Blue Moon

   In honor of the blue moon, I present to you....Blue Moon.

                                           

The Big House, Mac-n-Cheese and Romance

Most of you are reading the title of this post and asking yourself, "What is The Big House? What does mac-n-cheese have to do with romance? Do I really want to know if mac-n-cheese has anything to do with romance? And do I really care what The Big House is?". These are the kind of questions of the universe that I will strive to answer. ;-)

Yesterday evening, my sister and I took a road trip to the university town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Home of the Wolverines. And home of The Big House.

The Big House is the University of Michigan stadium where you will find well over 100,000 fans gathered there to cheer their beloved Wolverine football team to victory on most Saturdays in the Fall.

From there, we headed to Zingerman's Deli for a bite to eat. Downtown Ann Arbor was quite busy and we got turned around. Then we remembered that Zingerman's opened a restaurant quite near our ultimate destination. So to Zingerman's Roadhouse we went. At this funky restaurant situated near the freeway, in front of a strip mall, you will find the most delicious macaroni-and-cheese in the universe! Along with the-most-delicious-macaroni-and-cheese-in-the-universe, you will find a farmers market and some fun artwork.

My sister and I had already placed our orders when the waiter came with a small saucer of mac-n-cheese. With a twinkle in his eye and a sultry tone in his voice, he told us to sample the tempting pasta dish and let him know what we thought. Just one taste and I was ready to lick the plate clean! I gave in to temptation and ordered a side. We devoured the mac-n-cheese, along with the rest of our meal and we were in a carb-loaded state. Our waiter then tried to tempt us with a Doughnut Sundae. Sorry! As tempting as it sounded, we just couldn't do it. But we will be back! :-)

After dinner, we walked across the parking lot and arrived at our ultimate destination, Nicola's Books. And at this bookstore we were there to attend a book signing by one of our favorite authors of the Romance genre, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She just released a new book, "The Great Escape" and was there to meet her fans and sign her book. I love her humor and her characters have depth. I love her books. :-)

Here is my sister and I posing with the one and only Susan Elizabeth Phillips. What fun!

Since we were feeling guilty about the contents of our dinner, we decided to shop at the local Whole Foods and stock up on some clean and healthy food. Well, not really. ;-) But we did look around and bought a couple of items and were thinking about all the things we would love to buy if we did not already blow our budget on stick-to-your-ribs dinners and books. Then we vowed to each other that we were going to stick to nothing but raw vegetables and fruits for the next couple of days to hopefully melt off some fat. Well that lasted till noon. lol! But we have good intentions. :-)

So if you are still with me and were wondering what in the world these things had to do with each other, here you go. 

Now I'm off to munch on some carrot sticks.

While I've Been Recuperating...

I have...

completed an embroidery project. The first time I have embroidered in years.

Made thank you cards.

Caught up on some reading.

Did some scrapbooking.

And spent way too much time on my computer. ;-)

Now it's back to reality. I go for a check-up tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be cleared to proceed with normal activity. (Whatever normal is. lol!) I am looking forward to starting back on an exercise routine. (Miss my walks/runs). I can't wait to get my hands dirty in my flower beds.  And I never thought I would say this in a million years, but I can't wait to go back to cleaning/organizing my house.

These are the few things that I have been up to the last few weeks and what I am looking forward to doing.

With that I leave you with this quote:

When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.

G.K. Chesterton

Thanks for looking in!

Stand off

One day recently, while sitting on my deck, I witnessed yet another show down between my dog and the squirrel that takes pleasure in tormenting him. Here is a typical occurrence in my backyard...

It begins by my dog staring overhead at a branch high in the tree...

I am imagining this squirrel looking down and going, "Nah! Nah! NahNah! Nah!" and blowing raspberries.

The squirrel gets brave and moves down the tree and conceals himself behind some leaves.

My dog changes position and stealthily moves behind the rail.

The squirrel gets brave and makes his way to the ground...

and takes off!

And here is my dog in hot pursuit!

This is pretty much a daily activity and we have yet to tire of watching this game of cat and mouse. Or dog and squirrel. lol!

Thanks for looking in!

No More Period. Period.

I've been MIA from my blog for a couple of weeks and the reason being is because I had surgery. Nothing serious. My blog title pretty much sums it up. ;-)

I am actually feeling pretty good, considering. In fact, I have to remind myself not to overdo it. If I do, my body reminds me later. We have had wonderful family and friends pray for me and my family. Offers of help and some fabulous meals delivered. We are very humbled by the outpouring of love and support from those near and far.

