Olde Harbor Saltbox & Starlight Prims Blog

I've Been Surfing!

2011-05-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

If only........California Girl here, from the Sixties...transplanted to the Oregon Coast...and after MANY years....still think that Surfing means Sand, Sun and Beach Boys music blaring in the car!!

But, since I have outgrown that..(my body has really expanded in the Oregon Rain...couldn't be the food, right?) my "surfing" is now confined to the Internet, and this morning, I needed some inspiration...and look what (who), I found! Hamilton House!! What a great blog!! I thoroughly enjoyed my morning browsing! And came away with all kinds of ideas for the house. My house....yikes, that is a whole 'nother blog by itself.......hmmmm.........

Anyhow...back to Hamilton House! Click on the photo to the right to go there, and check it out for yourself!

Now, what else is happening? The Shop has been keeping me busy. Not as busy as I should be, but busy nonetheless! I am only working on Friday and Saturdays for now, and spending the rest of the week at home. Max is still not feeling all that great, and I hate to leave him. I had great plans of stitching and rug hooking and taking finished items to the shop on Fridays....hasn't happened yet! But I am holding onto hope that it will soon!

We are so happy to be in Olde Towne, and have some really great neighbors. Also a great restaurant across the street now...that has awesome soups and food....another temptation which is not one that I need! But if you ever get to Florence, you have to come down and try the Maple Street Grille! (I know the afternoon chef...and she is GOOD!!)

Well, not much to say today...which, okay, I admit is a switch from my usual blabbe..ummm...knowledg.......well, you get the picture!!!

Thankful!

2011-01-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

So much has happened these last few months, and I have to admit....I have been very lax keeping up with it all!!

We are hoping that you had a Wonderful Holiday Season! Our was great! We missed our family members who were far away, but we were able to talk to them all, and somehow, even though we miss them terribly, it helps!!

Shop news is exciting! Our ad came out in Country Sampler, and it has kept us busy! We are so thankful for that! It has really made a difference! We had a great couple of months here at the shop, and we are thankful for that too!!!

Now, for the most exciting news....(well, we were hoping the Ducks would win the BCS, but since they didn't......well.....movin' on....!) The shop is moving!!! We have outgrown our space here, and while we love it, it is time to move on! We will be leaving here the 1st. of February and moving to a place just off of Bay Street. We will be playing with the big girls and boys!!! We were invited to share a space with a shop already down there, and so after much thought and consideration, we agreed. We will be in the same building, but we will be separate, with a divider between us. And we will be just down the street from The Wrens Nest! Wren, the owner of The Wrens Nest, has been so good to us and for us! She has sent so many of our customers to us, and we are thankful (seeing a pattern here? LOL), for her! And she has the coolest shop! If you ever get to Florence, you need to stop by and shop!!

Other than that, things have been just going along! I decided that I was not going to make any New Years' Resolutions...so I am making "thoughts"....and right now I am "thinking", that I should blog more regularly. We'll see just how that goes!!

On This Day

2010-09-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

So Much Has Happened.....

2010-09-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Truly...so much has happened...life has sped by and is disappearing in front of my eyes!

The shop is decked out in Fall finery now....it is so warm and inviting.....I love coming to work! We are signed up for two shows, and have an ad coming out in the Country Sampler...and an article in the Country Register nexty issue, which has brought us quite a bit of business in the last month or so. Hopefully, we are going to be able to keep up with it all. We have goodies to add to the website this week...we are hoping to get it filled up!

We did get in some of the awesome jars with candleholders in them....we have the Quart Jar ones and the Half-gallon ones. Love, love, love them!
We had kids home this last two weeks....Deanna and Chubby and Jordan came from New Zealand. And Bob, Christy and Shawn (who is waaaaayyyy taller than his Daddy now......sorry Bob, but I am thinking it is really more than an inch...) and Anna. Lots of fun.....much talk....we had four years to catch up on with Deanna and all. Jordan and I even got in a day of creating....we did Paperbag books. She did an awesome Halloween one. I've missed crafting with her!

I just had a call from one of the girls...Christian, who is the boys' nephew, was hit by a truck last night. He is in the hospital and it doesn't look good. He is 12.....I am so praying that God sees it to let him live. Life is just hard sometimes. I need to see my babies...all of them, and love them and hug them....I miss them.....

Has anyone seen Jules? I've lost her.....

2010-05-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Has anyone, or does anyone know Julie Giers from the Saltbox Peddler? I have been trying to get in touch with her for quite awhile, but haven't heard back..which is odd, as she was always so quick to reply.

When I went onto Ebay, it said she was no longer registered, and unbelievably, she had some negative feedback. Her websites are still up, and running, but there has been no answer from her. I know that her husband did some of her wood work....at one time....but.....I really want to find her. Has anyone heard anything about her?

What have Brenda and I been up to....?????

2010-04-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

What, oh, what, has been going on here on the Oregon Coast? And where have we been? And how could we be gone so long......??? Huh? Huh?

Well, we have a dandy excuse....really, we do! Here is a tease:

And here? Another glimpse:

A more direct approach, maybe?

Can you read the window? Here is the final shot.....

(We haven't gotten to the flower beds yet.......but that is coming soon!).

YEP!! We did it!! After 12 years of talking about it, we now have a SHOP!! On the Oregon Coast!! Primitives, Folk Art, Vintage Wares, Candles, Soaps & Altered Art. We are officially open now, and we are loving it!! Every minute of it! So, you see, we haven't forgotten about you all, we have had our nose to the grindstone for the past four months!

We actually started this in December,but it took awhile to get it together. We found the perfect little shop, and then had to wait until we could take possession of it, then they had to do some inside work.....then we finally got to it! After a lot of cleaning....lots of painting.....and lots of sewing, and making candles.....well, we opened up, and are busy, busy, busy. We have stocked the shop totally ourselves, and plan to keep it that way, if at all possible. It will take a bit, but we hope to have it stuffed to the gills before the start of summer. So, if any of you are here on the Oregon Coast and hit Florence, come and see us! We are the only Primitive shop here!

Well, I will share more pictures with you later! I just wanted to let you know that we are here, and that I am back in Blogland! I have missed you all, and will be busy catching up on everyone and everything. I tried to keep up as we were working on the shop....but, it seems that I would just get lost? And then I would read and read and read? And nothing would get done? I even timed myself one day...and turned the timer off when it rang, and read and read and read....needless to say, I got nothing done!

Trashy Swap and....what can I say?......

2010-03-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

nothing!! Absolutely nothing!!! So.....here is where I will start!!!!

Hope that everyone had a Wonderful Holiday Season!! We had a wonderful one, and now, with the first two months of 2010 over, I can say that it is looking good for a wonderful year!!!

So, onto the TRASHY SWAP, which was another of Char at The Pickled Pepper Patch's swaps! I totally love her swaps! This swap was: we had to go to our local Thrift Store, find at least three things, and redo them.....primmed to the max! My Swap Partner this time was Cheryl from Prim From Scratch! Oooohhhhh, my gosh.........how awesome of a partner was she? Need I ask? TOTALLY AWESOME! Check out the goodies below.....and no, I will not share......sorry Mom...I know that you raised me better than that.....but geez.......these are mine........mine, mine, mine!! And, yes, you did hear a little stamp of a foot there.....I am really sorry, and will take a Time Out in a bit. But, right now....check out my goodies!!!
I got a Food Screen!! A Food Screen!!! I have wanted one Forever!!!! (okay, since I saw my first one......which seems like forever!) Cheryl told me that she had to take flowers off of it.....and I am so thrilled that she took the time to do that! I tell you, as I pulled out all the goodies she sent...it was like she read my mind! The Star Box, is perfectly primmed, as well! I love the color, and the way that the mache peeks through in spots. Aged to perfection! (Am I gushing? LOL). I love the match holder as well......I have never done one for me, and I have the perfect place for it! And right next to it will go the darling needlework sampler....I love the warm, primmed tone of it! It is amazing how the primming can just warm a room! The candle smells yummy, and the lotion....oh my....this is one of my most favorites.......I opened the jar.....got a whiff, whipped a finger through....and I was instantly transported to a tropical island...not the grey, windy, wet Oregon Coast that was outside my window!

Thankyou for the goodies, Cheryl!! And Thank you Char for hosting the swap!!

Gettysburg Homestead Exchange!

2009-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

You should see the goodies I received!! I am so thrilled!! For those who didn't know...Mary at Gettysburg Homestead had a Christmas Exchange, and I signed up. I haven't done an exchange in ages.....and so decided to go for it!

Last week, I was greeted by this HUGE box when we got home! It was unbelievable!! OH, I should tell you, that Char from The Pickled Pepper Patch, was my swap partner. And, for those of you who don't follow her blog? You HAVE to go and Follow her! She has the greatest tutorials you have ever seen! Need to have some inspiration? She's the one!! Anyway, back to my box! I was headed to bed, and Max brought in the box from the deck and said..."Oh, Jan? Before you head to bed? Maybe you should check the mail?" I said "tomorrow"...he said, "No, really, today"....so I reversed direction and lo and behold...there the box was, in all it's glory!

So, grabbed a pair of scissors and went to work.....and could not believe my eyes, and I pulled goodies out of the box!

First these handstitched pillows and the waayyy too cute Elf Stocking:

And then these darling handstitched pillow ornies:

I found this....(this was her "Thrift Store Find"...she said that they were baby themed boxes! Who would have thought? She remade them into this awesome stacking set with the grungy lamp....she even grunged the bulb) Can this girl create or what?

And this: OH! And some of her awesome Cinna-bun tarts...forgot to photo them...they went into all my tart burners, and the house smells sooooooo good!

I don't have my Christmas decorations up yet....I am way behind this year...but I do have Char's goodies up...

And my Pillows are at home on the couch
So, did I score or what? Thanks so much Char!!! It was so much fun! And, I hope your like your goodies as much as I love mine!!!

One more photo........

2009-11-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more photos from the Jazz Half Marathon that Brandi did last weekend! I just had to show them! They are of Brandi and her sister Dawn. I have never met Dawn, but I love her sister, and if she is anything like Brandi...(which I am sure she is), then I would love her too!!

What do you think? I would be saying "NOOOOO" if the weather first thing in the morning said I might get wet.....I'm thinking New Orleans Coffee and a Beignet. (I have never had a Beignet...but Brandi assures me she makes the BEST. Another reason I was very sad that we didn't get to GA.....I have always wanted to try one. I just know that I would be hooked...actually, just the thought makes me smile...so maybe I'm hooked already. Can that be possible? Thinkin' it might!)
But our Fearless Two...suck it up...and off they go.....running the streets of New Orleans..... OH!! Can you tell they are sisters?!!!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T21:03:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was awakened by a Text Message....It read 2:38:40!

It had come from Brandi...and the numbers? That is the time she ran...13.1 miles....Wow!! She has been running for a while now, and she has kept busy doing Marathons. Just lately, she did a 5k run, did the Buddy Walk (which they do every year as a family). She did a hear4hope, the Susan G Komen Run, and today the Jazz Half Marathon in New Orleans to benefit the Children's Hospital. (I hope I got that right). And, as you can see from the photos below...Alex is right there with her! When Jamie and Brandi were first together, Jamie said "Mom...you have to find Brandi a hobby". Brandi was fine with that too...I think...she never said "no", but then, maybe she couldn't? LOL

So, I undertook that mission...."Cross Stitch"? "Scrapbooking"? Well, Brandi found her hobby! That was where the Running came in!

Here is a photo of The Buddy Walk, which the family does every year:

From L-R...a friend, Brandi, Jamie and Alex in the wagon....(not sure who the other little one is)

Last week, it was the Susan G. Komen Run.....

Alex joins in.....(don't you love that head tilt?)

And here is a photo of Alex and her first 5k run with Momma...

Alex missed the run today...instead, she stayed home with Daddy....where I am sure that they spent the day watching football!

I am just in awe of her!

Meditation Rug

2009-10-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Good morning! Have you missed me?!!! I missed you all! I have been thinking that I needed to get back on and blog...(for all of you out there that have been holding your breath? You can let it out now! LOL).

I have been working on my hooking projects...(noooo, silly people...not on the street corners in my classic red dress and black fishnet hose.....), but on my RUG hooking projects. I joined the "10 Minutes A Day Rug Hooking" challenge...so far, so good. Not content to leave it at that? I also joined a "Meditation Rug" Challenge". April, who is in charge of the group....will give us a word on the 1st of the month, and we are to design and hook a 12" x 12" square. It lasts for 12 months, and at the end of the 12 months, we will all have a large rug, and it will be filled with items that mean something personally to us. I LOVED that idea! I said "SIGN ME UP"....and she did!!!

So, I needed to get some more fabric (bummer on that, right?), and then do some thinking, and then do some drawing.......we will be on square 3 on Sunday. So, I am right where I should be...fabric bought....and panicked and brain-dead......you see, I can think......I can (and have), draw out the lines and squares.....but I cannot make my mind up.....and I cannot DRAW!!! All of my hooking has been on pre-drawn Monks Cloth. So, last night.....with all the lines drawn on.........I put my pen to the fabric....and DREW! Yes, I did!!! And then, I CHOSE MY COLORS!! Uh huh....chose those puppies with nary a thought!!! (so, I will admit here...all the colors that I have? Are the Fall colors, my most favorite colors.....so really, it was almost a no brainer...., but I do like to think that I did more than put my hand in my basket of tangled worms, and yank out a handful....close my eyes and just grab one.....I mean really, why would I do that?).....Then, I put the hook to my backing...and I hooked....and while I hooked, I meditated about the first word, which is "Turning". Took a photo, as I promised one on the Forum I would...(a day late), and looked at the photo....it looked much better than the original work. You see.....I don't think I am a Primitive Hooker....or, to put it more bluntly...I DO NOT LIKE USING 1/4" strips......I have decided that I am a 1/8" hooker.....I just don't like what I did!! Of course, if I could just look at it through the lens.....LOL! What I have done previously is the 1/4", (or #8 cut), and I have done wool yarn. I will be studying this square....shall I keep it or not? I have just ordered lots of the smaller cut.....I may have to reverse hook it, as I just am not happy with it.....and I have lots more to do!!! Looking at the photo now...I probably should have trimmed the wool before taking the photo! But it is the general idea...although........sigh.......

On to other things.....Bob came home for a quick visit. We had a great time! It was good to see him, and catch up on things! Here is a shot of Bob and Grandma:
And Bob with Dad:
Now, Max is 6'.....so you can see that Bob is tall!

What else have been doing? Hmmm....life just goes by in such a blur! I'm not sure what all has been going on!

