I love this one.

With all the unsettled problems in our nation, it's hard to spend money. Especially on the little things. This is my attempted to design a less complicated card, that also cost less. This card sells for $1.99 each. I think it's one of my favorite. Still a lot of design work, but not as much product. Hope you enjoy. I plan to post on Etsy soon.

As always bless those who wander through my little blog.

Carol

Halloween Already?

Not for most of the country, but for a graphic designer making designs for her up and coming greeting card sales, it has started. I wanted you to see my first one for 2010.

What do you think, is it a keeper. I say I can even do better.

Carol

Back Yard Surprise

I have to say, that in all the years in Minnesota, this is the largest tomato plant I have ever grown. The funny thing is that in the three weeks we were gone, this plant doubled itself and was ready to take over the world.

I must say that when I was new at gardening, I did us Turf Builder from Scott's on my tomato plants and as many of you know, there wasn't a tomato to be found. What...you never did something that stupid. The greenhouse loved my question about not having tomatoes. He was nice and simply explained my mistake. Thank goodness, I felt dumb enough without the snicker.

Have a great day.

Carol

It's time to go home.

John and I were ready to go home. We drug our suitcases to the car, kissed our loved ones goodbye and home we went. Memories to store and revisit along the way.

Every stop during the three weeks made us that more appreciative of our family and friends. But knowing it was time made our hearts jump. The ride home was wonderful. Talking about the arrival and all we had to do. Sleep in our own bed, walk around in our underwear, and fall asleep whenever we wanted.


We were excited to drive into our driveway, everything at our home was as we left it. John and I thanked God for our safe passage.



Carol

Selfish Pool Owner

Staying with Eli, and of course his owner was the last stop on a busy vacation. By then we were truly brain dead and found ourselves watching what was going on and not participating.

However, the pool party turned out to be for the owner of the pool only. Eli was sure to take up the complete pool and regretted it not.

And he and his friend also had their way with the chicken barbecue. Maybe forgivable due to the dog kisses and attention. Even if it was wet. Smile.

Have a great day to all the dog lovers.

Carol

A Sweet Gift

While in Northern Minnesota, we saw John's ex partner and my dear friend. Funny how these two things occur in one person. Over the last few years Brandy and I have become best friends and I have grown to love her two children, who I write about here off and on. Breakfast was the best way to see them so we met at cafe in Emily.

During breakfast, Cordaye told me she had a new piece of artwork for me. I told her that the card they send me was still on my wall. Should I replace it. Wolfgang sprang into action, stating that he felt I could add it to my wall. Funny thing was that he didn't have anything to do with the new piece of artwork and he didn't want me to take down the card that both made for me.

When I got home I put the artwork above the card and now they are both have a special place on my wall and in my heart.

Carol

Light the fire...open the wine.

A day after the steak fry we drove to Northern Minnesota to visit friends we missed. It was by no means uneventful. The day went so fast and visiting friends was heart warming. We were blessed with an invitation to spend the night with my once bosses. Tucked in the woods, looking over a lake and their kids that treated us like family was by all means enjoyable.

The evening was full of laughs and a few glasses of wine. OK, one more than a few. We sat outside till it became chilly, yes I said chilly. We moved downstairs to a beautiful fire in the fireplace. The popcorn was popped, the wine was chilled and conversation was warm. For you southerners we did have the patio doors open all the way. For fresh air of course.

Summer in Northern Minnesota is by far the most beautiful place to be. Warm days, cool nights and open windows to sleep by.

Thanks to Joe and Kristi for their friendship. We are truly blessed.

Carol

Annual Steak Fry

We had the best day ever, temperature, sun and family. There was the usual participants and another brother and sister-in-law that were a fun and welcome addition. We laughed, drank wine and laughed.

We also celebrated two anniversaries. Each have responsibility to bring a delightful addition to the steak, potato salad made by the best potato salad maker in all of Minnesota, a fruit salad, the usual great bread and of course my favorite, cake.

After hours of talking and enjoying the family, it was to end the night with knowing we said it all and hugged them all.

Life is too short not to have fun with the ones you love. Even when they are family.

God Bless those who make me smile.

Carol

Clearlake, Minnesota B&B

After John got home from fishing, life got just a little more hectic and fun. No more sitting around and reading, it was time to socialize to the max. We traveled only about five miles to the second youngest in our family.

A house nestled in the woods, with a deck that spans the back and a gazebo tucked further into the woods. What a place to think and be reminded of how blessed we are to have such a peaceful life. Outside of the gazebo is this incredible pond, which adds the background trickle to reading or visiting. My brother is not only creative in landscaping but also in the wood products he sells on my Etsy site.