On my Facebook status, I put out there, "You know you've had surgery when...". I put down that the night nurse is a high school classmate and she checks (name body part) and you don't  give a rip. lol! (So true!). Some of the replies were as follows. "You have 15 doctors ask you the same question so they can all bill your insurance company.""You think you have your strength back, so you walk into the kitchen and have to rest to go back to bed.""You fall in love with your favorite P.J.'s again.".  Honestly, I remember that first day after surgery, I ate lunch and HAD to take a nap. Was not expecting it to take that much out of you. :-/

My hubby and son have really stepped up to the plate and will not let me do any thing. Which is driving me crazy at times. But at other times, I'm wondering if I'll be able to get away with this kind of pampering 10 months from now. lol!

So I've been biding my time reading, browsing the internet, starting an embroidery project. Thinking about the Color Run, which for me, will be the Color Walk. ;-) I'm really, really hoping that I will feel more energized once I am recovered. So looking forward to doing the things again that I took for granted before the surgery.

I will close this post with leaving you all wishes of good health, happiness and close, loving relationships to fill your days.

Thanks for looking in!

Springtime Chores

Whew! This weekend was a busy one! For whatever reason I was thinking that this weekend was going to be an easy one. A time to kick back and enjoy the springtime breezes and blooms. Yeah, right...

I found out that Saturday morning was the time that our county was collecting hazardous household waste. My mom had a slew of old, old cleaning products and some cans of paint and I told her that I would take it to the collection site. No problem. I was running some errands anyway. I get to the collection site and I think everyone in the entire county decided to get there at the same time. :-P Actually, it was very organized and went pretty quickly, considering.

After running errands, since it was a nice afternoon, we decided to empty our shed and take out the deck furniture. Ryan power washed the deck and back of the house and I cleaned the furniture. This took longer than I thought it would take and by the time we finished, I had to get ready for church as I was serving that evening. It was a great service (our praise band rocks!) and came home in time to have a late dinner. Did some laundry and by the time 9PM rolled around I was ready for bed. (This is where old age gets you. lol!)

Got up early Sunday morning and was scheduled to serve at church again. (How did that happen? Not that I mind.) Came home, had lunch, took the dog for a long walk. Since rain was in the forecast for Monday, we decided to get some yard work done. After working in the yard for the better part of the afternoon, time for dinner. Chilled out a bit and hit the sack at 9:30 p.m. I have such an exciting life. lol!

So today it is raining and I hopefully will be able to do some things that have been on hold while I attended to springtime chores. Things like some scrapbooking and working on my son's quilt (a work in progress).

Here is hoping that your work will be light and you can take the time to unwind and smell the roses.

Thanks for looking in!

I Did It!

Run in a 5K race.


Another one crossed off my "Bucket List". :-) After training for about 2 months, I participated in my first 5K race yesterday morning. Actually, crossing this off my things-to-do-before-I-kick-the-bucket list would be but a dream if it wasn't for my good friend Lynn. She too was training to run in a 5K and told me about this race and challenged me to sign up for this race. I thought it was too soon. I had not planned on running in a 5K until late May/early June at the soonest. But nothing ventured/nothing gained, right? So I signed up and did not look back.

After a crummy day Saturday, weather wise, the day dawned bright and pretty. Although it was freezing! (My friends hubby checked the temperature as we started our race and said it was 29 degrees. Brrrrr!). But I was not thinking of the temperature. I was thinking about finishing this race without going into cardiac arrest. lol!

Here are some pictures.

My friend Lynn and I. She is the tall, skinny one. ;-)

Here we are "crossing" the Finish Line. lol! We needed to have a picture for posterity.

And here we are with the nicest, most inspirational 84-year-young woman. She is a nun and said she did not start running until she was in her 50's and ran ten full marathons in ten years! You go girl! We started out together at the starting line and almost finished at the same time at the finish line. We sat and talked for a while. She won in her age category, hence the medal. She said that at her age, she usually wins before she starts. lol! She was very charming!

Even though I struggled with side stitches and my legs felt like lead, especially during the last mile, it was so worth the effort. I have already signed up for another 5K race and have a couple of more in my sights. In another words, I think I've found a new passion.

So, in closing, I challenge each of you to find your passion and go for it!

Thanks for looking in!

A New Ride

When it comes to wheels, you have your Mercedes Benz E350. Or you have your Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Then there is the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4. Well, these car companies have nothing on my brother's Fuze T50.

