A Touch of Home.

What a week, we saw our family, laughed way too much, if that is possible, drove through snow, and woke up to this. Ok, it's nothing like Minnesota but it gave me the returning feelings of late October in my home state. It started with heavy rain, moved into sleet and finished with snow.

My husband and I watched Christmas movies through the whole thing and enjoyed not having to be out. John is still not sure if I am happy, so he DVR's all the Christmas movies he can and we watch them with blanket, tea and puppy hood on my lap. I have to say, I love it. It's not my fault he doesn't believe me, so I will let it run it's course. Giggle.

But today the sun is shining and I'm so at peace. I hope you are too.

May God Bless those traveling through my little blogspot in Bloggerville.

Carol

And off we went....

Being gone from Minnesota for six weeks, making our new life here in South Carolina; we headed back home for a family Christmas party.

After two days in the car, Timber and her humans arrived. Coming from a huge family, you want to spend quality time with everyone. It doesn't take but an hour to find out the time you plan will never, and I mean never be enough.

I was still determined to do all in my power to visit and take in all that was offered. And I did, with great success. The love we got from our family can never be measured. The meals that were served, the hugs that we received were more than I anticipated. So with a horse voice and the three of us heading home I spent time appreciating the sea of snow, the chill in the air as we headed out of town.

I know that it will take days to filter through all that had happened, putting the memories away for further review and remembering. But this too is truly a blessing. Being able to remember and feel the warmth from loved ones.

God Bless all those who travel through this little blog.

Carol

A New Creation.

Hi you, fan club. Giggle. I am in a great mood today. I found something new and am loving it. I found a scrapbook store called Funkie Monkie, here in Greer. I plan to do a blog about her. But today is about a get together called "Card Salad". It is held on the first and third Thursday of every month. When you go, Kim the get together brains behind the activity. Has baskets of designs and equipment. You can choose as many as you want. With a five dollar charge and the products you us from the store, you can have a world of fun.

The first time I though it silly, because I do my own designing. About a week later, while eating my fill of turkey, Thanksgiving dinner, I realized how many products, ink, pens, techniques I never could just try. So, I attended the next gathering and picked cards that had different techniques. Than proceeded to play. This is a card I loved. So I found different papers and added my own touch. Added my own words and learned a lot. What do you think?

God Bless those traveling through my little world.

Carol

Over the Top Blog Award

The rules are : I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them knowI left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word.

1. Where is your cell phone? counter

2. Your hair? brown

3. Your mother? Mom

4. Your father? Dad

5. Your favorite food? brownies

6. Your dream last night? peace

7. Your favorite drink? Wine

8. Your dream/goal? heaven

9. What room are you in? artroom

10. Your hobby? papercrafts

11. Your fear? hell

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? mean

15. Muffins? pumpkin

16. Wish list item? slippers
17. Where did you grow up? MN

18. Last thing you did? design

19. What are you wearing? jeans

20. Your TV? Christmas

21. Your Pets? Timber

22. Friends? supportive

23. Your life? full

24. Your mood? happy

25. Missing Someone? 3 fiends

26. vehicle? Tauris

27. Something your not wearing? makeup

28. Your favorite store? AC Moore

29. Your favorite color? blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? now

31. Last time you cried? movie

32. Your best friend? John

33. One place that I go to over and over? craftstore
34. Facebook? no

I picked 5 people to play along. I know it's a crazy time of year so no obligation but if you feel like playing along...enjoy!

1. Katie from Friendship Society

2. Sara for continuing support

3. Tanya cuz I miss her

4. Vodka Lodgic, she makes me smile and think

5. Ruth from Cottage Blog training in a fun way.

Thanks to Cara from Cara's Scrap'N Stamp Art

Thanks to all my friends

Carol

We Three...Sneeze

This holiday week and a few days following, a thing called "The Cold" took hold in a house protected by eating right, sleeping good and just being good. But than it happened. First John was struck. We started the care, Cold Tablets by day, Nyquil by night. I was sure he would get over it. What I was I thinking.

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, he was looking better. We had a good day and off to bed early. Than Timber started to sneeze and weez. Oh, no me too. The weekend of rest and getting tired of it all. I decorated and rested, again until the house looked good and I was in bed.