We have had a fairly regular visitor......This is Watts.....and as you know...you can't have October without a black cat or two! We awoke to rain and wind this morning. I love a good storm! However, the rain ended and the wind laid down...so Max thought he would get his walk in. That was about 1/2 hour ago. So.....he should be about a third to half done on his walk. Guess what? It just started to pour and the wind just hit again. My man is going to be wet! So, I think I will close this, light some candles (after all, why have a storm with no candles?), and do a bit more on one of my rug projects. What better way to spend a stormy day?

Life.....

2009-10-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Another day in the life of the Franklin Clan. A very interesting day...one that has us thinking.....

Max and I were awakened this morning by a voice having a conversation. It was coming from the Monitor that we have alongside the bed. The other part is next door at Mom F.'s house. And she was the one having a conversation. And she sounded very alert. So, after a minute or so of listening and not making out what she was saying, I got up and grabbed my sweats and headed next door. I was very quiet as I unlocked the door, and then found my way to the kitchen and flipped the light on. As I walked down the hallway, Mom said "That light is so bright". So, I ambled on in, and asked her if she was feeling okay. She said "yes". So then, I asked her who she had been talking to. (Now, you need to know that she had her glasses on). She said that she had been talking to a "girl", but the girl wouldn't answer her, so she had just put her glasses on to see her better, and it was at that time I had turned the light on and come on down the hall. I looked around the room, and by the door, which is where Mom said the girl was. No one. Only the clock blinking the time. So, I told her what time it was, and told her she could get a couple more hours of sleep, if she could. And, I'd be over later to check on her. She laid her head back and said "isn't that funny"....

I came home, told Max and we both went back to sleep for an hour. I went over about 8:00, and she was up waiting for her coffee to finish. So, while we waited for the coffee to finish, we talked about it. She told me that there had been 3 women at the foot of her bed. But no one would answer her. They just stood there looking at her. She could see 2 of them very clearly, but not the "girl" at the far end by the door. And then when I came in "they left". She said it was the "weirdest thing".

So, I have been a member of this family for 30 years. And we have done lots of traveling with Mom, and then the years in AZ, where she slept in the living room.....she had NEVER, and I mean NEVER talked in her sleep. (Now, Max does......, boy, does he....).

I came on home, and sat down with my coffee. The phone rang. It was Larrie, Maxs' cousin. He called to tell us that Verna, (the wife of Dad F.'s cousin), had died. He had just got the call. So we had a nice long chat, and then he told me the time that she had died. My hair stood up on my arms. So, I told him about Mom's "talk". And what time it was. The hair stood up on his arms. Then he was quiet for a minute, and said, "Eva is the last of the three left". The three, born in 1917, were Larrie's Mom, (Aunt Winnie, who died in 1999, I think), Verna, who died today, and Mom F. The three had spent lots of time together in their younger years, (they were all married to Franklin's). And had corresponded regularly until recently, when Verna couldn't really see to write, and Mom wasn't able to write very much either.

I went over and asked Mom if she had recognized the two women she had seen. She said she couldn't remember. But when I told her about Verna, she got a funny look, but wouldn't say anything else.

So....here is the rest of the story........when I came home from town, Mom was over here with Max...(we got her to stay for dinner....YAAAAAAAAAAA!!!), and she asked me who that lady was that died. I said "Verna"? She said she guessed. But she couldn't place who she was. And how was she related, and how did they know each other. I told her it was Dad's cousin's wife. And said "you and Verna wrote back and forth for years and years....and we stopped to visit her when we were traveling. She said "really"? Then, "I have no idea who she was". Max's face fell. My heart started to cry. How sad is that. I know that we are going to go through all kinds of stages. And Dad spoilt us. He died at 89, and was sharp as a tack minutes before he died. Now, as I type this, Max has brought her a plastic bag full of hard candy to choose her piece. He hadn't undone the tie. She is trying to figure out how it opens. Lord, this is so hard..............

And Verna? We are so going to miss you....................

So, Here I am......Sniffing.........

2009-09-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

Lavender...(gotcha!), and sipping on a cup of Chamomile Tea...trying to calm down, and reduce that nasty ol' tightness in my muscles......and boy, do I look pathetic, if I do say so myself, and I do!

Night before last I woke up about 2:00am, with a horribly tight chest. So I laid there a bit, barely awake, trying to separate all the pains and aches....now, bear in mind...I truly was barely awake. After separating everything, I decided that I must be fine, as my left arm didn't hurt or go numb. Now, as soon as I reasoned that out....my left arm started tingling. I laid there a bit longer, and decided that the arm was waking up.....I must have laid on it wrong. I took another deep breath, and decided that if I was having a heart attack, I didn't particularly care, and settled down to go to sleep again. A couple minutes later, I knew I had to hit the bathroom, and no heart attack could stop that...so I dragged myself out of bed, down the hall, and into the bathroom. After that, I decided I was thirsty, so I shuffled to the kitchen, got a drink, and then went back to bed. By then the chest had loosened, and I dropped right back to sleep. I woke up, feeling fine, but with tired muscles in my chest. Yesterday, I was tired, and achy, but no more chest pain. I mentioned it to Max and he about had a heart attack, but I assured him it was NOT a heart attack. Last night, went to bed, and slept the night through. Then within about 3 hours of waking up, here came that nasty ol' tightness again. So, I called the Dr., and had to leave a message as no one answered the phone. Jackie called back right away, and wanted to know WHAT was wrong....the message that I had left was that "I have a spot that needs to go, and I hadn't been feeling too sharp lately". Turns out I had never called and said that I hadn't been feeling well....so, it struck alarm bells with Jackie....(I used to talk to her daily, when I was in Radiolgy). The Dr. was gone, and so Jackie told me that the Triage Nurse would call me right back....and she did. Tina called, (I used to work with her too) and asked what was going on...so we had a lovely, long talk. I told her not much, then said that the trip had ended right after it started, and then, with a little (actually, very little) prompting, the last two months unfurled, and...well.....wow......I was and am stressed. So, I have a dr. appt for the 12th.....if I have any more 'episodes', I am to go right in...and I needed to 'calm down'. So, I asked, "any ideas on that calming down thing?" "Chamomile Tea before bed, and maybe some lavender by the pillow". HELLLLOOO.....I am the Homeopathic person in the family. What do I tell everyone? Chamomile and Lavender Tea, and a sachet in your pillow or next to the bed.....and "Turn It Over To God"....."Share with a friend", what was I thinking? Oh, obviously NOT thinking!! And the second I stuck a Lavender Dryer Bag under my nose.....ahhhhhh...tightness gone......

Now, I just have to "Turn It Over", and "Share with a friend"....and I consider you all "friends", so I am sharing this with you.....

Our Family has had lots of "happenings" lately. Without hauling it all out, and stressing myself more......

Our Christy, had a Bi-lateral Mastectomy a week ago. It was her choice, and a wise one. But, my heart still cries for her.

Our Lauren.....and the whole family....are facing terrible stresses right now...our Lauren is about to have her world ripped apart...she will be meeting a Birth Father, that she didn't know about. She is 5. (He didn't want her, and has wanted nothing to do with her, but now.....it's a bloody mess). Along with her, Brad and Livvie, who are trying to keep it all together, and pay for all the lawyers, and keep the family as "normal" as possible. Brad is her "Daddy", (he's had her her whole life), and that will never change, and she will know that, but in the meantime......

Brandi and I spent the last two months planning our trip....that is what has held me together the last few months, whenever I would hit "overload", I would think about the trip South, and things would calm down for a bit. It was my safety net this Summer and Fall.

And there is more.......and, we are not the only family that are dealing with bad things right now, and so many more families are worse off.....and my thoughts go to them.....

Life will settle down, and things will be fine.....and me falling apart will certainly NOT help! Whew!!! Thanks for listening! I promise to not post like this again!!! Well, not for a long time, anyway!!

We are Finally Home!

2009-09-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, yes, and what a trip it was!!! We finally got the car on Thursday morning, and headed home. We were both tired, and thankful.....okay, I must admit, until we got the car, we were both rather cranky. But after a test drive or two, we loaded our stuff and and hit the Interstate. Where we cruised home....both of us really upset that we were headed North instead of South. We stopped at Canyonville, and had lunch, then a little bit later we went off of I5 and headed West on 138....which is a beautiful, if a bit narrow at times, drive. There are very few pull-outs on that road, and most of them, if you don't know that they are there? Well, you notice them as you whiz by.....which by that time is too late. Unless you are one of those talented drivers that can whip the car around in the lane....which I am not....and while I have mentioned it to Max a time or two, he doesn't seem to feel strongly enough about that particular pull-out to do it. So, to be honest? I've always wanted to be in a car that does that.....as long as it is a policeman, who knows what he is doing....(Oh, Bob...hint, hint?)

So, we meandered West, admiring the turning leaves, and trying to talk ourselves out of the blues. We finally got to Elkton, and Max pulled over so we could switch drivers. It was MY turn!!! (I do love to drive!) As I walked around the back of the car, I noticed this trail of drops....and they seemed to lead under the car....hmmmm....so, I mentioned (okay, waved my arms and screamed like a banshee...the whole town of Elkton probably thought that Death to all had arrived).....to Max, who looked at me like I was insane....(he's had a LOT of practice at that). Then he calmly said..."Move the car forward so I can see if it is leaking under OUR car". So, I did.....he looked, and then reached down to poke at the PUDDLE where the car had been. And it was oily. Now HE looked like he could scream like a Banshee...but of course, him having more restraint than I do, he just clenched his jaw....(I love it when he does that....just gives me the shivers..though of course, that is not the time to tell him...sigh). We pulled onto the gravel parking lot, and he checked the transmission fluid level...it was almost non-existent....time for a call to our Personal Transmission Builder, (here-after known as PTB) which Max made...(still clenching his jaw)....who told us to find a station and fill up the transmission fluid. When I heard that? I reached into the back and grabbed the Beer Nuts......(remember, stress eater here).....so we carefully and slowly drove to the station which was across the street. Spoke to the guy who owned it, and then called our PTB, so he could talk to the station guy. Within about, oh.....1 minute, the station guy HUNG UP on the PTB. Seems our Ashland Dude had made the station guy VERY angry. So, I reached back to grab something to drink with the beer nuts.....no beer. Darn.....so, I grabbed the next best thing....Pepper Jack Chips and started in on those. As I sat in the car, watching the discussion going on in front of me....I thought, what a shame....no popcorn......WAIT....there WAS popcorn!!! Another quick grab to nab the popcorn and Pepsi (gotta have Pepsi with Popcorn), and I was all set to enjoy the rest of the show. By then, however, things had quieted down, they added the fluid...and the plan was to head for home. Checking the fluid on the way....so, again, off we traveled.

It occurred to me, as we started the twisty curves that maybe I should call someone, so that if we didn't show up at a special time, they could come and find us. So, first a call to Mom and Dad...no answer...no machine....next a call to Craig....no answer.....before the machine could cut in, we had lost the signal....I'm ready for home...the beer nuts are gone.....Chips are gone....Popcorn has lost it's appeal...and the Pepsi? I now had to find a bathroom.......

A half an hour or so later, we got to Reedsport, where Max pulled off at a station that he used to deliver fuel too...they checked the fluid....we're good....just then Craig called....so I told him why I had called. He said that he had figured that was why we called....(Like I never call just to say "hi"?), so we set a time, and he said he'd head South if we hadn't checked in by the set time. Of course, now that we had a set time? We ran into construction....so we made it to the lake with five minutes to spare, so I called him, said we would be there in about 15 minutes. Made it there, got the keys, ran to our mechanics, where they set up an appt on Monday at 8:00....so we'll see. So far, no leaking. That's what so great about life at our house...you just never know what is going to happen!!

It is all a matter of Perspective....

2009-09-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today was another day in Paradise.....well, for a few minutes anyway! We stopped by to see how the car was doing......unfortunately, the mechanic was not thrilled to see us. In fact, he mentioned to Max that he felt Max did not trust him. Hmm....anyway, not getting into that, except to say that my fairly mild husband took exception to that.....and did possibly mention something to him concerning trust....and then he got into the car, and we headed into Ashland to the Wild Goose for breakfast. Now...the story gets even MORE exciting. Are you holding onto your knickers?? Not to keep you in suspense, but do you recognize the item in this photo?

Yep, you got it!! It is a ticket!! I cannot believe it, still. And here is my story, and I am SOOOOOO sticking to it...(I know, everyone says that...but really....)

Max and I are driving through downtown Ashland, we pass a police officer on a motorcycle....who looks at me...makes eye contact, and chases me down. Really......I was sure he had mistaken me for someone (anyone) famous.....well, he didn't even ask me for my autograph...instead he asked me "do you know why I stopped you"? "Not a clue" I replied...maintaining a calm voice....(it pays to be a Drama Queen sometimes). "Well, I stopped you for doing 37mph in a 25mph zone". My husband, you know, the one I mentioned above? says "why did you stop her....she was with the traffic"? My policeman says "She was leading the pack"......"She was not leading the pack...she was following". "She had cars behind her"....came the reply from my personal officer...(indeed I did).....Seems the gentleman chose to see me as leading, instead of following......Now, I could be pleased...I never see myself as a Leader.......soooo.....to look at the bright side...I have given MY favorite cop something to tease me with....(our son, Bob)......what with me being the proud owner of a $145.00 ticket.....

Now, I am leaving you with a photo I took while I was waiting to pick up the car today....(his wife just called....it might be ready tomorrow.......

Another day in Ashland....it is

2009-09-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

HOT! Hot, hot!! Today it is 104*, and it is warm!! Although, it is another beautiful day. And, they got all the fires out last night....turns out that there were actually 3 that started yesterday! It is so dry, and with the wind, it doesn't take long!

The car is still in........it looks like it will be tomorrow....he is having to rebuild it. The one he had wouldn't work.

We called the kids today.......oh, how hard that was. We won't be going to GA or FL. Max and I are heartbroken.....but, hopefully, we will get there sometime soon. It is just that it has been two years, and we need to see and hold those babies.....and meet Katie.........(she is Katie-did to me, in my thoughts....will be fun to see how she fits that tag I have given her!) The bright spot...(there's always got to be a bright spot, right?), is that the Postal Service will be making a small fortune from me.....lots of stuff to send on!

Now there is one thing that you probably don't know about me....okay, Brandi has it figured out...and I know that Deanna knows.......I cannot travel without junk food. I think that it is yet, another one of those unwritten laws.....(my Mom taught me......and she always follows the rules). Now, add to that the fact that I am a stress eater........(raising my right hand, here, and repeating solemnly...."my name is Jan....and I am a stress eater).....LOL...and Max is always up for junk food.....(he never gains a pound, how unfair is that?)...this is what we had....some of it left Florence with us yesterday, but in all honesty? The majority came from the Chevron Mart that was next to the motel last night......are you ready? REALLY ready? Look carefully.....