My brother Larry has been patiently waiting for his new ride. His old wheelchair had definitely seen it's better days. It was tired and worn. When the call came that his new wheelchair was ready for delivery, I don't know who was more excited. Larry or his family.

When the delivery van pulled up on the curb, we all waited with baited breath. The wheelchair was brought into the house and everything was put in place for the transfer from the old chair to the new. When my brother was placed in his new chair, it fit him like a glove. The technician went over all the details of the chair, but my brother was having none of it. He wanted to ride his new ride. :-)

Doesn't he look handsome? Here he is ready to break speed records and see the world. And check out that cup holder. I want one of those! :-) He says, "That cup holder is a life saver!". Do not mess with his cup holder. lol!

He spent the weekend getting used to it. As with most new models, there are bugs to get out. But it's all good. :-)

Here is hoping that wherever life takes you, you can get there on a smooth ride.

Thanks for looking in!

I Knew I Should Have Bought A Mega-Milllions Lottery Ticket

LOL! Not to brag, but I've been on a winning streak lately. In the last couple of weeks, I've been the lucky winner of not one, but TWO blog give-aways. :-) I love blog give-aways. However, the ones that require you to pat-your-head-while-rubbing-your-tummy (or is that rub-your-head-while-patting-your-tummy?) while reciting the Constitution, well, I pass those by. I'm being sarcastic in that last statement. Sorta. ;-) In all seriousness though, I do not like the give-aways that I see where you have to join them on Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Skype etc. Takes too much time and energy in my opinion. Okay, I'm lazy. The only thing these two bloggers asked for was to leave a comment by such-and-such a day and they would pick one. These I love. Because I love leaving comments anyway and if I may win a prize in the process-Bonus! :-)

The first blogger is one that I visit on a regular basis. She is funny, creative and has some awesome recipes. She is Marilyn from Constant Growing Amazement. She also has a cooking blog that she started to keep a journal of her favorite recipes to pass on to her children/grandchildren. Her give-away were a few of her favorite things from her pantry. :-) Here is a pic:

In this package, I have some exotic spices/cooking mix and some handy cooking utensils. Aren't these measuring spoons the cutest?

Almost too cute to use! And they go perfect in my kitchen as a have a "rooster" theme going on in there. :-) 

One item I will admit that I was a little stumped when I opened my package. It was citric acid. I thought, "Hmmm, she must assume that I can tomatoes." Which I did when I had a little garden. Now I do not have a garden spot (so wish I did). In her note congratulating me on winning the giveaway she mentioned that she sprinkles the citric acid in flavored water to add some zing. I like adding a little fruit juice to my water and when I first tried it, she was right! It does add some "zing"!

The second giveaway was from Jessica at Running To Be Skinny. This blogger is a young mom who is chronicling her journey to health and fitness. In my opinion, she has reached her destination. :-) She gives tips on running/working out and diet. She also shares her love of books. For this giveaway, she was sending to the lucky winner the book, Heaven Is Here by Stephanie Nielsen. This book tells the story of young wife/mom Stephanie Nielsen and her experience of going through a terrible ordeal/recovery from a plane crash. It's an inspirational story and I can't wait to dig in to this book!

I ask that you visit these blogs to check out for yourself the talent that is out there. And thanks again for the bloggers that offer their readers the chance to win some fun, useful items!

Thanks for looking in!

I Just Did It

photo source

I know everyone is familiar with the Nike slogan, "Just Do It". Well, I just did it. I signed up for my first 5K. That "kerplunk" sound is the sound of friends and family keeling over from shock.

The girl that was always called last in gym class and on the playground has been doing the Couch to 5K training program for the last couple of months and stickin' to it. I'm in shock myself! Completing a 5K race has been on my "bucket list" for sometime now. It was one of those seemingly unattainable goals like signing up for a mission to outer space. But after finding this podcast, it is motivating me to stick with this plan and I am actually looking forward to my date with the treadmill. :-)

I will admit, it was difficult at first. I couldn't run for 30 seconds without wheezing and just knowing I would need a defibrillator at any given moment. But in the last week or so, I have ran for twenty minutes straight! For me, that is EPIC!


I have a way to go in my training to be ready for my first race at the end of the month. I will admit, I am a nervous wreck and wonder if I can complete it without going into cardiac arrest. But as an experienced runner told me just last week. Remember that I am running for myself and no one else. So with that, what have I got to lose?

So, if there is a goal out there that you just know you can't complete, I say throw your fears and doubts to the winds and just do it!

Thanks for looking in!

