

Just seeing if this will work from Flickr. You know me never able to let those little buttons be. I made this sweet jacket pull last week, I really like it. It has a heavy lobster clasp on it so it could be used on a charm bracelet or as an enhancer.

Tonight I went out to eat with Joni and then went to listen to hear son's band. They are a Christian Rock Band and were very good. I remember listening to Josh play in band when he was in High School.

Christmas Challenge

Corrine came up with the greatest Team Challenge, making a Christmas ornament. I wanted to make one that would represent my shop but was kinda stuck as to what to do. One day sitting at my messy work table these beads came into view. Well not all together I spied the hollow first then the flower and thought this might work. I played and fiddled most of the afternoon with this idea and am quite pleased with the results.

The sterling chains hold a combination of Swarovski and vintage crystals with seed beads. The first bead is a gorgeous hollow with scroll work echoing the bottom bead. The flower is the perfect top looks very Christmasy with the miliflori center and red petals. All were made by the talented Jill Symons. No really Jill you did make the flower!

It has to be listed in our shops, golly that was the hardest part. I really like this and I hope it doesn't sell. The moral of this whole story is I am glad my work area is a disaster cause I never would have seen any of these to make a finished piece. That is my story and I am sticking with it. Wonder if it will work on the rest of the house?

Me Nosey

So I have spent the day playing with the new computer. You know getting everything the way I like it so Dennis can change to the way he likes it. I loaded part of my pictures and had the wonderful idea that it would be the perfect time to organize them. The flash stick only had 1225 on it!!!!!! Yes to all of you, I did delete and put the all in folders the sad thing is I still have to do the external hard drive that has most of the pictures, how could I have this many pictures?? Let's just see how good my intentions are and how long I can keep organized.

I have gone on a trading frenzy on ETSY. Hey it is a great way to get things you want and not spend cash. I traded for a pair of fingerless gloves and stained glass and tiny Thank You cards and that is in just two days. My hands always get cold in the living room so I thought fingerless gloves would be such a cool idea. I let you know is they work.

The picture above is a picture of Maxie my nieces cat. Mary had taken this when I gave her my camera to use in July. I forgot I had the picture and i laughed when I saw it. It describes Maxie's personality to the tee. She is always into everything.

A new computer

What no pictures??

Yes that is correct, I have had a most disturbing weekend. Our computer crashed beyond repair on Saturday, it had been limping since Thursday. I had the sound mind to buy an external hard drive and saved my picture but just don't want to load them yet.

The sound card had been gone for every and it is odd to hear your computer again. Chat rooms have noise! I had forgotten that. This one came with a flat screen monitor so I am in heaven. Etsy has a whole new look.

Short post tonight there is a line for the computer!!

Another walk and Twitter

Today was a busy day for me, almost like I was working. I used to love Mondays at work because they flew by. Today was like that too. Physical Therapy was a bugger today. They are really working me to get the last hard movement out of me. During manipulation Guy had one arm on my arm and the other on the side of my rib cage pulling my shoulder. Holy Smokes is all I can say about that. Above is a new bracelet I used wire guardians on it, they are supposed to help the bracelet wear better.
Love these earrings, very simple but make a big statement. The color is so perfect for this years fashions. I listed a few new pieces today and even listed some silver charms I would like to find a new home for.

Dennis took me on a great walk today. It is deer season so we both had on blaze orange. I am really glad I had the camera so you guys can't see how great I look in blaze orange!! The weather was perfect in the 50's but sunny. We checked all the game cameras and worked on food plots too. Didn't see any wildlife, but Dennis showed me where the bobcat lives.

I joined Twitter this week. It is addicting and I don't even know what I am doing. It is like a chat room but a lot of times one sided cause you do not see what every one else types. It has increased views into my shop still no sales. I just drop by and leave a comment every once and awhile.

Friday Finds and A Walk in the Woods

Lunabudknits is a team member of mine on Bluegrass Etsy. I telling you her yarns make me want to learn to knit. The colors are just beautiful aren't they?
Take a look at her shop: www.Lunabudknits.etsy.com
This afternoon we went walking in the woods. The tree colors are not as pretty as usual due to the drought, but it was still pretty nice. Buster had a ball running through the leaves and smelling all the critters back there. The sun made the trees look like they were on fire. I picked up hickory nuts, if they are good I'll go back and get enough to make a pie.
This was taken while I was laying in the hammock. I thought the sky was such a beautiful shade of blue and the clouds were so wispy. Tomorrow morning is pancake breakfast an t the fire station. It is an annual tradition opening morning of deer season. I hope I can roll myself out of bed early.