But here it is, Monday night and all is right. John is struggling but the girls feel just fine. If you walk this path, take care of yourself, be good to each other and dream of your Christmas presents. Worked for me. Giggle

Carol

Thanksgiving is more than the day.

For me it's the final day of evalutating what I have done and who I am. I do this with an open heart twice a year. I wrote about it on the week of my birthday and than again on Thanksgiving.

The week before when I settle in bed or when drinking my midday tea I look back and see if what I did for others unselfishly was truly unselfish. Could I have done it for a return of favor, or truly because I just wanted to. This of course is not something you are going to take on in one thoughtful moment. It takes me about a week to filter through my past. Mostly because I did it on my birthday, I only have a few months to remember. I always hope I don't remember, than it truly was done with an open heart.

The other part of the equation is who I am. I looked over the last couple of months and realized that I didn't just jump of the bridge when it came to the sale of our home and buying the new house. I was proud of myself for asking the questions, and questioning the things I feared the most. Also allowing my husband to take control. In return, I moved into a house that would soon be home. It was perfect, sunny, bright, warm and it fit like a glove.

So the bottom line is I did pretty good. I trusted my self with my giving, I trusted John with were I lay my head, and God with all the little problems that would have brought me down.

This has been good, and I will continue to make it better. Life is too short not to trust those you love, but most of all those who love you.

God Bless those who travel through my little world.

Carol

It was about the jeep, jeep, jeep.

I wanted to show you a few pictures of the move. Mostly the jeep being loaded. My dear friend took the pictures and it was cold and raining. So you need to look beyond the blurry. This is what took a trip IN the back of the truck, yes I said back of the truck.

I tried not to worry as we hit speed bumps and pot holes and saw the truck sway back and forth. I remembered the stack job the guys had done, just to get all of our belongings to South Carolina. The guys packed the truck from top to bottom, built shelves to handle all the stuff like bedding and furniture. What was the question asked when the unpacking was done...how did the jeep make it. So enjoy and remember, the jeep still rules.

Wahoo

I just finished my first Thanksgiving card in my new design area. I know you will think this crazy but I always feared that I would loose my touch and not be able to design my next. What do you think?

A Christmas Wish

I know for many of you this is too early, but as an artist and retailer this is running late. I decided to sell a few package deals on my Artfire and Etsy site and than a few separate. So here is a card that will soon grace the stores. I love this because of the words. Hope you enjoy it.

More cards can and will be seen on the stores to the right of the page. Please visit and if something makes you smile, it will than make someone you send to smile.

God Bless those who travel through.

Looking Out...Not In

Sometimes you need to look out, not only from your front door but from your heart. I realized the other day when I opened the door of my new home, everything was different. It dawned on me that it happens often in my heart.

Maybe it's something I read that softens my heart, or something that make my resolve stronger. But in all cases it's my heart that collects the details and holds them strong. Looking out of the house is easy, the trees, the homes they are there and I can bet on them from morning to night.

But my heart changes, when we were moving, I spent time making sure that in my heart it was right for me. My decision was right. I feel at home here, I feel as though it was waiting for me. When I design I feel the same way when I know a card is true to my heart.

So that is my thought for the day. Hope you find sense in it.

God Bless

Carol

The Girls View

Ah yes, the trip, well I have to say it was an experience. Mostly because when the guys were packing our things in what I called a "too small truck." I looked at my house and than the truck and doubted every box that went into it. However, I never looked in fears of seeing what they were doing. Alas it was done and the doors were closed. They accomplished all except for the plants. The new owners said they loved the plants and would take care of them.

Our trip was around 1200 miles, and all the way this is what I had to look at. I knew the words by heart. Timber and I were in the follow car. John by himself was driving the truck with the 42 inch flat screen beside him. I think he rather liked it. We used walkie talkies to communicate and remark about the beauty of the trees.

When we arrived I wanted to take a picture of the open truck, but as I am inexperienced at camera care, I couldn't find it. The funny thing was that it was in the glove compartment of the car. Humm maybe I'm better at camera care, just lacking in memory.

Have a great day I am.

Here we go.

I just wanted to say, that I have missed writing and reading the last few weeks. But when I get to South Carolina I will be back with new and interesting thoughts. I hope you guys have a great week.