1940 Census

I'll admit it. I'm a geek when it comes to history and genealogy. I have really been digging the show, "Who Do You Think You Are?". Last night, I found out that you can now view the 1940 census online. I was curious if I could find anything about my hubby's family. Since members of my family share the history/genealogy gene, I'm familiar with my family line going back a few generations.

As far as I know, no one has traced my hubby's family tree. There are bits and pieces of family lore but nothing concrete. So I thought it would be fun to have a peek at the 1940 census and see what I could find out.

When I visited the website, which can be found here, I entered the state and county that my in-laws grew up in. Then you needed to find out the enumeration number to find the location of the home on the map. Oy! That took some homework. When I found the right enumeration number, I couldn't find my in-laws anywhere. A call went out to my brother-in-law who told me that my father-in-law lived in another house that was in a different township. By this time my eyes were crossed. So I decided I would try again another time when I was more rested. In the meantime, I learned some interesting things along the way.

I learned that there was a "home for the aged" in the tiny town that my father-in-law spent some of his growing up years in. I found out that his best friend in 1940 lived right around the corner from where my hubby grew up. I found out the rectory of the nearby Catholic church housed the priest and five nuns. And there was some information that was more sobering. I learned that in one home, a 16 year old girl was listed as "Head of Household" with her 11 and 9 year old sisters. It made me wonder about their story. Were they orphaned? Did their parents have to leave to find jobs elsewhere? Did one of the parents die and the surviving parent abandon them? I knew from listening to my parents/in-laws that that generation had no choice but to grow up quickly. I can only imagine the maturity that those girls possessed to have to be in charge of a home with no adult in site. At least this is how I'm imagining this is how it is as it shows on paper.

So I'm back to, so far, not quite finding one whole branch of this family tree. Maybe in years to come I will be able to dig into some roots.

Thanks for looking in!

Outside The Box

Last week, when visiting my mom, she had a box that she had kept under her bed. Inside were old pictures, cards and mementos. It was fun taking a trip down memory lane. She wanted us kids to take whatever pictures or mementos that pertained to us to take home. I'm thinking, "Do I really want to take home yet more memorabilia to add to my collection?".  The answer was, "Yes!". ;-)

It really wasn't that much. Enough to fit in a manila envelope. That I can handle. One of the items was a card that I had given to my mom for her birthday. It was a pretty card that she couldn't bear to part with at the time.

Here you can see I gave it to her in "1992". I really need to get her a Project Life kit.  :-)

So being that I am my mother's daughter after all, I couldn't part with this either. So what to do, what to do....Hey! I'll cut it apart and put it in a layout!

Here it is "before".

All cut apart, ready to put on a layout.

And here is the finished layout. See that little bird on the left side of the layout? I "fussy-cut" it out of the card and glued it on the layout. I was so happy to finally scrapbook in pink! I  had no pink whatsoever in my stash (being I have a houseful of males, including the dog) and had to take a trip to Hobby Lobby. Darn! ;-)  

So here is another idea to preserve that special card from a special someone and getting it outside the box.

Thanks for looking in!

Outside The Box

Whew! It's been almost two weeks since I posted? Where has the time gone?! Well I'm back with another "Outside The Box" post. As I'm going through memorabilia that I've hoarded set aside, I thought I would share the ways that I am putting them in my scrapbooks so others may enjoy them instead of sitting in a box in the back of a closet/storage area.

Here is a piece of artwork that my son made in third grade. Isn't it sweet? Of course every bit of art that my son made I feel that way about and that is why I've been having such a hard time weeding through it. And I'm pretty sure that is one of the big reasons why I have been procrastinating sorting through the massive amounts of artwork/schoolwork that my son brought home during elementary school. I'm thinking that other weeny moms like me can relate. ;-)

This particular piece of artwork was another one that was too large to fit on a typical scrapbook page. So I took advice that was given in a video on Two Peas In A Bucket. I took a picture of it, had it printed in a 5x7 print and placed that on the layout. Easy peasy!

I have other ideas for more memorabilia that I've gone through. So stay tuned! :-)

I wish everyone plenty of Tender Loving Care from those they love!

Thanks for looking in!

Finally!

Finally, after having the winter halfway over (on the calendar anyway) we got snow. This year had been unusual in that it has remained mild and relatively dry for most of the winter. On my birthday at the end of January it was a whopping 54 degrees! Never do I recall the temperature being so mild in January. Well, except for in 1978, the night before the Great Blizzard, the thermometer worked it's way into the 50's. I remember my mom saying, "There is no way that a blizzard is in the forecast.". The next morning, the snow and ice was beating against the house the likes we had never seen before and haven't since.