Sweet Taters

This summer I discovered a sweet tater that should have been cooked a while ago. You know it had sprouted on me. I decided that I should try to plant it to see if it would grow. LOOK!!! It grew taters. Well OK I do see that most of them are not big, but Buster and I are pretty excited because we both love them.

This week I planted garlic bulbs. Dennis and I use a lot of garlic in cooking and I thought it would be cool to try to grow it. So me and my trusty army shovel planted it in one of my flower beds. I bet it was interesting to watch me one armed planting!!

This week I tried an interesting recipe with butternut squash. I cut the slender ends off, then peeled them. I then used a mandolin and sliced them. Chilled in ice water for 30 minutes, then drained and patted dry. In the deep fryer, I placed a sprig of both rosemary and thyme and cooked till they quit popping. Drain them. I then dropped in the squash pieces and fried till crisp. Put on paper towels, Sprinkled them with the herbs and kosher salt.

Gosh they were great. In fact Dennis said he didn't want any so I was eating them all. He finally tried one and it was a fight to the finish.

Remember tomorrow is my Friday Finds.

Birthdays and Hayrides

My camera has a night shot on it. I really never use it mostly cause I forget it is there. Tonight at Norm's I took a picture of the pond I thought it came out well. The pond is covered with geese, they make so much noise you can hardly talk over them. When we slept with the windows open a couple of weeks back they kept me up most of the night.

Here are some coming in to for the night. They feed in other fields and roost on Norm's at night. I still love to see them go into the roll right before they land. They talk and chatter as each new bunch comes in. There must have been over 100 tonight. I do forget how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place,

Here they are going off on the hayride. Oh you city guys really do not know what you are missing. I love to go on hayrides. I decided not to go this time scared of my shoulder so I stayed back with the old folks:((. We were all celebrating Norm, Rachal, Doug, Leah, and John's birthdays wow that was a hard song to sing!! We had chili, peanut butter, homemade pimento cheese that was wonderful. Then the best part Homemade Pumpkin Pie. Nothing like the first bite of a pumpkin pie. Thank you Kirky.

Friday Fabulous Finds

Took this picture last thing last night, just as the sun was leaving. It was a specular day yesterday in the high 60's sunny no wind. Bitter sweet knowing it will be one of the last beautiful days of Fall. I sat outside and let the boys play all day

while I read and tried to draw. Here they are, Chub, Buster and Nick. Chub is so old he is hard of hearing almost blind and had a stubborn streak before all that!! So now I let him out and he can't hear to come back and doesn't see me waving hand signals. I chased him all over trying to catch him last night.

I love this pillow. It is from www.lindylou2.etsy.com check out her shop it is so cute. Her fabric is to die for. I have this pillow and one other marked as a favorite. I think they would be so cute in my family room. Her daughters shop is www.elegantsnobbery.etsy.com also a favorite of mine. She has the cutest drawings.

The title of my post?? I decided ever Friday I would showcase an etsy shop or two.

ACKK Tagged again.

Where is your mobile phone? being charged
Where is your significant other? watching TV downstairs.
Your hair colour? Dark dark brown with a little white( I like it, so no color for me)
Your mother? lives in Chicago and is 85
Your father? died years ago
Your favourite thing? I am easily pleased. but I am going to say laughing with Kat or Jill
Your dream last night? Don't remember
Your dream goal? Have a great kitchen
The room you're in? Living Room
Your hobby? Jewelry making, reading, drawing, gardening
Your fear? You know it happened this summer, breaking my shoulder and you know what I'm OK. I have always found facing them is the best way to get over them.
Where do you want to be in six years? Living here with a great kitchen
Where were you last night? At the movies watching Fireproof
What you're not? Sure of myself
One of your wish-list items? LAPTOP (in caps in case anyone tells Dennis:))
Where you you grew up? Illinois
The last thing you did? Used my machine to help my bone grow
What are you wearing? Black leggins, red sweatshirt, socks and birkis
Your TV? mine not on
Your pets? BUster, Nick, Chub (dogs) Boots, Max, Kit (cats)
Your computer? awful and old
Your mood? happy
Missing someone? my sis Tish, I wish we coud have grown old together
Your car? Hyundi
Something you're not wearing? makeup
Favourite shop? There is a bead store in Illinois I love
Your summer? Laying in the hammock, reading and Physical therapy
Love someone? Yes for 30+ years
Your favourite colour? Red everyone who knows me knows I think it is a neutral
When is the last time you laughed? This morning
Last time you cried? Movies last night

Don't worry Rachal I'll get you !!!