So, what is missing? A bag of popcorn......a pepsi, and some chocolate-chili bars...those are in the car.....melting, even as we speak. As are the ones that I got the girls....luckily, I stashed them in a freezer bag...so they won't be muckin' up the rest of the stuff!

Update on the car....no go.....seems the owner (who was the one who was doing all the work on the car...so please don't call, because it is so technical.....and he would just get confused? And it would slow him down? You know...that guy? Well, we got there when we were told too....he unfortunately chose to not be there.......so we waited and waited.....met the guy who was actually doing the work....who was young, but looked like he knew what he was doing...(well, he had blue surgeons' gloves on...and a headband...)....told us that the boss would be back in about 20 minutes......so, I felt good about him....you know...gloves and all?....welllllll, we went outside and sat on the bench to wait, and I admired Caroles Colors....lovely flower beds...I must say.....and then up came this cute little car, with this cute little girl.....who bounced up to the door, and we told her that the owner was gone, but was expected back...she had a lovely pout...so we sent her on in, around the corner and through the kitchen...and there was the "guy with the gloves".....who she quickly grabbed and out he came, in he went, back he came with a thingymajiggy to hook to something...he managed to honk the horn...(I am getting a bit nervous here...he had taken his gloves off...), and then he popped the hood, and looked up at the sky (looking for directions maybe?), and then he poked about on top.....(remember...no gloves.......), and the next thing I know...he is peeking out at the girl.....and then really looks.....(she is looking at him...)....and the next thing we know...his headband is off, and he is driving off with the girl....test drive, I guess.....all I know is we sat there for about 45 minutes more, when another guy shows up to tell us that the owner called and we should go home...it won't be ready until late tomorrow.......at the earliest.....HELLO, we knew that...the guy who was working on it is driving around town with the cute little blonde...no headband.......

What a day......

2009-09-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well, what a day, indeed! As you can see......we had plans! Yesterday, we took Mom F. to Bandon to spend the month with her sisters.....and we loaded up and headed out this morning, bound for Georgia and Florida. This was the scene as we left town.

It was a lovely morning, and we enjoyed the sun...and well....we were HAPPY!! Going to see our babies.....we have been planning this for MONTHS!! As we hit the pass outside of Grants Pass, the car gave a couple little burps...but the road was horrible, and the wind was howling, and I hadn't given the car much gas to get up the hill......so we put it down to that.....we traveled on...no more problems. As we came to Ashland, our "fill-up" place before we hit California....we noticed the smoke coming from the hill behind Ashland. They had a fire start this morning....

It was so close to the road, and the town? Right behind some of the homes. We haven't heard whether anyone lost their home. Hopefully, they didn't. The fire was contained late this afternoon.
We headed on up the Siskiyou's, on our way to California.....and then it happened. The transmission went out. Thankfully, Max was driving by then, and he got us out of the road, and along the edge....pretty hairy, as the eighteen wheelers were flying by. Went to use the computer....looking for a tow company....(someone, who we won't mention by name, did NOT renew the Good Sam coverage..seems she thought she was too busy). Anyway, the computer couldn't do anything...we were in the extended coverage area, and the fee was $27.00 a Mb......so I called the 411 number and told the operater I needed a tow company...any two company, and she found us one...they came and got us, we dropped the car off at a Transmission fixer-upper, rented a car and found a motel...and now we wait. I have a feeling that the trip to GA and FL will not be happening, and I am sick. So is Max. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Oh, and as we came back to Ashland, there was another fire...5 miles from where we left the car. It had started in the time we were waiting for the tow truck. Very scary!

Blessings From Heaven

2009-09-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

A New Girlfriend for Max....a new project for Jan....

2009-08-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Max is quite the man about town these days....he has followers from everywhere!!! Here is one of the girls...just look at the love and devotion in those beautiful brown eyes...

It is true love....for Max, and for the cookies that he carries in his pockets when he walks! This is Bebe, and she is always willing to visit!

A closer look...now, the sad thing is...she never got her cookie! She was a bad girl and ate a large portion of her Mama's rug. And it stayed in her stomach long enough to cause some ulcers...so she is on canned food until this weekend. Poor girl! She could not understand why she didn't get her goodies! So, Max promised her doubles next time.....now, if she just won't eat the rug...............

Now, my new project! We spent last Monday in the Valley at friend's. And we went out to Grandpa's Farm...

We bought corn, potatoes, fresh green beans, cucumbers...you'll notice I don't have a photo of those, but what I do have a photo of is a quilt that they had. It was gorgeous! And just what I had been looking for. I bought some beautiful fabric for a quilt for our Anna, and decided that I didn't like the quilt pattern I had bought to do it in. So, it has been sitting here for ages, waiting for a spark of inspiration...which hit on Monday, when Kathy and I went into the little shop that they have. So many fun things to see! And then, I saw this, my little heart pitter-pattered....out I rushed to the car to get my camera, and snap......this is what I will do for Anna - but instead of the white background, it will be black....like this: So, now the fabric has left the "what will I do with this" pile, and relocated to the "gotta get this done soon" pile. (I am ever the organizer....)!

Other than that, life has pretty much just cruised by, like it does, in a blur!! I have two penny rugs cut out...they are in my "what the heck have you been doing?" pile. They have to be done by the end of Sept. so they can travel to their new homes...along with several table mats, and a runner, and a reading pillow.....a rug, a dolly quilt.....(didn't like the first one I did), three dresses, some wall art, some snowballs.......candles and soaps......well, I just had a horrendous hot flash...I must be tired...couldn't possibly be stress? LOL! It will all get done, and I will be a solid, red, heating unit....those hot flashes could power New York City. And of course, had I managed to have started on some of this earlier, I wouldn't be stressing! But it seems that is how I live my life, and it must work......and in the winter? We never have to turn the heater on!

Well, I am sitting here, looking at Brandi's table mat, and thinking, if I got started on it tonight, it could be quilted by Monday, so think I had better do dinner, and get busy on that! 'Til later!!

Crab Lasagna

2009-08-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, I mentioned that we had been to a friends' house for dinner....which was Fresh Crab!! I took a photo....it isn't the best...but the poor crab was naked.....and well, the other side just looked wrong!

We are so fortunate to live where we can actually get fresh crab, and most of the time, I don't think about it! Before Max went back to trucking, he was a Commercial Fisherman. Sadly, now, the fishing industry is about gone. It was slowing down in the early '80's, which is why we moved to Florence.

But there are times we can't get fresh crab.....and canned crab is all the crab we can get. We hate that! So, I have this wonderful recipe which I use whenever we have company coming from inland....and, I can't get anything but canned! It is easy, and it actually goes together fast....AND, it is a great make-ahead dinner!

CRAB LASAGNA

1/2 lb Lasagna Noodles, cooked

2 cans frozen Shrimp Soup...(I use Cream of Mushroom)

2 cans Crab Meat

1- 8oz package of Cream Cheese

2 cups Small Curd Cottage cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp Basil

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 tsp salt

dash of pepper

Tomato Slices

1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, grated.

Cook noodles in boiling, salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water. Thaw the soup and heat (if using canned Cream of Mushroom soup...just open it and pop it into a bowl)

Add crab to soup, and mix it in.

Mix Cream Cheese until soft, in a separate bowl. Add Cottage Cheese, egg, basil, onion, salt and pepper.

In a buttered baking dish, place one layer of noodles, than a layer of half of the cheese mixture. Add the soup and crab. Cover with a layer of noodles, then the remaining cheese mixture, and top with tomato slices.

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes at 350*. Than add the grated cheese, and cook for 1/2 hour longer, until bubbly. Let set for 5 - 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.

I serve this with a green salad, and garlic bread.....hmmmmmmmmmmm, it is looking good....might just make it one night this week!

Life here is just buzzing along! We are busy trying to get things settled around our trip to see our kids the end of September. Max is spending his time telling me that we "don't have that much room in the trunk"...but really, we will be gone for a month, and I have to have some something to do, and a good variety of it!

I am still sorting stuff that I took out of the fifth wheel....I am pretty sure that the "stuff fairy" has been paying regular visits, as I refuse to believe that I could actually have put that much stuff into the fifth wheel! The good thing is that I have found several things that I had been looking for! I swear, I need a Twelve-step program....one made especially for those that have to know how to do everything.....suppose they have one for that? I was talking to a friend last night, and telling her my sad tale, and then I said "maybe I'm a Hoarder"....but I don't think that fits, as I actually use everything I have. It has been mentioned that Max might possibly need a counseling session to maintain his sanity as he lives with my "stuff" all the time. I think he is doing fine....his eyes haven't rolled back in his head for several days.....and that foaming around his mouth isn't so noticable now....so I think he just might be coming to terms with it................

Show-n-Tell Tuesday!

2009-08-04T11:41:00.004-07:00

Well....here I am again, a day late!! I thought that I would be able to post this last night, but.....we went to a friends house to eat....(fresh crab....yummmm), and then, I stayed and visited....and visited.....and dragged home at 10:00 last night. Max and Mom were home by 6:30.....so I guess you know.....(if you didn't already), that I can talk and talk and talk....LOL!

I had been junking the other day, and found some great goodies! I have a hard time finding goodies here, as we really have only 2 places to go, other than garage sales. But this is what I found at St. Vincent De Paul:
I was thrilled! I found the two Louet Carding Combs...I have been looking for them, and they are expensive new.....and there they were...just waiting for me to grab them up. Now, however, I am wondering...should I keep them or sell them...I don't have my wheel now....and well....no fleece now either...this will require some thought! And I LOVED the coffee cup and saucer....it is an old restaurant one. Basket? It was the perfect prim color, and I couldn't pass it up! AND, it won't need redoing..it is perfect as it is. The two boxes, will be makeovers this week, and see all those spools? Punch Needle threads...in PRIMITIVE colors! Where on earth did they come from? Florence is not a prim place! The baggie? It's full of little artificial apples, that have been dusted with clear glitter. They will be going in a glass jar for the new kitchen when it comes!

NOW, for the real prize!! See the wood paper towel holder in the back? Well, I found one just like it in Country Sampler...for the price of $39.95, plus $11.00 postage. My price, (and it is identical, I just need to paint it), ta daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa........I paid $6.99 for it! I danced all the way out to the car!!

I also found some tin molds..... this one being the coolest:
It is nice and heavy, and the design is incredible! Here's a close-up of the top:

I couldn't believe it! How could someone just not snatch it up? I can hardly wait to do some pantry cakes out of it....Now, if I could just figure out how to make the old-fashioned food screens.......there is always something, isn't there?!!!

Today is my Mom's birthday...Happy Birthday, Mom!!! (why aren't you answering the phone???? And where is the answering machine??????) Max was right, we should have called EARLY!!! Hope you and Dad are out having a good time!!

Well, that is about it for today! It is lunch time, and for once, I am hungry! Hope you all have a great day!! Check back tomorrow, as I have a wonderful recipe to post....Crab Lasagna!

So Long...Farewell....Auf Wiedersehen......

2009-08-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it was time.....but it was sooooo hard......today was the day......

The truck was backed up......
Craig raises the jacks on this side, Max is on the other...then.....

Craig, the truck and the 5th wheel head out. We will miss them!! We had a LOT of fun with these rigs! Several trips to FL.....A LONGGGGG trip around the country in 2002, and 5 seasons in AZ. We certainly used them alot!! Now they have a new home! There is a BARE spot in the lot now! Sadly enough, that can't be said for the house.........turns out I had a lot of stuff in that 5th wheel. The couch is now hidden, not to mention the kitchen table and the kitchen floor....and well....let's just say that if we want to sleep in our bed? We will need to spend a bit of time clearing it off?

Craig is headed out today for a vacation......well, his idea of a vacation...he is headed to Eastern Oregon for a week or so of 10+ hour days of painting. We're not talking a vacation of painting canvas', or creating art...no, he will be painting dorm rooms before the kids come back to school. Now, I'm not sure, but maybe we all in the family should be, dare I say it? Offended?....is that the word I want? He was just HAPPY to be leaving us for a week or so.....In fact, last night, after working on Mom F's bathroom, and the neighbor's house....and then several hours of him and Max going over the ins and outs of the fifth wheel........he was positively giddy....and that was before the mojitos we had........and yes, he was still smiling this morning when he came over to hook up the 5th wheel.......my baby brother is just silly!! I will probably be calling him once a day to make sure that he remembers us.......

Other than that, things have been going on as usual. I have been going through fabric, and well, going through fabric.......I have decided to do more down-sizing! The Humane Society Thrift Shop will be receiving a LOT more bags and boxes of goodies. I have enough stuff, that even I am thinking that I need to downsize.....the thought of it just gives me the shivers~~I want to learn to do it ALL!! Of course, even if I lived until I was 500 years old? I would still be discovering different arts and crafts! Wouldn't that just be great?!!!!

This week, I will be matching the last of the fabric to patterns, and then fabric to the quilts I have planned...then the rest goes. I have already gone through my wools, and decided on the penny rugs, and I have gathered all the rughooking goodies..and they are all together......I will be stitching all the way to FL and GA next month!

Candles are on the list for Wednesday, then on Friday, soaps..........That will clear out a HUGE area of stuff!!!

Well, it is dinnertime......Blueberry Pancakes and Bacon..............I LOVE when we do breakfast for dinner!

Tomorrow? I will do a Show and Tell from my last trip to the TS...St. Vinnies...I do love them!!!

Have a great evening!!

Life in the Fast Lane.....

2009-07-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

A visit to the hospital, and a haircut....What? A Haircut you say? Indeed!!

So, we'll go back a couple of days.....about a week ago, Mom F. had to go in and have an Endoscopy.....she had been losing blood. Got that done, and then last Friday, we went in and talked to the surgeon. Life gets interesting here! We got her in, and got all settled...Theresa took her BP. I was glancing around, and my eyes landed on the BP stuff. (Like those technical terms?). Anyway, I am watching and waiting for the little tick.....which was not appearing. So, I watched and watched and when it hit 100, with no tick? I lost the view of it, Mom's head was in the way. So I watched Theresa, whose eyes were getting larger and larger....bottom line? 77/42!

So out she went, in came the surgeon who informed us: Didyourscope, didn'tfindanything, makingyouanappointmentwiththeTriagedoctorattheclinic,outyougo.Talklater.

And out he went. In came Karen, who informed us we would need to go to the clinic. Mom was feeling fine. But we went to the clinic, did some blood work, and waited. Turns out that they needed to get rid of some meds, which we did.