I'm really sounding like an old-timer. :-/

So last night, we got our first substantial snowfall of the season. And by that I mean a few inches. Here are some pictures:

Dang, but that light is bright!

And here are some shots I took this morning.

And here is our forsythia bush,

with a couple of little blooms.

According to this weeks forecast, the snow and cold will not last for much longer. Which I suppose is not too bad.

I'm ready for Spring. :-)

Outside The Box

For the past month or so, I've been wading through my paper clutter trying to get it under control. At times it was overwhelming. Especially when I would come across one shoebox after another full of memorabilia. Shredding receipts and sending piles of magazines off to the recycling bin felt freeing. I was actually doing very well with that. But when it comes to the things that holds precious memories, how do you part with them? I'm still trying to figure it out and I thought I would share some ways that I am coping (if you want to call it that) with the memorabilia.

A couple of weeks ago, I ran across an art project that was completed by my son (actually his Sunday School teachers) when he was four years old. I had set it aside thinking that I would frame it. But I put it up in a closet and forgot about it for over a decade. *gulp*

This particular piece of art was on legal size paper. Too large to fit into a 12 x 12 scrapbook. Since I've had it hidden away for so long I did not want to fold it up and tuck it away. So (light-bulb-moment) I cut it apart.

These little feet are now BIG feet. :-) 

I think buttons are so cute on a page like this. And I'm still digging the October Afternoon/Echo Park products that Santa brought me for Christmas. :-)

I've got some ideas for more memorabilia that I have hoarded set aside. So stayed tuned....

I wish everyone will have good memories! :-)

Thanks for looking in!

I Have Issues-NOT!

A year ago, I mentioned on this blog that I had "issues". As I said here, I said that I had magazine issues, not "issues" issues. Although most people will argue that I have "issues". Got that? Anyway, no more!

In my quest for organization (yeah, right. lol!), I was tired of looking at my "Leaning Tower of Pisa" made out of magazines. I toppled it down and put it in a box and carted it to the recycling bin. I still have a hard time believing I did this. It seems I have a addiction to paper and I am determined to get rid of what I can. I have designated January as "Paper De-clutter Month" and am going through books, magazines, catalogs, file cabinets and boxes weeding out the paper clutter. This is an area that I struggle with the most. I have no problem getting rid of clothes/household items/tools. But paper is something I have trouble with. I really think I need a shrink. :-/

Anyway, I am proud of the strides that I've made so far. I got rid of my magazines/catalogs. I got rid of an entire box of old greeting cards. (Then came across another. Oy!). I have an idea up my sleeve on what to do with those. So stayed tuned. And I am beginning to tackle some memorabilia. I watched a video on Two Peas In A Bucket on ideas to organize memorabilia that I am excited about.

So, enough about that. I need to roll my sleeves up and get back to work. Hope you can overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Thanks for looking in!

Every Sunday Morning

Every Sunday morning, we would wake up to the sound of "The Broadcast" brought to you by the local Baptist church on the radio. The broadcast was the early service at the church and a quartet would always start the service with, "Have You Heard About My Jesus?". With that, you would also have the aroma of bacon/sausage frying and the sweet smell of pancakes and syrup. If you wanted eggs, you could have that, too. All of this was lovingly cooked by my dad. This was a Sunday morning tradition that took place for as long as I could remember. It was one of the many things that I missed when I moved out on my own.

I am so fortunate that Ryan was able to partake in that Sunday morning tradition. This picture is one that my mom took when Ryan spent a Saturday night with them. Things aren't that much different in that picture from what I remember growing up in that little house. The Sunday paper spread out on the table. A bottle of pancake syrup ready to be poured. A cup of hot coffee. A glass of chocolate milk. The early morning sun pouring through the window. I can almost taste those pancakes, eggs and sausage now. These are some of the pleasant memories I experienced every Sunday morning.

Supplies used for this page: October afternoon, Echo Park papers/stickers;cardstock; font-Cursive Standard

Bowling, Buffets and Birthdays

Whew, the last week has been a whirlwind of activity and preparation for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast.
Appointments, tournaments, getting together with family and friends and a Certain Someone's birthday has kept us busy.  But a good busy.

