Saturday, May 31, 2008

Friday, May 30, 2008

Furry Friends Friday




My youngest son and I went to the pet store and purchased some items for our local humane league.

We delivered them and visited the animals while we were there. There were only a few dogs(about 12), but many, many cats.

A few of the dogs had been adopted. This one little guy dog had the saddest eyes, and when you approached him, he flinched. He would be going home to someone though...hopefully a very loving home.
I found it so sad how some of the dogs barked and barked while you were in front of their cage and then as you walked past they got quiet and forlorn. The cats would rub up against the cages and stick out their paws.
If you are thinking of adding an animal to your family, consider adopting from your local shelter.

Have you thought about the tragedy in China?

*this photo above supplied by my sister-in-law



The tragedy in China hits very close to home. Two of my beautiful nieces were adopted from China through the special needs program. They both had heart problems. My youngest niece received life saving heart surgery through the organization, Love Without Boundaries. The difference in both their young lives has been miraculous. Many, many children are suffering in orphanages in China. Since the earthquake, and the unfathomable number of human lives that have been lost, there has been additional strain put on all the organizations that care for China's orphans.
To find out more about how the earthquake has devastated China, go to my link for Half the Sky.
Is there something you can do...in any small way... that would help ease the suffering?

Thursday, May 29, 2008

doodad day

Take a look at these images...I'll tell you about them in a moment.

This is creamy macaroni and cheese

This is a single portion of strawberry pie...yup.


This is sweet tea.



First things first.
I started the day visiting my favorite garden center...because at this time of year I can't stay away.
When I saw the color and name of this brilliant rose, I couldn't walk away without carrying her along with me. Her name....Vavoom!!




Here's another beauty. I have a little sitting area that I decorate with blue, yellow and white flowers. Blue flowers are hard to find, so I was excited to see this frilly femme Amsonia... named appropriately "Blue Ice."

By this time, I had worked up an appetite. I knew exactly what I wanted. There's this casual, local restaurant. When I go there, I am usually one of the youngest, thinnest and most agile
customers sipping a sweet tea. (see above photo) I spend a lot of time reflecting on the circle of life there...life is so short. But mostly, I'm really concentrating on enjoying this incredible unhealthy meal. It's always the same. (Scroll back up and look at the food)
Beef barbeque on a roll..really crunchy and fattening chips come with it(No photo because I ate it too quickly)...and
Macaroni and cheese with stewed tomatoes.
When it arrives, I almost feel like apologizing...sometimes I do. It looks like a ton of food. But then, I look around. I am the youngest, thinnest and most agile person in the place. There's a buffet offered too...which I never get. Most people get the buffet. So, I'm actually eating light.

I think about the food though,and can't help making the corelation between the food and the varied health problems that are evident around me.
I decide I won't dwell on my lack of healthy eating. The regular participants of this diet are happily sharing all the available booths. I am one of them.

Besides, this meal tastes awesome.
Still, I always come away from this restaurant with a comfortably full belly, a craving met with pure comfort food, and this nagging thought...

Getting old sucks.

So, enjoy your food.

Anyway...

Today, I did something different... I got a little extra something something. (Check out that ridiculous pie posted above...although it looks more like a heap, doesn't it)

But I could only eat a bite or two ...and took the rest home...but before I got home...

I had one last stop.

A bare bones fabric shoppe where you never know what you might find.
Look at my treasure trove of goodies that I picked up today! What am I going to do with them?
I have no idea...yet. I'm going to let my creativity take flight. I'll let you know how it turns out.




Fancy feathers...








Spools of thread, lace, cabbage roses, pink and aqua fabric...








Fabric crocheted fruit! Little lemons, cherries and strawberries..


and a cream hat...







Delicate flowers.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Calm

Today, my brain is tired. I've been preparing and worrying about an upcoming meeting and my thoughts have left me feeling like I've walked into a busy intersection. I need the stillness represented in these images.






Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Paper rings full of heart



My youngest son makes amazing paper Origami. Here are a few heart rings in several colors to match different outfits that I might wear. Some time, I'll post some of the other fabulous items that he's made.

Good enough to eat!


This raspberry cupcake is actually a bath fizzy! The directions say..."Drop the cupcake into your warm water filled tub and as the cake fizzes, the floating soap separates for washing." They come in many designs and "flavors." You can get your own cupcake made by The Fuzzy Baker at http://www.ebubbles.com/.

Monday, May 26, 2008

S'more fun on Memorial Day

After hamburgers on the grill...we got to the good stuff and had these!




Look how yummy they look...nice and toasty.




Can't wait for that gooey goodness!


Come on...you know you want a bite. Go make some of your own!

Thank you



Thank you to the men and women who serve our country, and to those who laid down their lives
in service.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Flower pots and water balloons




It's been awhile since the weather was warm enough and dry enough to just hang outside.


We spent the day working in the yard and shopping for flowers to fill the flower pots. The boys had a chance to fly their remote helicopters and throw water balloons. Even Bentley enjoyed the extended time outside.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

ArtFest and Bookstore

Spent the day looking at fabulous art at ArtFest and then browsing the bookstore.

Find a way

Find a way
a path will take you there...or make your own