Now, they also discovered that she needed another couple of units of blood, (still losing blood), so yesterday morning, we got the call and out to the hospital we went. This was at 1:00, so once we got her settled, I ran out to get some lunch. As I passed Radiology, I decided to pop in and say "hi" to Laurie and Lisa. Hugs all around then some catching up...then, I said, "Cut my hair"? (middle of the day here, and I like to live life on the edge). Not one to pass up a challenge, out came the rubberbands, and scissors...(we're talking office scissors here...). Into the film room we went, where with several snips, off came my hair....19" of it. Into a baggie it went, and today, it went to "Locks of Love".

It needed to be done ages ago.....but I just couldn't. Every time I decided, someone would say "Your hair is so beautiful" or "Love your hair".....so I would back down. AND, I hate going to the salon. (okay, mostly, I am vain....I admit that!). Luckily, Laurie is always up to a challenge, and Lisa donates regularly to "Locks of Love", so she has a hairdresser that will mail it off. Then, I discovered that you can do it yourself, online.

This is something that I feel strongly about! My hair grows so fast, and it is so needed! There are so many people who lose their hair during treatments for cancer and other diseases. My hair is now scheduled for a yearly cut....yes, probably in Radiology, at the hospital...in the film room......with Laurie, scissors in hand, and Lisa, standing around, making comments...("it's okay Laurie...she won't be able to see that bald spot in the mirror....). So, if you have some extra hair that you don't need? "Locks of Love" will take it right off your head!!

Mom was finished at about 6:00...it was a long day for her. We capped it off with Chinese, and all of us hit the bed early!

Other than that...life is just cruising on. Mom F. will be getting some meds for ulcers..they have decided that she must have a bleeding ulcer in her small intestine, so hopefully, that will solve the problem. She went through this about five years ago. She has been afraid that she had cancer, and has not been sleeping. We are trying to convince her that she doesn't, but for some reason, she has that in her head, and it is taking some work to convince her!

Well, just got a phone call...we have friends coming from the Valley. It is nice here - 61*, and going to be over 100* out there...so they are coming to cool down. Now I need to get the couch cleaned off. Why is it that when you start going through stuff, and putting it in piles, that invariably you have company? Hmmmm....wonder if they have a Grant for that....?

Whine, Whine, Whine...........

2009-07-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

I am horrified to discover that it has been TWO months since I last posted!! I cannot believe that! And I do believe that I pledged the LAST time I missed so much time, that I would do better! I need a keeper!!

I really have several good reasons why I didn't post, so will list them below for you:

1. I was busy whining about the rain.
2. I was busy whining about the wind.
3. I was busy whining about the fog.
4. I was busy whining about missing the kids.
5. I was busy whining about the fact there was NO chocolate in the house.
6. I was busy whining about the fact there was NO Pepsi in the house.
7. I was busy whining about the fact that I was whining.......

and on and on and on. Now, I can see that there is a definite pattern to the last two months. I knew I had been busy...but couldn't remember exactly what it was that I was busy doing. I asked Max? He said he couldn't remember......and he looked me straight in the eyes when he said that. Didn't blink, turn red, or choke on that lie.....Lord I love that man!

It truly has been a busy couple of months. Even with the whining, I managed to get quite a lot done. We have the new bathroom finished.......it is wonderful! As soon as I get the camera back, I will show the before and after photos......Still have to take that After shot!

I have been busy emptying out the fifth wheel....Craig is about ready for it, and he seems to feel that he doesn't need all the fabric, sewing machines or scrapbooking goodies that are in there now.......I'm not sure that he really thought that through too well........I find that those items are totally indispensable, and am sure that they should be within reach at all times (along with the afore-mentioned Chocolate and Pepsi....). I am a firm believer that one should have priorities......and I am thinking that he might need to work on that.....

Brenda came home a week ago, and was up here for lunch the other day. She took us out to the Firehouse on Bay Street, where she and I gorged on Garlic Fries. They were so good, and so very effective......I am able to report that when it got dark that night, Max and I were not bothered by Vampires. While I haven't talked to Brenda since then, I feel that it is safe to say that she was able to protect her folks as well.....

She is actually home to help her folks' with the haying. Then she and Jeff will be in California for the next couple of years.....Jeff was transferred to Beale AFB....it is amazing how things wrap around....I was born in Grass Valley, lived in Penn Valley, which is right down the road from the Base. In fact, my Dad worked at Beale! And to make it a smaller world yet, Don, one of the guys I worked with when I was working for the Airparts co. was born when his Dad was stationed at Beale! I just love how things come to be!

Well, I don't want to put your systems in too much shock, so I think I will close for now....(okay, Max is hungry and is making growling sounds......he says that it is his tummy.................)

What is it about 13 year old boys.............?

2009-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today is the second day of sun, and my aches and pains are almost gone, and I feel ALIVE again!! I will be spending the weekend catching up on all my favorite people and blogs! Yess!!!!!

I thought I would share some photos with you..(I threat..no......warned, yeah, that's the word.....my nephew that this could happen......silly boy, he doubted me!)

We spent the afternoon with Mom and Dad several weeks ago, and I, of course, had the camera with me. I just wanted a photo of Jamey and his Grandma. Surely not too much to ask? Right? Apparently it was.....silly me, I had forgotten that he was 13 now. Life changes at that age. Obviously. Check these photos out......

Grandma gives me a beautiful smile......
So, we try again:
Grandma still has a pretty smile.....hmm....Jamey? Okay, we try again:
Notice, Grandma's smile....but Jamey, he gives me one....well, more or less. So, one more photo:

Grandma is tired.....but finally, he's not being toooo silly!

Thirteen is a cool age...as Jamey reminded me the other day. The family was together and he was being him....Jamey informed his Dad: "I'm Aunt Janet's favorite nephew". To which his Dad replied, "You're her only nephew". Jamey's comeback? "Yes, but I am her favorite only nephew". He is right! I love the logic!!

Peg Looms Are Coming!

2009-04-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hello! It has been a while! But I have been busy...making plans, (changing plans..), creating things, (changing things), pretty much just busy!! And to top it all off, we are in the process of remodeling (Halleluja!!).....right now, we are doing the bathroom (THANK YOU, Craig!! It is unbelievably great having a brother who can and will do a remodel job)!

And, while all of this has been going on, I have been busy with the site, though you won't see much of a change for a bit...I have been deciding how I want to re-vamp the site, and that is something that has been keeping my mind whirling about!

One awesome item that we are adding is: PEG LOOMS! I have searched and searched for these, and the only places that I can find to order from are in England...which I really didn't want to do!

Now these looms are not the Knitting Peg Looms, or the ones that you used to make pot holders as a kid....but the looms that you use to weave rugs and wall hangings. And I have wanted one forever!!! (okay...maybe a couple of months...but sometimes I am like a little child, and a little while can seem like FOREVER!). And Craig, after listening to my whine......(okay, WHINE), about not being able to find one, said "Send me the directions, and I will make one....then after talking to him again, and pointing out that I was not the only one in the country looking for these, he is going to make them, and sell them!! I simply cannot wait!!! So, if you have ever wanted to make a rag rug.....well, check the site!! I should have them listed this next week!!!

Other than that, not much has gone on here. The weather has been awful...just like the rest of the country, though yesterday was absolutely gorgeous!! And, my baby....(taking some poetic license here...), Jamie turned 33 yesterday!!! I cannot believe it. How that happened I have no idea..at the rate he is aging, he will pass me up before too long! Here he is with Alex and her PawPaw Max, when we were last back there!

Now, his wasn't the only birthday this month...nope, Jordan turned 7! I cannot believe that either!!

And Lauren turned 5 on March 31st! She shares that day with her Grandpa Max!

Deanna, turned....well, I won't say...but her birthday was on March 30th....

And Dad turned.....well, he had a birthday too in March!
Well, I guess I had better close this for now...I have masses of "blog catching up" to do!

Hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!

As quiet as a Mouse...........

2009-03-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

My house...really! And I am not sure how to act...should I jump and shout? Should I sit quietly "in the zone"....???

Today was a busy day...we spent it on a run! After getting up and getting my coffee (trust me, NOTHING, NO ONE, moves far in this house, until I have had my coffee....I'm just saying.....)

It was "D" Day. Or, actually "E" Day....we got up and headed to Roseburg to the VA so that Max could get his ears. We have been waiting forever, and finally, today...it was time!!!

Now, for background? Max was in the Service, and between jumping out of planes, (parachute on, or so he says), and training and driving tanks, (pulling up between two tanks, and having their "cannons" go of simultaneously, causing his helmet to "leave" his head and fly out the thingy ma jobbie, like my technical babble?), causing his eardrums to blow...well, his hearing was a bit bad...and it was getting worse, and driving him nuts. (I am not saying a word here). So, after much paperwork, Dr. appts, and trips hither and yon......he got his ears!

Our drive home? It was a marvel of hearing! He has always been picky about his rigs, as a truck driver, and his life depending on the shape and condition of the rig (nothing like hauling 11,300 gallons of fuel down the narrow twisty highway that is known as "101", cruising behind all those Motorhomes driven by people who have never seen the Coast...not to mention the fact that the road turns on itself....and they just don't get it). But the car? He heard every sound! It about drove him nuts!!!!! (notice, still no words coming from my mouth?). The restaurant? Noisy as all get-out.......the clatter of silverware? The birds? The women BEHIND me?

When we got home, I stopped at his Mom's house...then came on in....and.... it.... was...... quiet. The TV? Hardly making a sound! Now, should I confess? I can hardly hear it! And the newspaper? It is making TOO much noise!!!! He just said: (and I quote), "If you can hear as good as I can right now? No wonder I drove you crazy".......Yep, Music to my ears!!!

So, should I confess something else? Yes? No? Maybe? No, really, I need to get it off my chest......the other day, I was talking to Brandi...and I gave her a "virtual" tour of the house. Walking through, describing everything that was everywhere. The couch? Scrapbooking and Cardmaking supplies.....Max's guitar.....Quilt pieces.......by my chair? Note paper, Penny Rug in progress.....basket of yarn...purses waiting to be felted. Scarves, (the cold weather is over...but, they'll be ready for next year!), my Country Sampler magazine, waiting to be read, Family Sheets to be added to the Genealogy.......on to the table? Are you brave? Early 1900 photos, card blanks, more felt....picture frame, punches...and on and on it went......Well, it suddenly occurred to me last night that we would be leaving today....on a trip...(three hours one way..so not a HUGE trip, but still......), and what if something HAPPENED TO ME???? And I died?????? And the kids came to help Max......and the girls saw the house? Then they would KNOW.....their MIL IS A SLOB!!! So, before bed last night, I ripped around the house, grabbing, stacking, hiding, stashing.....and then I went to bed, and got up, grabbed my coffee, and continued with the stashing.....I was BREATHLESS....and still the house was a MESS......and still, the worry...what if? HUH? Brandi and Livvy have never seen my housekeeping.....I am a clean person, but I am a cluttered person....I try...but the house is small, and I need to have a LOT of different things.....my attention span is short sometimes, and I swap things out.....of course, doing that this way means that when I finally finish things...well, I LOOK like I am terribly productive...and I just don't share that it has taken me yea......no, a LONG time to get to that place.....I believe that ignorance is bliss...it is my world..what more can I say? Now, this makes me remember my ex-MIL....I went to visit one day before they left for their vacation to AR....and she was SCRUBBING the stove....with all of her muscles...with all of her energy. And she had done that to the entire house! In a space of a couple of days. Now the funny thing was....she was a spotless housekeeper. When she saw me staring at her in awe.....she told me, in all seriousness...that it had to be clean. Because if they had a car accident? And she died? She didn't want the neighbors to see the house until it was SPOTLESS....didn't want them talking about her bad housekeeping ....(HA!)....I never understood that...but now, I do.......and it scares the holy heck out of me!!!

Well, it is late now, and I am exhausted.....and tomorrow is another day. And I can guarantee that by day after tomorrow, the house will be back to normal.....and the panic will begin again at a later date....such is life in the Franklin House.....

The Katie-Cam

2009-03-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've missed you all!!!

2009-03-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

My goodness....I just looked at the post below....I have been off for a month and a half! I am so far behind!!! I have missed everyone, and I am SOOOO behind on my blog reading...guess what I have planned for this week?

I really am not sure what all has gone on around here...(okay, to be honest, I am pretty much at that particular place all the time.....but....in my defense, I live on the Coast, and the fog I generate seems to just blend in......)

Life has been hectic lately, or rather, a bit muddled, or, I guess a bit of both!

One of the girls was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in January, and that had us going...and still does....but she is doing fine. She had her surgery and they are doing genetic testing on her to see what the future looks like. Now, you would think that after my years in the medical profession...(an administrative assistant, receptionist and secretary, so no medical degree for this chickie...but I still fend conversations asking "I have a headache, what should I do? Should.......{insert problem}.......or maybe.....{insert a suggestion}...and no matter how many times I slap my hands in the air to ward off the questioner, they still ask), now where was I? OH! One would think that I would not jump to the panic mode so quickly...but I did. There is something about the "C" word that just scares the heck out of a person the first time. It did me, but right after that comes the knowledge that they have done wonderous things in the medical field towards healing cancers. And she is doing fine, like I said. It just is that she is one of ours, and we have had her for a LONG time! (Thank you Bob, for marrying her! Or maybe I should say "Thank you Christy for marrying Bob?!!!)

Then, the weather has been ICKY!!!!! Yes, I know, we have been and are sending it straight Eastward to you all, but I do so love to share...you did see on the news tonight that "giving" makes your brain feel happy? No? Well it was and they said it shows....sooooo, long story short? I want my brain to feel happy, and if this is the way to do it...well, I'm so on that!

Well, while the weather has been ICKY, Max has pretty much been bottled up in the house. Usually it is only for a few days, and he keeps himself occupied. However this time, he sent his eyes roving over the living room and kitchen. I hate when that happens....but this time, I actually am happy with the end result, which is/are:

My kitchen is now "U" shaped, and I finally have room to cook. Yes!!! One of the favorite places in the house for me is the kitchen, but since we have moved into the Park Model, I had NO kitchen. Really. Not kidding here. I could reach all my cabinets with one reach, and I can stir something on the stove while I wash dishes, and not even stretch the arm muscles....(which would maybe explain why no one is EVER going to see my upper arms again? Really, the breeze that is made when I swing my arms, well, it is just....well, remember that saying that a butterfly flaps its wings in Africa and a storm starts? Well, I'll just leave you with that image, why don't I?) So, now I have more storage, AND almost twice as much counter space. Cooking is actually becoming fun again!