And as always, God bless those who travel through my little world.
Carol

It's Snow Joke

The other day we had a hard freeze and all plants either died or went to sleep. Which is always fine with me due to the maintenance it takes to keep them beautiful. But the next night this happened, yes you see it right, snow. In fact it measures two and a half inches. And the worst part it hasn't totally melted. So, on the tenth of October we have snow.

I just thought you would like to see the mess. See you guys later, back to packing.

A Big Week

I am sorry for not getting to write more but last week was huge. We sold both of our vehicles, and replaced it with a new Taurus, than bought a house in South Carolina. It was full of ups and downs. John flew out to South Carolina to do the final drive around on houses we had picked out through Realtor.com. That by the way is a really great site to find homes.

The funny thing is that the house we bought was not on our list. The realtor Jack said he had one that he thought was still for sale. John saw the nice porch with the two rockers, one of my favorites and went after it. The house is one level except for the garage and the bonus room, waiting to be my art room. So you can imagine how tired we were after all the changes and yet working our jobs and packing.

But it is going so smoothly we can hardly believe it. By the way the yard is fully fenced and yet when Timber sits on the deck she will be able to spy all. And with time we will sculpt the yard to make it that little piece of heaven we will always call balsam ponds.

God Bless all that travel through my blog.

It's Time to Let Go.

Thursday we took both vehicles into the Houston Ford to see what our trade in value of both would be for a 2010 Ford Taurus. As we waited, I watched one of the guys driving my Crown Vic out of the parking lot I felt a lump in my throat. What was this, I never saw myself as a person who was in love with the ride. A car was to get me to one place and back.

When John gave me this car I couldn't believe it, me getting this black beauty, me once the owner of a Ranger pickup now an owner of a Crown Vic. What was he thinking? Then I slid into the seat, I could live with this. Fit like a glove. But did I like it too much, what was this lump in my throat for?

I've had time to think it over it's not what the car means to me it is what it did for me. About a year later my mother took her final journey, one she feared the most, going to a nursing home. I made a commitment to go once a week and spend time with here.

She was two and a half hours away and so I would leave early in the morning, the process was the same, my trip started with Big and Rich, a funky country group that I always tried to sing along with. Followed by a soother CD that would take me into the nursing home.

The visit would be anywhere from a hour to four, you never knew because of the sadness she was experiencing, or how she felt. But the trip home was different. As I slipped into the seat and clipped the seat belt into place the first tear would start. Rolling down my cheek and resting on my chin. As I left town I was free to cry. Safe in my car, Cruise control set, radio off and left with only my thoughts from my visit, I cried till I couldn't cry anymore.

That's what it is, I have a bond with the car, it protected me at my saddest time. It comforted me with it's smooth ride, it comforting interior but mostly with the privacy I needed. Thursday when I slipped into the seat of the Taurus I prayed it would not have to comfort me but get me from one place and back. Just that and no more.

I feel good about letting go, it's time.

And the process begins...

Wow, after five years you tend to forget what it takes to move. It has been a week and a half since we found out we're moving. In that time we have called everyone from the dentist, vet, to the post office. The list of details is endless. I once wrote about what my mom used to say when I began to feel overwhelmed. Here it is again to share with my friends. She would say, "How do you eat an elephant?" with a smile on her face that melted my heart, she would finish with"one bite at a time".

I have lived by that phrase most of my life. I would repeat it to myself and than I would just start, after a while I would be done with the project and feel so accomplished. Of course this project of moving is a taed bigger. But it works even if you don't finish in one day. Every box feels that much closer to the end. I pack up as much in one box and move it to the garage. Waiting patiently for October and its date to move arrives.

Moving and grooving

A New Chapter to be Written

To most of my friends and relatives our moving never surprises them. But for you, my virtual friends that is probably a shock.

When I started this Balsam Ponds by Design blog it was to introduce you to my greeting card business and yet I achieved something quite different. I introduced you to my life and the two souls who occupy it.

We are not travelers, we are creators. We love to make something beautiful, really striking. Sometimes by painting, planting or adding those small touches that will make it a home. Worthy of God's blessing. Balsam Ponds is not just a place it's us. It's the love we put into it. But it is now time to move on.

Both of us are excited for the buyers, they are truly in love with Balsam Ponds, and we are looking forward to adding more beauty to where ever we go. I hope you follow the events that will get us to our new house, which we will make home.

God Bless those who travel in and out of our lives.