Treated me today

Isn't this beautiful?? I thought so too. It is now on the way to me house to live and keep me warm. My shoulder really hurts in the cold so I thought this was the perfect solution and look good at the same time. www.LazyTcrochet.etsy.com is the creator of this wrap. Take a look at her shop she has the most beautiful hats and wraps in very yummy colors. I know this is very Mari looking!!

Tonight I am off to see Fireproof at the show. Maybe a review is in order tomorrow.

OH NO I've been tagged

Horrors of horrors!! I am a pretty open person so there is not too much people do not know about me. My friends have all known me for years, hey they still love me so I guess it is OK.I am supposed to tell you 7 things about me you might not know, then tag 7 of my friends. (OK so maybe after this they are no longer friends!!)

1) Everyone knows I LOVE peanut butter, but did you know that I eat it out of the jar? and if I am really bad add a spoon of honey! Who needs the extra calories of bread.

2)Everyone knows me as being gregarious, lively, never meeting a stranger and sometimes even loud--but I LOVE quite and solitude. Sitting in the pine thicket and just being is one of my favorite things to do.

3)I LOVE PEEPS!! ( Used to buy them for my son, yeah I knew he didn't like em) I do try to restrict myself to Christmas , but Halloween, Valentines and Easter sneak in. I love the grainy texture of the sugar and the creamy of the insides. Sugar Rush...

4)Libby I love the smell of books too. I don't think that is so strange. I get overwhelmed at the bookstore cause I don't know what to focus on first.

5)I really dislike shopping at Walmart. I would rather pay the higher price of Krogers to have a pleasant shopping experience. On the other hand I adore Big Lots, someone figure that out.

6)I love designing jewelry, but I really do not like to do custom work. I feel all restrained and everything has to have way to much order. The last Mother Bracelet I made I thought I would loose my mind. When I dropped it off the lady said her daughter just told her she was expecting again and soon I would have to add another strand!!! IS THERE NO MERCY?? There is a reason my worktable is a mess.

7) I get lost all the time, but the funny thing is even strangers will follow me like I know what I am doing. I have no sense of direction but must look like I know what I am doing. Ask my sister she could tell you some hysterical stories about being lost. I embarass my husband when I do it, but I just laugh why get upset.

1. Rachal

2. Jill

3. Angie

4. Deb

5. Kathy

6. Elegant Bloggery

7. see this is even odder I do not read 7 blogs to know seven people.

7.

HOW TO EAT A BUTTERNUT SQUASH

For those of you who do not like butternut squash, I think it is because you do not eat it correctly. I think you should eat it like Nick !! Nick sneaks into the garage every day and steals a squash from the bin. He then runs around the yard with it in his mouth growling and huffing.

You then throw it up in the air and do the pounce thingy and then run once again like a maniac through the yard.

Plop down take a few bite and do it all over again. This dog is just not right I really do prefer mine with butter salt and pepper!!

The most glorious news

I can't think of a better picture than this to put on my blog tonight. This is Blueball Baptist Church, the church I attend. It is the oldest church community in Hardin county.

Back to subject.. I went to the Dr. today and received the best news. (For those who are reading this for the first time, I shattered my shoulder in July) The Physical Therapist always sends a note to the Dr. Guy said I had 145 degree rotation in my arm forward. Dr. Been ( The world's BEST surgeon) said that was not possible. He asked me to show him and I did. He got the biggest smile on his face and told us that he never, never thought I would be able to do that in 8 months let alone 3!!! I told him all the glory is The Lord's he looked at me smiled and said yes. He called me his miracle patient. That with the damage I had, there should be no way I can do the things I can do. YAHOOS

He told the Dept. of Labor nurse it was my positive attitude also that got me where I am now.
Said I had the most positive spirit of any of his patients. Quite a compliment isn't it.