Saturday and Sunday was the city tournament for Ryan's bowling league.  He has been bowling with his buddies on a league for about four years now. It's been a tradition in our family for decades. (My in-laws, hubby and myself bowled in leagues off and on for several years). Anyway, his team came in first place in their division! Yay! Ryan did really well and I was amazed at the talent that I saw at that bowling alley. I can see some of those kids on the "Pro Bowlers Tour" someday. :-)

On Sunday, after finishing the tournament, we headed to my sister-in-laws for a family/friends get-together before Thanksgiving.  So much yummy food was served buffet-style. We spent the afternoon/evening laughing until our faces hurt and stuffing our faces until we couldn't eat another bite.

And we celebrated hubby's birthday! Doesn't he look hot good? I think so. :-)  Here is a card I made him from Ryan:

The inside sentiment reads,"Aren't you glad I have my driver's permit?" It's an inside joke and both Ryan and hubby got a kick out of it.

Well, I better go before I burn the pie that is in the oven as I'm typing this. :-P I wish everyone a Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving!

Thanks for looking in!:-)

My Hero

After having a busy, busy couple of weeks, I was looking forward to some extra shut-eye this past Sunday with the time change. My internal clock is still set on Daylight Savings Time and I woke up before the crack of dawn and was ready for bed by 8 p.m. It always takes me a couple of weeks to adjust to the time change every spring and fall.

I wanted to share a couple of pictures from Halloween.  It was spent at my moms' for a change.  We all gathered there and noshed on pizza, donuts and cider. There were around 200+ kids. We had some baby dragons, cowboys, princesses, ladybugs and a certain werewolf and vampiress. ;-)

I dressed as a "Mom of Teenager" which includes a spattering of grey hair from riding with a brand new driver. Yikes! Actually, I can see his confidence grow with each trip out and he is getting better. 

I managed to do one scrapbook page with all the busyness. Another "blast from the past".

I pulled from my stash to make this page.  I'm still looking at this layout and think I need to add something more.  But for right now, this will do.

Ryan was obsessed with superheroes for a time as a little boy. (Aren't they all?) He would dress in his "Batman" cape and mask and ride around in his "Batmobile" up and down the sidewalk.  He did a great job fighting for truth, justice and the American way. ;-)  One day I wanted to snap a picture of my hero and he stopped, kicked back and said, "I'm relaxing!" in his cute little boy voice.  He cracked me up then and he still cracks me up now. :-)

I'm going to go and try to get a few things done, even though I'm in a fog. *Yawn* I hope everyone can know at least one superhero in their life. I'm blessed with many. :-)

Thanks for looking in!

"I have a bone to pick with you."

Last night my mom called me.  The first thing she tells me is, "I have a bone to pick with you."  I was speechless.  My mind was racing, wondering what it was that ticked her off.  It takes a lot to make my mom mad.  A lot.  She then follows that line with, "Maybe I should say, I have a chicken bone to pick with you." lol!  I relaxed still puzzled at what she was getting at.  Apparently, she viewed my blog and saw my chicken and dumplings entry.  Normally I'll make enough to take some over to my mom and brother for their dinner.  This time it was raining cats and dogs so I did not get out.  I promised her next time I would be sure to take some over to her.  And next time I make them, I'll be making my "shortcut" chicken and dumplings and I will share the recipe for that. :-)

Please tell me that having a flock of buzzards circling around your house as they make their way south for the winter is good luck and not an omen. Not that I'm superstitious or anything.  There must have been 50 of them.  To my knowledge, we have never experienced this in our neighborhood.  It was kind of hypnotic to see them spiral around in the air above us.

Some good news.  I'm beginning to feel my mojo returning.  Since before my dad passed away, it went MIA and would reappear in fits and starts.  In the last few weeks, I've been getting some creative ideas going through my head.  I've made a few cards and a scrapbook layout here and there.  Now I'm wanting to hole myself up in my craft space for a day or two and get to work.  Or shall I say play. :-)  Here is a layout I worked on yesterday afternoon:

It is a "blast from the past".  It is a layout of some pictures I took some 11 years ago that I ran across.  I'll be sharing more of these types of layouts in the future. I've been sorting through photos and found a box that I had completely forgot about.  I've had so much fun traveling down memory lane.  There have been some photos that I feel a bit melancholy about as well.  Loved ones that have passed.  But many good memories.  I'm so blessed.

I am bound and determined to use what is in my stash to create layouts.  Although I am really digging the new "October Afternoon" lines that have just been released.  It will be very, very hard to resist the temptation to order their product. ;-)

Hope everyone can have as good a trip down memory lane as I have had.

Thanks for looking in!