And along with that, we moved one of my hutches, and while we were waiting for it to go to its new home....(my brother Craig? Well, I called and asked "you don't happen to need a hutch do you? His immediate comeback? "Looking for a place to store your hutch"? How well does he know me?!!). Anywhoooo, the hutch was sitting top half in the living room, bottom in the kitchen. Well, I hit my toe on it while I was cooking dinner.....and I, after yelling at Max, loudly, and receiving no response...(was he REALLY outside? hmmm? BEFORE I yelled?), I dragged that sucker out of the kitchen (the bottom of the hutch, not Max) and slapped the top on it....I can move when I have to, let me tell you........and well, we LIKED it. So, another call to Craig, (Did you REALLY want the hutch? huh? Did you get a place ready for it yet? Huh? Maybe I'll just keep it.......). The greatest thing about it, is that it blocks the Kitchen from the Livingroom. And I really like that! If I had my way, every room in the house would have its own doors....and be totally separate rooms. The cool thing is that now, Max can have his Antique Car Collection out. He is quite pleased with that. They have been packed away forever! I promised that I would NOT add any moss, or grungy-stuff to that particular hutch...but sometimes, when I walk past it, I just feel the need to.....well, you know....make it more homey? Maybe a bit more personal? But, I have been good....it's just that sometimes I just twitch.............

Along with all that, he has offered to "wax all the oak", He has to be busy, and I had forgotten how long a day can be...........and it is supposed to be rainy all week.....if this rain lasts much longer, I won't recognize the house!

I also spent several days looking for my fabric squares for my quilt.....turns out, I "Stored" them in the kitchen drawer....if I hadn't needed that potato peeler, well, who knows WHEN I would have found it!

We received another "Katie-Cam....check this out...(right above this post), she is just so darn cute! And, I have to say, Olivia made my day...she said, (and I quote)..."She is so funny!! I think she has you in her all the way! Brad and I both agree on this! Its a mini YOU and we love YOU! lol". I need to get all the new pictures saved, and then I will share them with you! This blogging business is even nicer than a "Grandma Brag Book"...of course, when a Grandma hauls out that book, her audience is captive...you all can run and hide!

Well, I am tired, and things are blurring! I will talk to you tomorrow (or the next day...we'll see how I do)!!!

Look What Was In Our Email......

2009-01-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Oh, this made our day......isn't she beautiful!! (you will notice that there is no question mark? Because of course, EVERYONE will agree on this!!)

This is Katie! She is our youngest and she is just a ball of fire!!! She is going to keep her parents, not to mention her big sister and brother busy!

Brenda's Home!

2009-01-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Yep, she's home again! She had to fly home to do some work on their house, and while she is here, she popped up for a bit on Friday. And you guessed it, we headed right for Bay Street in Old Town Florence!

The plan was go get coffees at our favorite place and catch up...but when we got there? It was FULL! And I mean full!! And most of them were over the age of....well....they all had white.......well, I know that I have white hair, but I am not.......okay, maybe I am.........well, I am.......okay, I'll just say it! It was FULL of WHITE HAIRED OLD people....and they weren't sharing the seating. I mean how rude was that? So we got our coffees, and grabbed a raspberry scone and had to sit OUTSIDE in the car. It could have been worse, I mean we could have walked down there, and then not had a car to sit in....see, I can always find a bright side.....and it could have been raining instead of just gray....but it just threw the morning off! We have a routine, and we like to follow it!!

After coffee, we roamed a bit, she needed to find something for her Mom's birthday, and as I hadn't been there since before Thanksgiving, it was fun seeing some new shops. And there were quite a few new shops. The sad thing was.....Brenda knew about the Herb Shop, and I had no idea it was there!!! Our Health food store had gone out last year, and I had really missed it. Now, what is really pathetic? I LIVE here, and the Herb Store had been opened for 10 MONTHS!

I took the camera so I could photo the coffee shop, but since we were only there for a few minutes, and, it was full of, well, you know...those people....I snapped a couple shots while we wandered the town. It was gray and dull looking, but, I snapped away anyway!

This is one of the oldest buildings down there...it used to be the Bridgewater Restaurant, but now has new owners, and they call it the Zebra something...(no idea why......it doesn't fit, but then no one actually asked me what I thought.....so there you have it....):

This is looking down the street towards the bridge:

I do wish that all those electrical wires were underground!! They really show up! It is hard to imagine, as I look at these pictures, but at Christmas, Old Town is just magical...twinkle lights everywhere, the street lamps lit, they have a old-fashioned band in the gazebo playing Christmas Carols....really, now that I look at it...is is kinda blah!!! Oh well, on with the tour!

This is looking Eastward:

Brenda and I took photos of us, on the dock, below the gazebo...here is Brenda.....

And, okay, this would be me....I hate photos of me! This is the view from the dock:

This is looking up the river:
This is a shot of under the bridge: I guess I will have to take photos this summer, when town is full, and the sun is out....it is actually quite colorful!

Well, we are headed down to my folks' house...Dad is cooking dinner for me for my birthday, which is actually tomorrow....but in this family? We celebrate for the whole month sometimes!!!

We The People............

2009-01-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America......"

Normally, I don't write about controversial items.....I feel strongly that there is enough on TV (over and over and over....well, you get the drift), and then there are the papers. And then there are the people, whether pro or con.....that go on and on...over and over and over.....and quite honestly...I HATE arguing! But today, well, I just feel like I have to SAY something.........

We were up this morning and while Max took a quick walk, I grabbed my coffee cup, and whipped the TV on, and settled myself in my chair, ready to watch something that for the first time, in a very long time, I felt I had to see. Frantic that Max would be late, I muttered and muttered..."slow it down....wait....he's not home....come on......." and miracle upon miracles, he made it home on time. And so, together, we watched History being made. Now, it doesn't matter who you voted for....or if who you voted for won or not......because we have a new President, and along with him a new future. Maybe not the future some of the country envisioned, but nonetheless......it is everyone's future.

As I sat and watched, I found myself remembering...(oh, no, a sign of age?), the summer when I was 12. Specifically, August 11th, 1965. I was in Los Angeles with my Mom and brothers. We were returning to my grandparents house, driving on the freeway, and it was dark. And off to the side, in the distance we could see a orange glow. The closer we got, the brighter the sky. The louder the sirens......it was the night that Watts came alive. For those of you who are younger, the struggle of equality was a living, breathing, tangible thing in the 60's, and that day, in 1965, peace was shattered. It would never be the same.

It doesn't matter who was wrong or who was right. There was wrong and there was right on both sides. But it was an awakening......I will never forget that night.

Watching the Inauguration today, I got goosebumps. I was witnessing something that will forever be history. The Inauguration of our first African-American President. No matter what his legacy will be...no matter how the country feels, this is history! And whether you voted for him or not, he is our duly-elected President. I never thought I would see this day come. The 60's are not really that far away. We've come a long way.....and there is still a long way to go..........but we will be together on this journey. How exciting that will be!

Karen, at My Colonial Home, takes wonderful photos of her travels. I was reading her blog the other day, and looking at those wonderful photos. I told her that I loved her photos, that my passion (next to God and my family) was History....and as I typed that note to her, it reminded me that all through my growing-up years, it was History that was a constant for me, along with my family. This passion always was, always will be. And I feel humbled that today, January 20th, I was able to see History again.

We live in a remarkable country, one who, though it is still young, is still growing....and with the inevitable growing pains, it is moving ahead.....God Bless America!

It's Officially 2009.............

2009-01-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

and I am so glad that I didn't make any RESOLUTIONS! My GOALS are lagging already...what if I had the RESOLUTIONS or the lack of, to deal with....not a happy thought!

I have been spending the last few days making lists, and getting stuff organized so I can photo them. I cannot believe how many items that I have, just sitting, because I haven't managed to get the camera out. Now, when the kids are around, the camera seems to be clicking on the time.....what on earth have I been (not) doing?!! This week is scheduled...photos, photos, photos! I have extra batteries and am ready to go!

I finally got my squares for the YCMT quilting project chosen and cut out:

And I even have some of the lines drawn, so hopefully, while football runs in the background, I will be able to get them stitched and cut. I am VERY far behind the group....do you see an on-going theme here? There is, and truly, I am resigned. I would be the child in the class who waited until the night before to study for a test......some things I guess you just never outgrow!

Now, while I have been looking for something that I lost/misplaced/hidden? Guess what I found......all my Homespun items for the website. Towels, Hot Pads and even the Mug Mats.............so, the question is: "should I actually be allowed to have a shop?" Quickly followed by...."should I be allowed to go to town by myself"? The answer, probably not. However, even Max needs a break from me....(well, he says "no", but really, sometimes I glance over and his eyes are spinning...of course, as long as his head isn't spinning, I should be okay..........)

I hate it when I put things away for safe keeping, or worse yet, when I put them someplace so I can find them instantly. That pretty much guarantees that they will NEVER be seen again. Someday, when I am gone....the kids are going to come in and go through stuff (I have made them PROMISE on a HUGE stack of Bibles, that they will not let the neighbors in to help them), and they will find some of the gifts that we bought for them for Christmas' when they were young...(what can I say? We had THREE kids that felt it was their MORAL duty to search out and check out all the Christmas gifts before Christmas.....and no, I have NO idea where that came from.....obviously some far in the past gene...) Hopefully by the time that time comes, those items will be antiques and they can make some money.......Yeah, that's how I can play it......I stashed those items so they could have an inheritance! Maybe I can set it up as a game?

I just glanced up and this is what I see:

The tree has been down for almost two weeks....I missed this, obviously. Now, a confession? I actually TURNED the lights on this morning......I am a well-trained rat obviously! Maybe I can get a part-time job?

My Brother, the Artist

2009-01-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

Good morning, all! Hope that you are all having a good day! It is gorgeous here today....cold, but the sun is out and there is blue sky!! The first time we have seen this in ages!!! Really helps on that energy output!!

I just had to blog and brag about my brother, Craig, and his work! He has been working with horseshoes and has created some really wonderful items! They are all Hand-forged and then he adds Gun Bluing to them, and they hang from Latigo. I have listed them in the shop, just in case anyone would like to send a loved one a heart? It is almost Valentine's Day!!

Anyway, here we go! This is his large heart...it measures 5.75" long and 6.5" wide and has a total length of approx. 9"

This next one is the smaller heart which measures 6" long and 5.75" wide and has a total length of approx. 9".
He has also done a picture frame from the large heart (my nephew's horse Jodie was the model in this): He is also working on some with initials added, these are some samples:

And last, but certainly not least....Horseshoe Garden Hose Stakes for your garden! These have to be my absolute favorite!! (and guess what we got for Christmas?!!! I can hardly wait to use them, if the rain ever stops!):

Now he is working on a set of Wind Chimes! I can hardly wait to see them!

Well, I suppose I should close now...people are beginning to make comments about my Christmas tree, honestly? I cannot bear to take it down, I love my tree! And, I could decorate it for the next holidays...I've done that before. We once had a tree that would not lose it's needles, it was up through May........but this one now, is artificial, and so I can't use that as an excuse! Besides, I want my space back!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

I WON!!!!!

2009-01-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

I WON!! Yep, I won something!! I cannot believe it! Thank you, Donna!!!!

Donna, at Cottage Days and Journeys had a 1 year Anniversary Giveaway. As soon as I heard about it, I hied my little tushie right over there and signed up! And I WON!! (okay, I know that I have mentioned this several times already, but I haven't won anything for a long time....well, I did win tickets to see the Beatles at the Cow Palace, but that was in 1965....and it didn't work out exactly as I had planned....George did NOT look out in the audience, his eyes meeting my eyes, a moment of silent communication between us....Me: heavy sigh, lowered lashes.....and from George: "I will wait for you....I will wait forever for you".....nope, didn't happen, unless I missed something?)OH!! I did win something else...and I received the prize from DONNA!! My wonderful necklace...that I wear all the time....I believe I mentioned it in an earlier post....I may be able to start a little collection of "Donna Art"...Donna, are you listening? I can hardly wait to get the pincushion...I have already cleaned out the perfect spot for it....now, I better go buy some new pins.......

Here is a photo of it:

Gotta go....I'm off to buy Lottery Tickets.....................

A New Year...A New Project!

2009-01-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here, thinking that while I have decided to not even bother with Resolutions....see I can't even type it straight......I am going to do GOALS. That when..... if......if I fade out and get nothing done....it's no biggie! (well, okay, I'm going to WHINE about it the last three months of the year, but that is just an understood thing around here......
So, the dilemna....what project? Hmmmm....of course I could finish the three needlepoint projects lying around here......there is that knitted scarf for Max....and I really need to get on that, the cold weather will be finished before I am.....then there are the three wool knitted purse projects for the girls that I need to finish and felt....the stack of magazines that are now leaning like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and will be hitting the floor when I add this months' bunch of magazines to it. The beads that I have waiting to become bracelets.......but NO, none of this!! I am going to start a NEW project. Maybe one that I will actually finish on time!!

I had a newsletter from "You Can Make This", and there is was...staring me in the face! I would make a quilt top, and accomplish two (or more) things. I would, maybe, just maybe use some of this fabric leaning crazily out of my hutch.....I could get a gift done......and I might actually get something finished that was FUN! And it sounds so good! It is called a Make-It-Up-As-You-Go-Quilt...and I can do that! It is a NO STRESS project! I am so in!! I will let you all keep me accountable, as I am going to post every week as to what I have done. I am a few days behind, as I just found out about it, but tomorrow? I am digging out fabric!! I want some new fabric? And I have boxes, and I mean boxes of old fabric that I need to use before I get anymore! So, are you ready for this?!

Now,on to other things....Olivia checked out the blog the other day and emailed me, saying;

"love it! Love the pics...however, you need to add Grandma's pictures in there....I've attached a few suggestions!!! love ya".

So, I am posting some for her! Now, bear in mind that these photos are a little over a year old....we took them when we were back in FL a year ago last Oct. And the kids have grown....but they are darling kids, and well....Olivia DID ask....and I am such a obliging person...besides, I love seeing photos of our babies! So, bear with me, Okay? You can see the "before photos"! Here is Max and Lauren, taking time out for a quick read:

While Grandma (Oh so not the best photo of Grandma......) and Aidan play:
Grandpa and Aidan head into the dining room to see what all the noise is about: Big surprise!!! It's Grandma.....getting hugs and kisses from Brad: I am not big on having my photos taken...I prefer to be on the "other" side of the camera...but, Olivia was busy clicking...so....here I am!

Well, it is time for dishes....and then Max has a movie for us to watch, and I will make some popcorn...although after looking at these photos...I do not need popcorn.....but, then I have lost weight since then...not a lot....but some...so popcorn it is!

A busy Saturday........

2009-01-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

How is everyone's weekend going? I hope that it is going exactly as you planned it! No surprises (unless they are good suprises) this weekend!!

I have been muddling about....a little of this, and a little of that.....pretty much the typical day at the Franklin Homestead!!!