This was also going to be the scene of the, "Steak Fry" but that the next entry. For this day, the relaxation was joined by my sister and brother in law for a pre-party visit. Visiting family is always tiring because we have so much to talk about and listen too. But being tired was a small price to pay for the memories.

Carol

The Boys come home.

As always, the boys returned with sore hands and great spirits. Fishing is a marathon for them. They have seven days of fishing. They fish from 6:30 to 5:00 and seem to enjoy every hour.

The first time they went, when they got home, I suggested having fish for supper in honor of their catch. John just looked at me and said, no way, that's not going to happen. I didn't think that with fishing they ate fish every day for lunch.

John's fish measured 41 1/2 inches. He was proud but didn't win the big fish award. Another guy caught a 42 inch northern. By the way the fish was a catch and release. He is still swimming and I can bet he's staying away from those lures.

God Bless all who visit me here.

Carol

Waiting for the boys.

I must say, that the garden intrigued me. So while waiting for the fisherman to return I took more pictures of the plants that graced the beautiful gardens. So today is picture day. I hope you enjoy it.

God bless those who travel through my little blog.

Carol

Tears on Vacation

The week John was gone was truly hard on me. Don't get me wrong, I have been without him for a week before, many times. However, this was the first time I not only missed him but also Timber. I didn't realize how many times I looked in the back seat to see what she was up too, or waking up and seeing if I could sneak to the bathroom and get back before she knew I was up.

Let me tell you, it never fails to surprise me that at 58 years old I am having a hard time getting used to her being gone. I might add that nothing seems worth it, the lack of hair balls rolling around the house, the lack of responsibilty, or the nose prints on the windows. I miss the unconditional love and the naps in my chair with her snuggled in my lap and making me stay there because she is sound a sleep.

Vacation just highlighted my need for a little spirit that is dependent on me, who loves me and doesn't let me down with hurtful words and actions. Pets are truly God's gifts.

Carol

My Camera and Me.

After the boys left for Canada, my camera and my love for flowers took over. My brother and sister-in-law's gardens are beautiful. Even though it's July, the colors were spectacular. I couldn't get a picture of the whole gardens because they were so vast. But trust me they were beautiful.

I wondered through the gardens and tried to capture the best of their best. I hope you love the picture. It's a great way to show the wonders of God and his love.

Have a great day to all and God bless.

Carol

The girls out for a walk.

Our next stop was at the second youngest brothers in Becker. The boys, John and my brother, were getting ready for their annual trip to Canada to catch the big one. As we relaxed in their beautiful pine lined porch, drinking wine and chatting, the gals came for a little treat. With their little one wandering around the yard eating all sorts of treats. We were speechless and couldn't take our eyes off them.

What a vacation this was turning out to be. Less than a week and already our trip was taking it's shape and presenting us with such beauty. Not to say of the time spent laughing and talking about unimportant things. That's what I love about family. We can meld together as if we had been together the day before.

I have to say the talk from the boys was, well should we say, about fishing. The trip would start the next morning at 3:00am. But not for us gals. We planned to sleep in.

Life is truly great with great family.

God Bless all those who venture through my little Internet home.

Carol

Our First B&B

Now you ask why I liken my families homes to Bread & Breakfast stops? My family is the most loving and accommodating, make staying so warm and wonderful. Their acceptance of our personality and needs make me smile. I am the baby of eight. So you can see I am a handful.

The first stop was at my second oldest brother and wife. We were welcome with open arms and the strongest hugs possible. Lucky they are older and their hugs can't take your breath away.

This is their back yard and I can tell you that it's not as beautiful in picture, as in real life. However, not having the Retired One to photograph for me. You know who you are, a virtual friend, my pictures are going to have to do.

My sister in law, who I consider my sister loved the peaches. Wow, I won her over, maybe that's why the hugs were so good.

Have a great weekend to all my virtual friends and real family.

Carol

The cost of a great B&B.

It feels great to be back from a three week vacation to our home state, family and friends. The trip was by all means easy and beautiful. Traveling during July was by no way boring.

There is nothing like the full color and bloom of July. The trees, the gardens and the skies were by far more beautiful than I had imagined. With John and I in the front seat and a cooler in the back seat, packed with ice and lots of South Carolina peaches we set out. Yes those are all peaches.

We decided to give everyone peaches to prove that South Carolina was one of the best places to buy peaches. Most of the peaches come from Colorado that are sold in Minnesota. We were so proud. However, many didn't get peaches because the peaches were perfect when we arrived and could not make it for a week. Learned a lot about peaches those first two weeks.

Our thought was to pay for our stay with peaches. And for those lucky enough to get them loved them. My next post will show the B&B's we stayed at. Other wise known as family gardens. But where do you start when trying to cover vacation....peaches.

God Bless those who travel through my little virtual heaven.

Carol