My Humans Really Rock

This weekend started out as they usually do, but then it happened. The suitcase, the activity but mostly my bed. Carol acted as if nothing was happening. But when I saw my bed I knew my heart would control my body. My tail started to wag and Carol knew she was busted.

What were we doing, where were we going, could it be one of the three yards I have fallen in love over the years. These humans that own the yards are really special. They are related. More trips more fun. But first, which one are we going to visit. Of course, it really didn't matter.

As always, I drink lots of water, we always stop and I get to run. Than as usual I get a treat. John usually figures out what I am doing and stops the process by saying. Puppy what are you doing? I love when he calls me puppy.

As the trip went on, I started to smell it in the air, we were definitely heading for one of the scent filled large yards. I have to keep an eye on my humans. I hate when I loose them. They are after all, only human.

John drove into Marv and Diane's yard. Oh my, I could hardly stand it. I was going to die if they didn't park my truck. And off I went, sniffing, investigating and checking in. This is the yard I was given to enjoy. Carol tried to stop me from getting too tired. I would have none of that. She loves me and so I understand. But a dog has to do what a dog has to do.
We left on Sunday morning and headed for home. What a trip, what a family. They surely rock. Carol and John talked of their own fun time with them but no one, but no one, had more fun then me.

Maybe it's bigger than the Jeep

If you read the last post you know why I am confused, why not sell it if you don't drive it? But maybe it bigger than just a jeep. See John, you know the great guy I am married to, is human as all of us. Mistakes, disappointments and just being tired of the hard work that goes with life. This story should brighten your heart. This story is the best part of life.

The jeep was delivered to may fix it up shops for welding, new seat covers, welding on the floor boards, mostly because you could see through the floor. And yet when he brought it home I just couldn't see it. From the depths of my heart I would say, looking better. Ya, right.

One thing that was not being fixed was an engine problem. After many a good mechanics looked at it, the problem was not clear. Then my nephew, Paul said he could figure it out if we weren't in a hurry. As we left it in his yard we drove off and over our shoulder waved goodbye. I new it was not going to look different but John would be happy.

Weeks later, my brother Marv called, and with a whisper said, "Don't say anything if John is there but does he want the jeep to be restored to an original look." With true trust I said nope, and the call was over.

Months later, my nephew called and announced the jeep was fixed and it sounded great, I shook my head and raised my eyes and said, sounds good but that won't help the bucket of junk called the jeep.

John was so excited for an French Indian hardly breathing man, but I could tell. Driving into Paul's driveway, John noticed the jeep was not in the yard. He wondered why, I said silly boy would you leave that piece of junk in the open. He smiled and said maybe not.

Funny thing is Marv, Paul and two other nephews, John and Leo were also there. When we came to the door of the garage, Marv and the boys lead John in. John just stood there, and then with a higher voice said, "those are my wheels. No one laughed, but Paul said that's your jeep.

John at that moment realized he was looking at a gift way beyond his dreams. They did this because, just because. It was a gift from the heart. At that moment in time he realized what family is, something special. The trip home was without words. He looked into the mirror and was in ah. And that my dear friends is maybe why the jeep cannot be sold.

I wish he would tuck me in like he does the jeep. Although I would have to sleep in the garage.

To Jeep or not to Jeep

I have a story for you, I told you how wonderful my husband is and this is about his jeep. Now this jeep came to us, as I called it a piece of junk, more rust than most cars in a junk yard. But for some reason John truly saw something in it that I would never. So home it came. This was over eight years ago.

Now I won't tell you all the details now but will be building on this story for a while. This year John started to talk about selling it. Yes, for you guys this is really a Willy's Jeep. For the rest of you it's just a jeep. We have collector plates on it due to the age, 1948 I think. Now what makes this jeep special is that he never really drives it. It hits the street two times a year. When coming out of storage in the spring and back to storage for the winter. Oh I forgot, when he had the oil changed. That's when this picture was taken. I ask him if he never drives it why change the oil? He looked at me with the sheepish smile and said, what if it gets water in it? Hummmm

So, this is my short story on a jeep with a questionable existence. More info to come about how it come to look this good.

God Bless those who travel in and out of my world.

Carol

A Moment's Serenity On Tuesday.

I took this picture on Monday when I notices the light bouncing of the waterfalls. I stood there for a moment and realized how beautiful nature is. I hope you enjoy it also. I realize a photo is never as good as reality but still beautiful.