I did get to talk to a good friend...well, not only is she a friend, she is my pretend big sister....I never had one of those...and so Kathy has been doing her best to be the big sister I never had....up to and including calling and teasing me.....well actually, she got Max too, but......you know what she did? Huh, huh? Well, she called to tell me that she was eating out...at the KOFA....the KOFA!!! Now while that probably won't mean a thing to any of you out there in Blogland....the four of us, as in Kathy and Wayne, me and Max.....the FOUR of us.....used to go there and eat out while we were all in AZ. And she called to let us know that the TWO of them were there.....and then she HAD TO HANG UP.......her dinner had arrived....FISH AND CHIPS!!!!....was that mean or what? And then? She hung up!!!! She hung up and ate her Fish and Chips.....without me.....and now? I want Fish and Chips. Doesn't matter that Max cooked and we had take-out pizza for dinner...(my favorite kind even)....no, I want FISH AND CHIPS!! And I don't want just ANY Fish and Chips...it has to be Kofa's Fish and Chips and their Iced Tea......with Kathy and Wayne....somehow the food always tasted better when there were four of us.....

So, after I recovered from that, (okay, Max told me that whining was not becoming..), I decided that I needed to accomplish something this weekend. So, out came the cardmaking stuff, and I did three cards to list on the site and on etsy. I have been wanting to get it done, but manage to find other stuff to occupy my time! Now, I have three cards listed on etsy, and tomorrow I will pop them on the site. And since I will still have the cardmaking stuff over here (and over there, and over there...........), I might as well do some more! Here are the ones I did.....Elivis, who was actually our Christmas Card this year....I just left the inside blank on this card.....

Then I did a fun one...................

The inside says: "I took a close look at my life...perhaps you heard my scream?"

And then this one, which is from a copy of one of my Mom's vintage postcards. I took two of the cards, cut out the inside frame and the ship in one of them, then layered them on top of the first one, with some of the pop dots....it made a shadowbox effect. Then I stamped "dream" on the front. The envelope also has "dream" stamped on it. I absolutely love playing with those cards.....they are so beautiful.
I should sleep good tonight.....playing with papers really is relaxing! So, speaking of sleeping? I think I will say "goodnight" and head to bed! Talk to you all soon! OH! And I should probably tell you all that once Kathy and Wayne finished their dinner and went home, she did call me back and we spent an hour on the phone catching up.....that's what sisters do, right? LOL!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

Here it is! A New Year!!! Yippeee!!!! I think that most of us were ready to boot 2008 out the door......I know I was!!! Of course, 2008 brought some wonderful things to us.....the biggest one being our Katelyn.....she made it all worthwhile!

She has her Great Great Grandma's beautiful red hair.....that's the Irish in her!

Another highlight? Jordan lost her first tooth..............

How was everyone's Christmas? I hope that it was wonderful!! We had a very nice Christmas, our family gathered at my brother Craig's house....we didn't have any of the kids home, but we got to spoil our nephew Jamey richly! It was fun!

Our Christmas morning started at 6:00am with the phone ringing, it was our 4 year old granddaughter calling to say that Santa had been to their house, and they got lots of good stuff....including a club house that her Daddy had made for her and her brother.

And she wanted to know if Santa had been to our house.....then her Daddy got the phone and we chatted for a bit.....but once Brad heard that we were supposed to be going to Uncle Craig's, and that wasn't until 8:00am, he was horrified! His reaction? "That's just mean, Mom, get over there so Jamey can open his presents! Don't make him wait"!! !

Jamey doesn't look like he suffered too much, does he?

On our way to Craig's, Brandi called and we caught up during the drive (a whole mile down the road from us!), and while we were doing that, Jamie had been emailing photos to us of Alex and her Christmas............
So by the time we got inside we were well into the Christmas spirit!

Once we got there, Deanna caught us (she's in NZ), and later in the day we heard from Bob.....hopefully when he has time, we will get some Christmas photos of Shawn and Anna! And some of Jordan when Deanna has time!

Right now we are snug in the house...we have had high winds since late last night...supposed to hit 70mph...which I am sure it has at least twice! We get a lot of wind here anyway, so we don't notice it much, but Max is out checking the garage, and all, just in case something hit the ground and we missed it, which I suppose is possible, it being a FOOTBALL DAY here!

I spent yesterday going through some of my baskets of patterns, and was very firm with myself....by the time I got through one, I had a nice pile of patterns to go....I am always amazed at how I manage to stash stuff for "down the road"...well, "down the road" hit yesterday, and they are indeed going "down the road"! I have listed some on the website, with much more to come. I had hoped to scan more in today, but will wait until the weather settles. I hate to have the computer on.....we still have a chance of losing our electricity. I am so glad that we have the laptop, I can get my computer fix, and not worry about that little item!

Well, the lights are starting to flicker, so I am going to close this and light some candles......the winds are coming faster and harder, and I want to cuddle up with a book! Tomorrow I will be checking out all the blogs that I have missed the last couple of weeks!!

Hope you all are doing well, and are enjoying the 1st day of 2009!!

It's A Small World....

2008-12-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, now that you have that song running through your head...(no need to thank me....it was my pleasure!), I thought I would tell you about my surprise!

Several days ago, I came upon a blog called Cottage Days and Journeys. I signed up for her PIF, and heard back from her. Then, in another post, she mentioned that she spent quite a bit of time at "Sisters At Heart". Well, Donna was her name....and as soon as I saw "Sisters At Heart", I had a major flashback!

I used to be a member of Sisters At Heart....for about a year or so. They livened up my days in the desert when it was too cold to go out! I had so much fun there! I could hardly wait to log on in the mornings, and they were my last visit before I headed to bed. (Okay, they were like a drug...and I was addicted...I confess...)

Well, life took a different turn, sickness, surgeries for our Alex, a bad case of Anemia for my MIL, a Stent for Max...A badly stripped muscle (again for Max), my Mom was diagnosed with RA, she broke her hip, it seemed endless! And, I just dropped out of sight...the computer was more than I could handle, I logged on for emails, and at long stretches of time, not even that. So, I just dropped everything, and that included Sisters At Heart.

When I started back on for longer periods, I thought of Sisters At Heart, but felt guilty that I had just dropped out of sight..(reading that it sounds a bit conceited I must admit....they probably hadn't even missed me), and I just didn't have the nerve to go back.

So, back to Donna....as soon as she mentioned Sisters At Heart (and invited me to visit them), I realized that this was "MY" Donna! I had won a contest there, called the "Mosty Posty"....I know, how appropriate...it fit right in with my "gift of gab"....and she had created a beautiful beaded necklace for me (in the coolest tin box I had ever seen). I wear that necklace a lot...it was just perfect, and everytime I put it on, I thought of her! And, by golly, here she was!!!

I emailed her and said..."Donna, Donna, Donna"....(more talking, I will spare you that), and she came back with..."that was me"! And after more emailing (sparing you my gabbing yet again!), I realized that I had found a long-last friend! I am so happy! She and I had some fun conversations, and yes, she helped me win that "Mosty Posty" award, she enjoys a good conversation as well as I do!

So, I have to say....she lives in the most beautiful state (TN), and has a WONDERFUL Cottage home....(and if you click on the photo below? You get an AWESOME up-close view....sigh...)

So, now...want to know that name of it? "Grey Havens" Isn't that just the perfect name?

Isn't it gorgeous? I love it! What a wonderful welcoming place to come home to! And what an awesome place to retire too...if it was me? I would never leave the house!

Now for the kicker? It's for sale!!!! Brenda, are you reading this? It's FOR SALE!! Maybe you and Jeff can go to TN for your next tour of duty? It's your cottage!

Well, I know that Jeff and Brenda won't be hitting the Knoxville area, but if anyone else is wanting to relocate? This is the place! OH! And it has 6 acres with it....I can see fruit trees, an herb garden out the kitchen...a swing, a book, and a cup of coffee.....or tea....or maybe a Mint Julep? Donna has an awesome photo of the stairs, all decorated for the holidays Check it out! This is just a wonderful home! (and if you find you just want it? Contact Donna!

I hope that everyone is settled for the weekend? It looks like it is going to be a doozy! We, on the Oregon Coast, are getting quite the weather! Last night it was high winds, and hail and rain...and rain, hail and high winds, followed closely by hail, rain and high winds. I went to the store last night...and loaded up on essentials.....(Hershey Bars, Paydays, chips, Pepsi, Sauerkraut (Kraut Dogs for dinner...), and of course, salad fixin's...which is what I...okay, I cannot tell a lie....I went for the Hershey Bar, Paydays, Chips and of course Pepsi's.....one has to be prepared for all emergencies, and I have to admit, Pepsi and a Hershey Bar can do a lot to make that emergency go better.......As for the salad fixin's....they just fell into the cart......AFTER I hit the other aisles...............Now, we are all ready...and they are saying that we might even get SNOW! SNOW! I love snow! It is so exciting....I keep watching the windows, just in case it shows up early...so far, no luck...but I've got my fingers crossed!

Well, I think I will close for now....there is laundry to be done....I just realized that if the power goes off (as it is prone to do), there will be no clean clothes.....which is okay with me...who needs 'em when you have sweats? But, what if I have to go somewhere in the car....gotta have that clean pair of underwear on...just in case....

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend!

A Day of Reflection....

2008-12-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well, today was a full day, and I am exhausted. I just don't bustle around like I used to!

I don't know about you, but I hate waking up and knowing that I have to go somewhere...(okay, shopping and coffees excepted)...and today was one of those days. And it didn't help that the reason we were going out was a funeral.

Max's boss died last week...he was 74. He had fought a valiant fight against Prostate Cancer, 18 years worth of fighting. We were there at the beginning, when they found it, and then when they did the surgery, and as he battled on.

Now, I cry at TV commercials...so you can imagine my thoughts about this funeral. But, I got out of the house without any Kleenex, and I was bound and determined that I would NOT CRY! Bud was a strong person, and very seldom did one hear him complain about his lot in life. You have to respect that.

We were given a blue strip of paper that had information on Prostate Cancer, and a ribbon that represented Prostate Cancer Awareness was attached. We were asked to wear the ribbon in memory of Bud. The service was wonderful. He was well-known in town, and it was held at the Events Center. He wrote his own Eulogy, and promised us that we would laugh and we would have a good time. And laugh we did...he had a long and full life, and well, it was funny! He chose his music, and one of his daughters and his best friend read the eulogy and told stories. Another daughter had put together a slide show with music. The service lasted 2 hours. 2 hours. It seemed so long at the time, but when you stop to think of it......it was a 74 year life...all condensed to 2 hours. He mentioned Gene and Max, and then Craig...the three drivers that he had....he thought enough of them to mention them by name. Gene and Max were each there for 10 years apiece..Craig was there for several years, and when he found a job in Eugene, a much better paying job and one with better benefits, Bud had no trouble recommending him, though it meant that he and Bob (his son), had to find another driver. And find one soon. Maybe he grumbled about it at home, but not in public.

The minister, at the end, read a chapter in Psalms, and then he said: "I know exactly what Bud is thinking right now. Exactly what he is thinking....he would want you all to open your hearts to Jesus. He would want to know that you would be joining him in Heaven". Then he went on to say, that late this summer, he had gone to Bud's house to visit and Bud had accepted the Lord. I cried. I cried for several reasons....one, thankfulness....Bud was in Heaven. And then in sadness....that it was so late in his life that he did find the Lord. But, he had found The Lord, and that was what counted.

The final tears were brought on by his daughter...who came back up to the microphone and said...."we were so fortunate that we got to be with Dad and talk to him...we got to tell him we loved him right before he died. Not everyone has that chance. When you go home today, hug you loved ones, and tell them that you love them....do not let them go to bed without telling them...because you never know....."

She's right...you just never know.......

6 Things you don't know about me!

2008-12-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Yikes! Well hmmm !! I thought this would be easy but now I am starting to wonder. LOL!
1. I have a house full of stuff.
2. I love to daydream about my English stone cottage that I want someday.
3. My favorite book is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
4. I don't enjoy housework
5. I have a deep desire to live like a hippie.
6. I love to sit on a mountain top, quite my thoughts, listen to the sounds of nature and be awe of God's creation.

OHHHH Brenda..............

2008-12-10T18:24:00.001-08:00

Well, TAG, YOU'RE IT!!!! Come on, give everyone 6 things we don't know about you!!!!!

Happy Monday!

2008-12-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are...another day...and I spent yet another dollar.....LOL!

I forgot last night that today was Monday! I had all these wonderful plans for today, and didn't realize until I had my third or so cup of coffee this morning, that I had to go to town. Now....I have to admit, reading that last sentence really sounds like I had to really GO to town! But, in all honesty, I live in town.....it didn't used to be town, but by golly, now, we are almost just in the middle of town. And I hate to go to town. I love staying home, all locked up nice and warm! But, I dragged my body into the bedroom, into some "go to town clothes", (just didn't think the sweat pants and baggy t-shirt would do.....of course, we live at the beach, technically.....and we have lived here a long time now...so maybe I could have gotten away with it...I mean, I didn't run into anyone that I knew...), but I spiffed up about as much as I could......dare I admit, that I forgot to brush my hair? Anyhooo...off to town I went to buy milk, eggs, and OJ and bananas. Now, with coupons? That should have set me back about $10.50.....so how on earth did I get out of there with FOUR bags, and a ticket that said $36.00? I mean, really......HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?

As I drove home, I rehashed the trip to the checkstand in my head.....I did get:

1. eggs, 2-18 packs for $3.49
2. Milk, 3 (1/2 gallons) for $3.00
3. OJ, 2 (1/2 gallons) for $2.00
4. Bananas - $2.04
For a grand total of (ta dahhhhh), $10.53
(Coupons Rock!)

SO, how on earth did I manage to do $36.00 worth of damage? I was horrified....pulled over and looked at the receipt.....(just outside of Taco Bell, so I pulled through and got a Pepsi....large or small they ask? Well, duh...I am looking at a RECEIPT from a store that obviously messed me up...make it a LARGE.....)

As I perused the receipt, making slurpy noises with the straw to the absolute frantic excitement of the seagull that had settled down in the flower bed next to me...(why oh why didn't I get some fries?)...it came to me...I didn't go through the checker line...I DID IT MYSELF! So, obviously...it was the computer at the Self Check line that messed me up.....you know what they say about computers...oh, yeah..... they are only as smart as the one running them.........

This is what I saw:
Eggs, Milk, OJ, bananas......okay so far so good.......

Ice Cream.....WHAT? Oh, right...coupon, 5-1/2 gallons for $5.00....still, that doesn't add up to the grand total......and everyone knows that if you don't have lots of ice cream in the freezer, you do not have a well-stocked pantry...and heaven forbid that I fail at that.....