I get to go back to work sometime next week, arrangements are being made. Still light duty for awhile. Hey I can only lift 2 pounds with my left arm.

I feel Blessed, today when I got home it was the first time I every fell to my knees to thank God. Right there in the front where I stayed all summer. I thought it fitting I thank Him there cause I prayed there all summer. The song "Blessed be His name" has rolled through my head all day.

Walking with Nick

Nick and I went on a walk today. I drove us half way to Ginny's house silly right? He hates the neighbors dogs, I can control him usually however it wasn't worth the chance with my arm so we just drove past them. We both enjoyed the walk, it was in the 60's and sunny perfect weather for a romp. I walked about a mile, Nick ran full speed about 10!!
This is Norm do something to the field near Gin's. I remember him when he was 6 and would come to go sledding down our hill. It is so nice to have become part of a community watching the kids grow into adults, knowing that whenever you needed something they all would be there to help. In tirn we would be there for them. Norm has grown into a kind a generous man with a wicked sense of humor. He reminds me so much of his Grandfather and Dad.
These are Gin's horses watching Nick run like a Moran. The white one is a Perchon and is huge, I think her name is Molly. The one on the left is the one who always walks over to see me. I sure wish I could ride again.
This is actually what I saw of Nick most of the time I think we should so this walk a little more often. Get some of that energy out of him and some of the fat off me!!

Rachal (Norm's other half) has posted more soaps on her site. She has the prettiest one with bees on it. I bought some bars and used them as a door Prize at the Retreat it was the first one chosen. Take a look at her site www.wilmothfarms.etsy.com I am sure you sill find one you like. They really have helped my hands feel softer. Tomorrow I am going to help her take some pictures of her new soaps.

The Retreat

I spent a glorious weekend with 22 of the Ladies from my church. We went down to Diamond Caverns and had a Bible study done by Beth Moore called Loving Well. She is a powerful speaker and really brought a powerful message to us all. The jest of the whole thing is for us to learn to love ourselves before we can begin to love. If you every have the chance to see her or hear her please do. The absolute best part of the weekend was getting to know all the ladies at a different level Here are a few of us waiting for the program to begin. I can't remember laughing as hard as I did this weekend for a long time. We had 6 of us to a room and my roomies were all a perfect fit. There was a Talent or No talent show that left everyone crying from laughing so hard. Why is it we can let our guard down so well when it is just women?? I made Jill's Biscotti recipe. I thought everyone in the world has had Biscotti. Guess what they haven't! After a little convincing they all had a bite. That is all it took. It now looks like that is going to be my Christmas gift to a lot of folks!! Thanks Jill they were wonderful.
Our craft time was making picture frames. Above is the one I made. Ms. Jill again was a great help I brought glass hearts for the frames and my roommates all use one on there frame. Made me feel like she was right there with me, in spirit anyway. That is my niece Mary with me, what so you think is there a family resemblance? Now I guess I need to make Charlie one for Christmas too.

Saturday Turtles to a Wedding/ A Full Day

Turtles have always come into out yard to lay eggs. Normally they hatch much sooner than this I don't know if the weather had something to do with the late hatch. I have found three this week, one on the back stoop one in the garage and one outside. the first I gave to Doug the two in the picture I turned loose after the picture session. When Don was small we collected baby turtles and kept them in a tank. It was always so much fun to watch them, they actually got used to us and would climb on the rock and wait to be fed. We went to a beautiful wedding this afternoon. Our nephew Jeff married Brooke they now have a blended family of four boys. Better them then me right?? Great picture, do we all remember the feelings of that kiss? Her dress was just beautiful the train was in black and white and her veil edged in black. Striking dress and a beautiful wedding. The only grip I had is Mamaw wanted to leave before the cake was cut. Sorry guys I love wedding cake and I didn't get any!!!
This is my nephew Jeff and his son Dalton. Jeff is very very tall and Brooke is not!! It made it hard to get them both in a frame for a close up. I sure wish I could figure out how to take better inside pictures

A second neighbor opened up an Etsy shop this week. Pretty soon we will just have a Cecilia Street team. Take a few minutes and check out her shop www.WilmothFarms.etsy.com she makes soap and from the bar I got they are very nice indeed. While your at it look at Ginny's too I have added lots more Halloween bags. www.ginnymackscrafts.etsy.com.

Peace and Love