When Fun Rules.

The family has a Christmas party every year. Over the years we have thrown, what we consider, theme parties. This one year we dressed like our nationality. Even though others considered us silly for dressing up, we had more fun than the effort it took to come up with the costumes. By the way the outlaws, who are the in-laws, were also in full dress. Good sports all.

We found that everyone, had so much fun seeing us like the characters we picked, that the party was so much more colorful. Over the years, our nieces and nephews have great memories of the, so called, silly aunts and uncles. And I might add respected for our self confidence in wearing and maybe having more fun for our age.

What I am trying to say is having fun at any age, is what makes the family great. We can laugh at each other and still be respected. Because, we do everything with dignity. Something our parents taught us.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

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 winners are....

Yes I do have two winners, are you ready for the names.

I was pretty excited.

The names are

Judith of Zanylife & Crazy Faith
and Margaret of Meditation.

Please e-mail me at balsamponds@brainerd.net and tell me what card from either shop you would like. Be sure to put contest winner in the subject line for me. Congrats to the both of you.

It's a Party

I would love to give all my friends and followers a free card from my collection but you would truly deplete my inventory. So to celebrate my 100 follower here is my plan. I will give you a clue, and you will go to either my Artfire or Etsy site and do a search. This clue will give you what you need to find the hidden item.

When you find the item in my card photos you will go to the e-mail address and let me know where you found it. When the week comes to a close I will choose a winner, if there are more than one winner on either site I will do a drawing. Both sites will have a winner.

When the winners (2) are announced via the e-mail and on this site, I will delete your e-mail addresses and the address you are to send the answer to.

Who can apply? Anyone who reads this blog.

Time allowed for the party: July 6th through July 13th.

Winners will be announced on July 15th on this blog.

The clue is: Sniff it out and you will get a treat

e-mail address: balsamponds@brainerd.net

Subject line on e-mail should read - lets party, mostly because I don't open everything I get.

When the winners are picked I will ask what card you want. There is no cost to the winners. Just a simple thank you for those who warm my heart.

The party is on. Good luck to all my friends.

Today it happened....

I hit 100 followers. There is a celebration coming, but since I can't serve cookies and coffee. Or even better drinks, something else will happen to thank you. Keep your eyes peeled.

God Bless those who travel through and especially those who follow me.