The New Country Sampler, which was a very hard decision....I had done a new subscription, but I didn't have it yet, were they going to send THIS issue to me? Or would it be the next one? And, if I waited and didn't get this one? Would I be able to sleep....but what if I bought it and then they sent it? Hmmmm? Well, I certainly didn't need two.....besides we are in a Recession..(I heard this from a very reliable source), and I should be careful with my money. Investments...that's what I need to do. Well, after thinking this through, (and putting the magazine back on the rack, off the rack, on the rack....muttering to myself.....) I realized that the magazine was an investment.....(towards Maxs' sanity), and if they sent me another one? I would donate it to someone who didn't have one.....So, that added $5.99 to the total...but still....

OH! The last book of the newest Nora Roberts Trilogy...but really, I couldn't count that, as I have been waiting forever for it......and I did get it for 25% off...so that was a steal......and now I would know FOR SURE, that the third guy got the third girl....(okay, I know that this is ALWAYS how it goes, at least for Nora...but what if this is the one book that she changes the formula? Could I look another person in the eye, knowing that I wimped out on the third book? I think not...)

Next out of the bags, a Large sized PayDay candy bar....(Max's request), that was a stunning $1.29 (no coupon), a Hershey Bar with Almonds $1.00 (no coupon), my request I believe....but honestly, by then, it was all a blur......OMG, the ice cream is melting.............

A Busy Sunday!

2008-12-07T19:43:00.001-08:00

Well, today is not a day that I will have to wonder what I did.....(which happens much more often than it should around here!). I worked on table runners all day today. If I get it all together early tomorrow, I might get them finished! And, before I pat myself on the back too much...I have to admit, these are Christmas presents and should have been finished, okay started a month ago! I don't know why I do it, but I seem to always be behind! Anyway, if I do get them finished tomorrow, I will post a photo...I am pretty pleased with them so far.....especially since I cut one wrong and as my cousin would say "I had to punt"! Poor Max has spent the day saying "you are your own worst critic" and "what have I always told you"? (see the first comment). And yes, I probably am my worst critic, but, it is what I do, and I do it well!!

Since I was so full of myself, and I felt guilty at ignoring the others, I cooked Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and Greenbean Casserole for dinner. After all, it is Sunday. The faces were priceless. I probably should be a bit cranky about it, one would think that I never cooked a full dinner! Oh, they would be right now that I think of it....Friday? We ate out all day! Except for dinner, that was pizza, and I actually had to GO TO THE STORE and get it, then I had to COOK IT IN MY OVEN! Now that I think of it, that counts as a full, homecooked meal, don't you think? LOL!

Brenda called this afternoon, and she and Jeff stopped by before they left for Alaska. She picked up some of the goodies that we bought on one of our shopping trips. It has been so nice to have her in the same state! We actually got to spend almost two days together, and we had a blast! Now, she is home, and they won't be back until September. But, there is the telephone!

Well, I guess I better get busy and add one more side to one of the table runners, and then I am crawling into my jammies....I would love to get a book out, but if I do? No one would get ANY presents under their tree, (unless, of course, they left their tree up another month....hmmm....that might not be a bad idea...)

So, I will say goodnight, and hope that you all had a wonderful weekend, and have a great week!

Sue has a NEW contest!!!!! Check it out!!

2008-12-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

Well, guess what? Sue at Oodlekadoodle has done it again! She has a new contest, and it is a great one! It involves, memories, gifts, memories....did I say gifts?!!

To enter, you just need to pop over (she is listed as "blog I am following", or in the Favorite Blog list....and you need to post a Favorite Christmas Memory in her comment box...and well, she has all the rules listed on the posting...you can end up with 8 entries....and the goodies....so many great ones!!

So head on over and check it out!!

PIF--What a Wonderful Idea!

2008-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I was surfing around tonight and discovered a new blog.....Cottage Days and Journeys. It's a wonderful blog...and what a fun and wonderful idea she had on it! It was so good, I decided that we needed to play too!!

It is something called "Pay It Forward", and this is how it works...

I added the PIF symbol to this blog and linked back to Cottage Days and Journeys blog. Then, the first 3 visitors of my blog to leave a comment saying that they would like to be involved will receive a handcrafted gift from me within 365 days of joining. Isn't that the greatest idea? These times are so hard for so many, and very discouraging...what a great way to spread some happiness! So, how about it? Want to play along and spread some kindness in the next year? The first 3 to leave a comment and say that they want to participate will get a handcrafted goodie from me sometime in the next year! You also need to follow-up with an e-mail to me at jcolleen(at) starlightprims.com to confirm your spot. To participate, you must have your own blog, follow these steps, (linking back to me, instead of Cottage Days and Journeys), and do the same for your first 3 visitors.

Let's spread some happiness!!

I've been Tagged!!!!

2008-12-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

Well, guess what else I missed this last month? We got tagged!!! Sue at Oodlekadoodle tagged us. So, here are the rules.....

Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you. Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog. Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself. Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post. Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Hmmm...well, are you ready? Here goes:

1. Being a Wife/Mother/Grandmother...the BEST!!

2. I dislike the TV.....okay, maybe that isn't exactly how I feel about it....but hate is such a nasty word!

3. I am sure that I am in the wrong century....I am pretty sure I should be in the 1700's.

4. I am a voracious reader...I will/have read anything put in front of my eyes....(ask my Dad.....on those trips to Los Angeles on Hwy 99? EVERY sign, door, blimp, car license.....)

5. My favorite book/s? The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon...I just finished the set again for the 4th time...when I am finished? I am depressed for a bit...I LOVE those books!

6. When I need peacefulness...It is handwork, whether it be needlepoint, spinning, rughooking...it brings me total peace and contentment.
I am in a totally different world.

So, now I need to tag somebody....and since Brenda isn't home yet? I am tagging her!!!

Brenda at Olde Harbor Saltbox
Kelly at Once In A Blue Moon
Karen at My Colonial Home
Lisa at Skunk Hollow Blog
Bethany at Happy To Be Called Mommy

A New Award!!!

2008-12-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Guess what I found when I started catching up? A New Award!! From Lisa at Skunk Hollow Blog!! Thanks, Lisa!! Now, I need to nominate 5 people:

Kelly at Once In A Blue Moon

Karen at KM Primitives

Cyndi at Keepers Of The Past

Bethany at Happy To Be Called Mommy

Sue at Oodlekadoodle

The rules of this award are: * Put the logo on your blog or post.* Nominate at least 5 blogs(can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.

It's the 2nd of December!

2008-12-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

It has been over a month since I last blogged.....and I am so far behind! I had all kinds of good intentions, and even managed a couple days of blogging in a row...but then, life kinda hit us here! The evening of my last blog, we popped Mom F. in the car and headed up the river for dinner. We only made it a couple of blocks and had to pull over so she could get sick. So, we turned around and came straight home, but had to call the ambulance in an hour as we couldn't get the throwing up stopped. She spent the evening in the ER and they sent her home, after they finally got it stopped. She actually looked pretty good.

I spent the night over there with her, and she was up and moving in the morning, and even had about a quarter cup of broth. So, Max came over and I headed home to change my clothes and within about 20 minutes, he was back....Mom wasn't right, he said. So, I ran over and she had had a stroke...but was able to say NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to the ambulance. We took her to her bed, as she was working herself into a pretty good lather over it, and I told her she had 5 minutes to get better, or the ambulance was coming. After three minutes, I said "times up"...and she replied "oh no it isn't"...so we argued for two minutes, and I called the ambulance. They were here right away, and one of the crew was one of the ones who had been there the night before, so that was nice. They got her into the ER, and long story short...she ended up spending almost a week in the hospital. She is doing fine now...she has a hard time remembering, but there were no physical leftovers. It caused her total confusion, and bad headaches.

The weekend after she came home, I had a call from my Dad....my Mom was unconscious and he couldn't rouse her. So, our neighbor came over and sat with Mom F. while Max and I headed South to my folks. The ambulance got there and she got checked out....she was conscious by then. They did lots of tests, and are still not sure what caused it.

I came home, closed my store, and then put a note on Brenda's...she and Jeff are down here for Thanksgiving. It was the first Thanksgiving without Jeff's Mom, so they gathered to help his Dad this first holiday.

On the upside...since she got home, we managed to get together twice....which was really hard to do....what with spending two mornings at our favorite coffee shop, drinking special coffees and catching up, but of course SOMEONE had to do it, so we decided it might as well be us! LOL! And it seems the coffee shop has gone a bit prim, so we had to check their stuff all out...pretty awesome stuff! And then, of course, after we dragged ourselves out of there? We SHOPPED!! We hit some great second-hand shops and loaded up. Then she came and helped set up the village in the hutch...which was wonderful! I just haven't had the energy to do that. Now, hopefully, she will be back in town for a day, so we can do another coffee morning....and I have to get the tree up...I have a feeling that there will be a test!

My brother is going to be starting his own business...he is going to be doing some Western/Cowboy stuff....he is an awesome carpenter, and he has had some great ideas. So, when I get the shop opened again, he may be joining me. Surely there is a way to blend Primitive and Western? We're going to give it a shot, and maybe that will inspire me to get things done! He is a fast worker, and I will be running to keep up with him!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that the Christmas Season is bringing you lots of joy! I am trying to remember that it is not a race, but a Season of Reflection...and Max and I have been doing a lot of that lately.

I am behind on the gift making....the little ones are what I am behind on...and I have to get things off in the mail by the fifteenth, so I need to get it together!

Have a wonderful evening!

How did your week go?

2008-10-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

So, how did the week go for everyone? I hope that you all had a great week, and got everything done that you wanted to!

This was a busy week for me....I finally got my soap made...still some to go, that will happen today, but thought I would show you some of the last batch I made...Blackberry Pie with Oatmeal...each weighs between 4.5oz and 5oz...I was really pleased at the color when I was done....wasn't sure how it would go! And they smell so good!!! Of course, these batches won't be ready until the middle of November or so...but, I will have some up today that will be good to go today!

Here is the soap in my small mold....

And these are a few of the bars...

Today I will be making some Mocha Latte Soap, Brown Sugar and Molasses (those are good for today....) Honey Oatmeal, Vanilla Oatmeal......whatever I can get to! I LOVE making soap...almost as much as my candles...which I will be doing soon....look for some Gift Baskets with Soaps, Matching Candles, and Powders.....hopefully they will get up in November in time for Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas....it is almost Halloween!! I simply cannot believe that! I am still in the Fall mode...but I had better get it together and head for the Winter mode!! Is everyone still in Fall? Or have you moved on?

I spent an awesome morning yesterday! So did Max....Brandi called and we spent quite a bit of the morning (afternoon for her!), on the webcam, and got to catch up on things...and to make it all the better? Our Alex was there too...and we got to see her and visit with her! I even got to see her take a nap.....she fell alseep on Mama's lap, and slept through part of it...hmmm....I am wondering....do you think that is a comment on her Grandma Jan's and PawPaws conversation? Surely not!!!! ;) Her Daddy was gone for the weekend on a fishing trip, so we missed him...but what a wonderful way to spend time! We are so far away from them...and I went to sleep last night, smiling about our visit and getting to see Alex!

Well, I see that Brenda survived the Craft Sale! I am going to get on the phone in a bit and see how she did...drove me nuts not being able to go see what she had done!

I suppose that I need to get up and get some soap started! I am not going to bed until I have a batch or two made......and I am ready for bed now by 10:00....so I need to get it together! Hope that everyone had a great week, and an even better weekend!

We were gifted with an Award!

2008-10-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy here, and I was off the blog for a few days...and guess what I found when I popped on last night!! An Award!!

Sue, at Oodlekadoodle has gifted us with the Fabulous Fall Decor Award! We are so happy!! Thanks, Sue! You always brighten our day!

Now, one of the rules is that we need to pass this great award to six of our favorites.....which is hard, as there are so many! But, as Brenda is busy, it fell to me...and this is who I nominate!

Karen of My Colonial Home

Lisa of Skunk Hollow Country Store

Tanya of Tanya's Prim Thyme Desgns

Mary of Gettysburg Homestead

Tonya of Back Porch Pickins'

Karin of CountryFolk Keepsakes

So, what has been going on with us? Not much in the Oregon place....I have made some more soap, and candles and have some about ready to list...I have been staring at that YoYo table mat I started.......and staring, and staring....and I guess I will just put it away for a bit....it is not suiting me....and for the life of me, I don't know why!

Brenda is busy, busy, busy...getting ready for the craft show this weekend. She has an amazing bunch of items to sell....she just amazes me at how fast she can put things together! I keep telling her..."take pictures", and she assures me that she will, so maybe we will have some to post the first of the week!

Mom and Dad Pike showed up today....what a great surprise! And Mom made the distance from the car, up the stairs, and into the house with no walker, nor a cane. Just Dad's arm! She is doing so good! We got all caught up on the family.....brother Craig is home from SD and in CA. Lance is home for a bit, though I think he is going to Klamath Falls for a few days of work. My family doesn't seem to spend much time at home...!!

Mom F. is busy whipping out the quilt....she is over half-done, and I do believe she is making plans to start another one....!!

I have been making my Christmas list...originally all the kids were getting gift certificates...well the big kids were, the little ones were getting presents...but since we didn't get back to GA and FL....they are getting REAL presents....all handcrafted...well, we do have a little guy...and a big guy...they might get store bought.....little guys are a bit harder to do for than the girls, and big guys....well, we'll see....Shawn, if you read this? Send me a list! Anna, you can send a list, but Grandma Jan already knows what you are getting!! Lauren, Alex and Kaitlyn....Grandma Jan knows what you are getting too....and since you aren't writing yet, (are you writing Lauren?), you have to trust us! Big kids? Already know what you are getting too...but if you have a list...!!

I cannot believe that Christmas is getting so close, so fast! Halloween is just around the corner, then time seems to fly!

Well, it is late, and I am beginning to spend more time correcting my spelling, than the actual typing...so off to bed I go! Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!

What a Gorgeous Day!!!!

2008-10-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

How is everyone today? I thought that I would just get blogging...my goal is EVERY DAY!! We'll just see how that goes! I have been surfing around today, and did some window shopping....wow! There is some awesome stuff out there! I'm really sorry that I decided to behave myself and not do any shopping this month. I actually have been fairly good at that...but, I am starting to itch and twitch.......going to have to shop soon!

We went up the river this afternoon for dinner, and I got some photos of the colors. They are not nearly as beautiful as what all you lucky people back East have....the West Coast just doesn't turn as well as the East....but, it is pretty, and once we have some freezing mornings, they will get brighter. So this is what we saw as we headed out:

And this:

And to top that off...I didn't have to cook dinner!!!!

Brenda sent me a couple photos that she had taken, and I thought I would add them here too...they are good ones!
Isn't Alaska gorgeous? Max and I really wanted to get up there to visit before they left....but it doesn't look like that will happen. Every picture that she has taken is so beautiful!