Raise a Glass of Wine

Or whatever you like to drink. Here is my story. Five years ago when we built I decided I could do all the staining the shakes and painting the trim. I know what you are thinking, what was I thinking? I tell my friends and family that I surely was suffering from PMS. Otherwise common sense would have told me that the size of the house and each shake being it own little piece of the whole picture was hard work.

I told John, you know that cute guy that married me. I can do it. So here I am after five years done. Now don't get me wrong I am not wining, just sitting back and laughing at myself.

I actually had 99% of it done at the beginning of last year, however the window that was still not done needed an extension ladder, we made a promise to each other never to climb without one of us being present. That was the problem, we are never together on good days.

Yesterday was a big day and I decided to take of picture for you. Funny thing is you can hardly see the house but that's what summer's like here on Balsam Ponds.

Have a great Monday and be safe out there.

Am I dreaming?

How would you like to win a $250 shopping spree at the Scrapping Cottage? That's right - the winner will get to choose $250 worth of products at The Scrapping Cottage! It is simple just go here and follow their requests. http://scrappingcottage.blogspot.com/

I really want to win. Smile.

A New Lakehome Wish.

Some time ago I presented you with a new card line. The first in three was the home in the woods. I decided to share the second in line, a new lake home. This was created for Realtors that sell these wonderful homes and usually give them a gift. But with the advent of fewer sales the cards have become more personal and let the buyer know they are appreciated. I hope you enjoy.

Have a great day and be safe.

Carol

Good Monday Morning.

I wanted to present my door watcher. Some would say guard but not me. This pretty little face that greets me every time I come home never has an edge of threat to it. Yesterday after church we pulled into the drive. I always take a look at the house and the gardens. Each step of the 8th mile driveway has it's beauty. Sometimes, like now I realize how things are getting out of control. But be it as that is, I love seeing it from a visitors viewpoint.

But the best is when I walk up to the door and see that little body sitting as still as possible with her eyes burning through me. I often wonder why she waits so still, that will be forever her secret. No wiggle is seen till the key hits the door. Then in a burst of excitement she is just a blur.

A wag, a sniff and out the door, that was it. Off to the back yard to protect us from the true

invaders. Timbers world according to us.

God bless those who travel through my little world.

Carol

What happened here?

Over the last few weeks I have glanced at the arbor in wonder. Why don't I have more flowers. We planted Morning Glory's and the plant looks good. I know that the weather her in Minnesota has been cooler than normal.

So the other day I took a closer look, and guess what I found, yes, beans. I started to smile and thought, how could that happen? Was it the old thought that a birds dropping created this surprise. I waited till my sweet husband to arrive home with this news of beans on the arbor. I just couldn't wait to tell him. As he drove in I waited with batted breath.

Honey, I said, look at this .... beans. He looked at me with such a strange look and said of course.

What do you mean...of course? I planted them there, where was I? Again, I felt like the excitement air was released without fan fair. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and maybe I can surprise him.

Summer in Balsam Ponds

What month is this?

Working in a gift and framing store never leaves you without something to laugh about or gasping for air. This August is usually a month for deliveries of pumpkins and fall floral products to put out in late September or early October.

But today was different. As I walked through the back door I came past boxes stacked to the ceiling. This was my job for the day. But when I ask Kristi about them she replied. Sorry, these are Christmas decorations. Oh no I laughed.

Got my cup of coffee, and started to open the boxes. To my surprise was this beautiful display of ornaments staring at me. I rushed to get my camera and took a few shots. I hope you enjoy a touch of Christmas in August.

No, I didn't put them on the floor, I un-boxed them checked them, priced them and boxed them up for an undisclosed date, in the future.

Have a great day and remember take care and God Bless

Carol

A new friend, for a while anyway.

My husband always throws his towel over the railings on our deck to dry it in the sun. Well last night he forgot to get his towel before bed and in the morning it was a little damp from the dew.

As he pulled it from the railing there sat a tree frog. It seemed friendly and appeared to like me. So I told John not to touch, as if he would have, finding me a little silly for wanting a picture. I ran downstairs and hurried back. There it sat, and as I took the pictures he seemed not to care. I thought the flash would alarm him.

I felt really proud of myself and sauntered back into the house. As I traveled past the deck and took one more look out upon the railing, he had gone. But for once the moment didn't escape me and I have him captured in color to look at whenever, my heart feels like it needs a smile.

Another moment on our small piece of heaven we call Balsam Ponds

Timber versus the Porcupine

Ah yes, it finally happened, Timber found an opponents with more weapons than her. Timber as she usually does, sits on the deck and watches for critters that don't belong in her peoples yard. She has come up against all sorts of trespassers. From beaver, ground hogs, ducks, crows and the regular squirrel, she has ruled.

Yesterday, she decided to take on a porcupine, and guess what, it won. At least we think by her looks As most of us gals don't like our picture taken when we don't look so good. No pictures were taken of her with mouth full of quills. She also had a quill very close to her eye. She was very lucky. However, I can tell you yesterday she would not agree.

It started with John seeing her at the door, he know what had happened and hurried to call Care Veterinary Clinic, he talked to Steph and off into town we went, it's at least 22 miles so I was in charge of keeping her calm. We were met at the Care Clinic by Steph opening the door as John carried her in. Julia smiled at her and gave her that poor baby look.

I have to say that these are the moments I wish I could talk to her and tell her everything would be ok. But a soft pat on the head and petting her on the leg made her calm. Soothing words and John braking a few speeding laws we were all relieved to have her in good hands.

A shot latter and a stay overnight proved good for her. When David Hanson the vet called early this morning I felt better. She had done so well and was acting just like a puppy entertaining everyone and other sick dogs. When I picked her up, I could hardly tell the trauma of the day before. Now we will see if she has learned a lesson. No hunting for her today. While working at the computer she is sound asleep and all is well.

Just another look into a day at Balsam Ponds

Carol

When a weekend isn't enough.

This weekend was one of my favorites. My sister and her husband came for a visit. The guys were going to the races and we just sat and talked. We hardly ever have the time to do it. They are over six hours away from us. And often when we get together we are with others in the family.

Doreen, my sister, is also a card designer, the funny thing is our style of art is so very different. I love that because I'm always excited to see her creations. I never know what she has done and always impressed at her style and the quality of her product.

I don't feel bad that I have missed writing in my blog. When there are only two girls in a family of eight you try to use the time together being just sisters not part of a bigger picture. And I have to say we did ourselves proud.

Love you sis.

The morning came with a newborn...Tiger Lilly

Wow, look at this, there is nothing more beautiful, other than my husband in my world. This Tiger Lilly opened this morning and the angles sang.

Have a great day from Balsam Ponds in Bloggerville.

This is my day....

I decided that after three weeks I was going to spend a day doing what I wanted, spend a morning in my pj's, bake cookies, and visit my friends blogs. And if any time is left, I and Timber will spend time designing. But I thought you would love to see another beautiful flower God has created. And I am so lucky to have it in my garden.

A view of the pond.

Yesterday Timber had to go to the veterinarian. This is usually just another trip in her car and a little treat for taking all her shots. But yesterday was something new. I realized she was eleven and getting older. As I watched the vet examining her, I realized what a part of my life she is.

She and I spend a lot of time together, I take care of her and she loves me. I talk to her and I know all she hears is the tone of my voice, indicating what I am feeling. And that is enough for both of us.

We sat on the deck today looking over the pond. We both realized that it was simply a beautiful day. Again, that seemed like enough for both of us.

A glimpse into my heart. God bless all those to venture into my little world I call Balsam Ponds.

Another day, another time.

This morning came as a complete surprise due to such a busy weekend. Being busy can sometimes wear me down, and I have to say it really did. But the success of the endeavor was so worth it. Our church had it's annual lunch and craft sale. And as most of you know I am now in charge. Quit that, I can see you smile. Anyway back to my story. We had moved our event to a different week, different day, and yet through all the changes we did good, thank God. And I mean thank God.

In a small community, you have so little time to make extra money. And as the stores and eating establishments we need their help to survive the long winter months. Mostly because we are in the greater vacation land. Our season formally starts around Memorial and runs through Labor Day. We make extra money for such things as supplies we need in the kitchen, or larger things like a new washer and dryer in the rectory. We pride ourselves in helping the church run.

We are truly a volunteer army. I find it fun to work with such fun gals. We laugh a lot, grumble a lot, but in the end we feel good. Not just because of the money we make but because of the friendships we have developed over the years.

This is just a glimpse into my life living in a small town.

A home in the woods.

A while back I was ask to design three cards. These cards would be given to new property owners. You now how excited new property owners are. So I designed three cards, one for cabins, lakehomes, and in the woods. I decided to show you the one relating to the title. I loved the project and now realtors are getting into these cards.

I loved the thinking out of the box it took to come up with the words for all three, each being different due to location. I hope you enjoy the look, let me know if you would like to see more of these out of the box cards.

Summer sale on my Artfire Store

Hi everyone, I thought it time to have a sale. I can only do it for a week. My street store sales have gone up but my artfire store has not yet kicked off. So, here it is. Buy two cards and get one free. Just go to the my artfire store and read the store announcement. One sale per client and will only lasting for a week. Will end on the 8th of August. Once a purchase is made and the buyer gets the cards they will give me a review on artfire, that way others will know my product is quality. Thanks for checking it out and I hope you find something you like.

Just go to the arfire box at bottom right and click on any card it will get you to my shop. Then click on shop to get you to my front door. Remember you don't have to sign up to buy.

Have a great day.

Was I not listening?

Remember me telling you about John and I going to the greenhouse together, well, here is another greenhouse story. I feel pretty competent when it comes to shopping for plants. Not perennials, that for the big boys, but for the cute flower that makes me smile I am good.

One day, a month ago or so, John said if I ventured through a greenhouse to pick up some tall Marigold's, didn't matter about what color but old fashion Marigold's. I ventured off with task in mind, stopping in my favorite greenhouse, I was taken back at the beauty and variety.

I saw marigolds and picked up a few flats. So proud of myself I headed home. When I arrived home with plants in hands John had the funniest look on his face. With that same love and laughter in his eyes he said " these are the short ones". I said "no, they are going to get 18 inches tall.

To my lack of understand the ones he talked about would get up to two pushing three feet. So what do I know. With a hug he took the short flowers planted them and we shared a moment on the porch with a glass of wine. Later that week he got the good old ones. Pictures say a thousand words.

Have a smiling flower day.

To Whine or not to Wine...

There is always a reason not to whine. And always a reason to wine. Since the opening of this blog I have had one entry on my families get together called the steak fry. Yes, we actually eat at this get together, my brothers all rock when it comes to the grill. And I have to say that Gene makes steak grilling a true art form. By the time we eat we have the planned and performed wine testing event.

This event has a purpose, finding a wine we have never tried and sharing it. Our point to all this is to read the bottles front and back and then the test. Funny think is we always like the wine. Discriminating taste buds we don't have. But we sure have a lot of fun. Maybe it is the reading of the wine bottles that is the main purpose.

One of my brothers, Vern brought a bottle of wine in a brown paper bag. If you know Vern you would understand the mystery, he loves the element of surprise. The bottle on the end was his entry. Yes, it was a little questionable for the older ones, but the writing was by far the best. Oh well, another wine tasting is in the air so I will stop whining.

To all my friends, God Bless

May be speechless but not photoless.

Here is another one I just took hope you like it. Don't you just love suprises like this. A little drop of rain on the peddle.

I am speechless

I have had a busy week and wanted to check in and say hi to all my friends. However, with company for days I find myself speechless. Yes, you heard it from me, speechless. We had so much fun talking about everything we could think of. We sat on the deck, drank coffee, walked, and talked. Followed by great food, that's because I made it. And as always everything is from my point of view, and I liked my brats on the grill with sour kraut. Yummm.

Anyway, I thought you would like to see a flower from my garden. I am not a fabulous photographer but I think I am doing a good job.

God Bless all who follow and those who visit.

How does my garden grow?

You can judge for yourself. My dad used to say, the temperatures in the day are not as important and the night temps. And boy was he right. We have had great sleeping weather, and by human standards that makes me smile. But my plants like more humidity and heat. At least heat would be great. But this will go down as the coolest summer in a long time. I need to invite Al Gore, I am praying for a little global warming.

The plants that are doing good, not great, are all the annuals. The vine plants are really struggling to grow. I have pole beans and morning glory's. It's July and they are appearing as thought they are early June. As I have said before, we live in a very short growing season and success means lush plants by the end of July. Humm, I am thinking this year it will not happen.

I hope you enjoy the photo and will be adding more through the week.