Well, I had better close this..it is late, and I have to finish making the bed....clean fleece sheets...it is getting cold here at night! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Good Afternoon, All!!

2008-10-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon all!!! It has been a while since one of us Blogged...and we are feeling badly about that! But, truly, we have been busy!!

I don't know if you noticed, but there are two banners above now.....Starlight Prims and Olde Harbor Saltbox......Brenda and I opened sister sites....with her in AK, and me in OR, there was always the worry about postage! We wanted to save everyone postage, but it was a worry that we might not be able to. We will still be blogging together though...so you can keep up with us here!

Brenda is getting ready for a Craft Sale at Ft. Wainwright in AK, that will be next weekend. She has been busy! So, if you are close to Ft. Wainwright, pop in and see her goodies!

I have been busy with the new site...mine is the Starlight Prims. It is a bit empty right now, but hopefully, I will be adding things regularly! I have just finished some soap...that will hit the site the first of November...with more to follow. I will also have the powder listed...just have to print off the labels. Ornies are almost done too, for the Christmas Season, so check in regularly and see what we both have!

I have also opened a 100 Top Site list, which will be FUN! I can hardly wait to check out who all will sign up...I love checking out different sites..that might be why I don't always get much done in the day!

If you would like to sign up and advertise your site, here is the link: http://starlightprims.gotop100.com/ . Free advertising can't be beat!!

I have found several awesome sites....one of my favorites is: Skunk Hollow Country Store, which can be found here: http://www.skunkhollowcountrystore.com/ . Lisa also has Wymzee Art, which is here: http://www.wymzeeart.com/main.html . Some awesome goodies there!

Mom F. is still busy quilting.......as you can see from the photo she is just whipping those stitches in!

Mom P. is doing really well, thanks to all those who ask about her! I went with Dad and Mom on Tuesday to take her to her Dr. appt. in Eugene, and she just walked like she had never had a problem! We are so thankful!! Here is a photo from her "surprise" birthday gathering...

Fall is truly in the air here....it is my most favorite season, I think. On the way to Eugene on Tuesday, everything was bright and crisp....just can't help but make me feel good!

OH! Before I forget, we have also added a button for "Featured Artist", which needs to be changed today, now that I think of it! Last month it was Denia of handcrafted with love by Denia....this month....well, you'll just have to check....Brenda and I have both choses who we want....and I need to get busy with that! So, I will close for now, and get those changed over! Take care and have a wonderful day!!

Another Week gone...and what have I done?

2008-09-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is, Saturday! And I am exhausted....but have no idea why? I am way behind in my Blog Readings, which I LOVE! It is so relaxing and fun to check in and see what all my favorites have been doing. That is on my MUST DO list for this weekend!

We have had a busy week or two here at home.....first, our Aidan, who is 2, had to be rushed to the hospital, and it was touchy for a bit...turns out he had a virus attack his tonsils, and his lymph nodes, so he spent several days in the hospital in Pensacola, but is home now, and is doing great. Good enough to say "hi grandma" and "I love you", and some other goodies, which I had a bit of a hard time translating! But, he is talking and playing!

My Mom, which as you know if you've read the earlier blogs, is doing great! I spent the afternoon with her while Dad went to town and shopped. She looks good, and we had a great visit. I even managed to get some needlefelting done! Only nailed my finger once, when I puncuated a statement....I have to use my hands less!

I also managed to get Mom F.'s quilt basted, thanks to some awesome friends, Suzanne, Marge and Pat, who gave up their Sunday afternoon to come and help! It is a big quilt, and took a while, but it was well worth it...I put it on the frame and Mom F. spent yesterday afternoon quilting! The photos above are of the quilt...the quilt was pieced by her Mom and Grandma...it is old fabric, and where it looks like folds, that is where I basted it for her, for some reason you can't see the basting really well...which is great, as I had a needle that wouldn't stitch in a straight line!

We also went to the Valley on Thursday to visit with friends before they head to AZ for the winter....(oh, I wish we were going!), and went out to Grandpa's Farm and shopped, brought some corn, squash, potatoes, onions and some peppers home. We had fresh corn for dinner last night...yummy!!! Tonight, more fresh corn on the cob, fried zucchini, and some melon....I can hardly wait!

I am busy typing and listening to this awesome music from 1963....if you have never tried this site, give it a try! I absolutely love it, and just bop some of my days away! It is:

http://www.tropicalglen.com/

All the Top 100 hits from 1950-1989....right now? It is Andy Williams, singing "Can't Get Used to Losing You".....I was 10.....and I thought he was SO CUTE!!! Had no idea he was my parent's age....LOL! And of course, there was Elvis, The Beach Boys, (and as a California Girl, I knew that they rocked!!), Ricky Nelson (long before he became Rick Nelson, and I was SURE that he was waiting for me to grow up, so we could get married....!) Ahhh, the fantasies of youth!

So, I have been drooling over all the pics of Linda's house (Behind My Red Door), and have decided that I want to look like that too, so to that end, I will be picking a corner, and redoing it, a bit at a time. I'll post the before and after photos as I go!

Well, I have to get busy....I have more plans for the website, and want to get them going! We will be doing a "Featured Artist" each month, which will be fun! And we will also be adding a "Yard Sale" page....Brenda and I both seem to have masses of stuff, patterns etc, that we haven't used, won't use and we need the room! We thought about Ebay, but decided that we would rather not do that.....it goes on the website! I am also going to be starting a "Topsite List". Once I get it going, and if you would like to be listed, check it out!

I'm off to have a cup of coffee, then get busy...the days have a way of getting away from me!

Good Saturday Morning!

2008-09-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,
My husband is back. He flew in Thursday night. It is good to have him home. I have found that I need to get used to having another person around. We are heading out to Cantwell this morning so he can go Moose hunting. We will be staying in a cabin so we won't be completely roughing it. I am bringing a penny rug to work on. I signed up to do a craft show at Fort Wainwright next month so I am feeling nervous about having enough stuff made. We will be back on next Saturday. I will hopefully be able to put more primitive folk art on the website. I got busy here the last week trying to prepare for my husbands arrival. I hope everyone has a great weekend. I need to get busy or we won't be getting out of here today.

New Contest at Olde Colonial Peddler!

2008-09-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

I love meeting new friends, and this last week, I have found several! And Shay, at Olde Colonial Peddler
is having her first Blog Giveaway! So, click on her name, and go and read her posts, then leave her a comment! What could be easier than that? AND, check out the great goodies! This is one very talented lady!! I signed up and I am hoping that I get lucky!!

Quick update on Mom....she is doing much better and may go home tomorrow! She was sitting up and had "been walked"....hmm.....kinda makes her sound like a dog...don't you think? :-) She is anxious to get home from the sounds of it...she described her lunch....and I totally understand the rush to go home!

Haven't talked to the kids, but heard that Gulf Breeze had had a tornado, so after checking, saw that they listed "tree damage". I left a message, quivery voice and all, so hopefully they will call Mom and let her hear their voice...that will make it all better!

And thankfully, it looks like Gustav was a smaller category hurricane, but still, has done major damage. I feel so badly for all those people that have been uprooted, and have no idea whether they will have a home to go home too. Prayers are still going out to them from here.

The big decision here at the moment is: "whats for dinner"? I was thinking cereal? After all, I am not hungry. However, the vote was taken and it is PIZZA from Papa Murphy's. Yippeee! I can probably find the strength to turn the oven on, and go get it. That will take ALL the energy that I have today. I am hoping that my people appreciate it!!! Have a great evening!

It's been a long day.....

2008-08-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well, since I can't sleep, I think I will just blog! Hope that this finds everyone well, and safe.....especially those of you down in the path of Gustav......we are thinking of you and praying for you....it is a very terrifying time.

I spoke to our daughter and son in Gulf Breeze this afternoon, had some news to give them, but, mostly wanted to make sure that they would be safe in the storm, I know that they will be getting some of the outer bands of Gustav, and I worry! Our son and daughter in GA should be fine...which eased me a bit, too.

Today started with a bang! I had my little, well, okay, it was a LONG list made out with all that I had planned to do today. That was changed before I even got up....we had a phone call from my brother, and he greeted me (not so much, actually), with "Mom fell last night and broke her pelvis and Dad took her to the hospital. She is okay, but he is a mess...get down there"....okay, for those of you who haven't guessed? This would be my "baby" brother, and to make it even more surprising...he was calling from 800+ miles away...while I, the oldest child, and the only girl, (therefore, I RULE), am a mere 30 miles from Mom and Dad. Hmmm, you say.....how odd is that? Well, I have to tell you, I thought it quite odd....turns out, I was the LAST one to talk to Dad.....but, I am okay with that (not), as things were hectic, and he thought of Craig first. Of course, it didn't help that I called my Aunt in Central California to give her the news, only to find out that she, too, had already heard. I obviously am going to have some issues to work through, as I am obviously NOT the Queen of my little group of people, but I will be okay with that, someday, probably....possibly......

Anyway, Max and I trundled down to the hospital, and found Mom looking much better than we expected, and while Dad looked a bit worn, he too, was looking better than we thought. We met my other brother down there (the nicest one of the three of us kids), and HE looked better than we thought......Thankfully, the hospital that she is in, is one that she retired from, (she worked in Admissions), and I had also put my time in there, and therefore, as my Mom is the GREATEST (right up there with my other brother), she will be spoilt royally...and Dad will be looked after too. The surgeon told us that the type of breaks (2) that she had, were not good for surgery, so he would be sending her home, and she would have weight bearing exercise, and some therapy, and she should heal in the next 12 weeks, (it is always good to have a timeline, that way she will know how she should behave, don't you think?). So, she should be in there another 3-4 days, and then home.

So, I will close for now, as I have to find that list, and revamp it....maybe tomorrow will see it done! Take care, all!

We Won An Award!

2008-08-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

WooHoo! Sue at Oodlekadoodle gave us an Primitive Excellence Award! Thank you so much. We both really appreciate your wonderful support! Check to the right for her fun and inspirational blog.
Once an award is received, the rules are as follows:
Put the logo on your blog.
Add a link to the person who awarded you.
Nominate at least seven other blogs.
Add links to those blogs on your blog.
Leave a message for your nominee on their blogs.
My nominees are
Behind My Red Door
Back Porch Pickins
Olde Colonial Peddler
Gettysburg Homestead
Rants by Bebe
Once in A Blue Moon
Tanyas Prim Thyme Designs Journal

It's been awhile!!!

2008-08-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a while!!! I hadn't realized just how long it had been, until I decided that I needed to get blogging! I am embarrassed!!

Things have been humming along here at home and on the site....As you saw from the blog below, Brenda has been hobnobbing with the elite.....and now she is touring Alaska with her folks! She has been a very busy girl! And she has earned it.....she has worked long hours creating for the website....now, when she gets home the middle of next week? We will be cracking the whip again!!

I have been busy, also, but for the life of me, am not sure exactly what I have done! I hate those days! And they seem to happen more and more often! I have been visiting lots of Topsites, so when you log on to Olde Harbor Saltbox, if you arrow down, you can vote for us!! Also have added some links, with more to come...it is amazing how many sites there are out there and how wonderful they are! Now that I think of it...that may be why I am so far behind this week! I love to surf and check stuff out!

I have done some new Hooked Rugs. They are Locker Hooked, and are very simple and plain. I love them. I will be listing them tomorrow. There will be a small Burgundy Candle Mat, and a large table mat, or even a rug if you like...it is in a very dull khaki greenish tanish color...kind of hard to describe. It is very plain, and reminds me of the Colonial look. I am going to have a hard time parting with it!

I have also dug out Mom's Vintage Post Cards, and plan on doing some tags, and of course, my all time favorite-German Glassing them so that you can use them for Scrapbooking or Cardmaking. They make AWESOME cards, and yes, I will be putting some of them on the first of next week. I have made my list, and I am checking it off....OH, that is Santa!!! Speaking of Santa-there will be some great Christmas items listed by the first of September. I know...it seems so early, but really, time just flies by!!

I will also be listing some odds and ends....some wonderful White Corriedale Wool Roving...and ounce, that is just perfect to pop into a wooden bowl...it looks great! There is a tiny bit of veggie in it...just enough to make it look nice and prim! It is perfect for spinning, or like I said, just have it out to enjoy. And while an ounce doesn't sound like much, it fills a bowl nicely! That is a great thing about roving, it weighs very little, so you get a lot more than you would think!

Well, it is late, and I have to get some more work done, so will close for now! Oh! And for those of you who have asked? Max's guitar playing is coming right along! (He tells me that I can't say that...but typing is different, don't you think?!). And he is busy trying to decide what we will be taking to the Grandkids when we get back there for the month of Oct....I can say, so far....we're talking a dolly, some books, a cool hat...and of course, something for the newest little Calloway/Franklin baby......but that is still being decided!!

I am so Excited to be able to meet....

2008-08-07T09:43:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! Yep that is me in the pink shirt. My friend Erin in the uniform next to me and myself were so excited to get to meet the First Lady on Monday August 4, 2008. Air Force One stopped here at Eielson AFB, Alaska to refuel before going over to Asia. The President made a nice short speech then spent 45 minutes shaking hands, signing autographs and just doing small chit chat with the troops. I tried to get a hand shake but I just couldn't get close enough. I really admire our First Lady, Laura Bush. Their daughter Barbara is also in the photo.

I have been busy making some new Fall/Halloween folk art. I am hoping to get them on the website before I go on vacation. My parents are flying up here to visit for a week. I am really excited about seeing them. We have been planning this vacation since last fall. Unfortunately my husband won't be able to go because he is over in the desert. He will be coming home in about 1 month. I am really looking forward to seeing him. Well I must go and finish up my projects. My dad wants to try some gold panning while they are here so I need to find more information on recreational gold panning. Have a wonderful day!!

It's the 1st of August!!!

2008-08-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

OH MY~ Where on earth has the summer gone? I know that a lot of you are doing the last minute things to get your little ones, and not so little ones ready for school.....doesn't it seem like they just finished the school year? Okay, maybe not for ALL of you! LOL

I always loved the summer when the kids were out of school...we had so much fun! And somehow, now that they are grown and have kids of their own...summer just doesn't feel the same! Of course, depending on where you live? Summer may not have shown up yet for you! I think that up to this point, there have been maybe 5 days that felt like summer here on the
Oregon Coast, where I live!! Today it is raining! But, they are promising warm weather next week....we'll see just how it goes!

The website has kept Brenda and I very busy! I finally got my jar candles poured and added to the site...also did some Jar Warmer Tarts...they will be uploaded sometime this weekend...My Votives? Poured and waiting to come out of the molds...they too, will hit the site in the next day or two!

Along with those, I did a bunch of Beeswax and Beeswax & Lavender Thread Cakes. I love them, and am never without one. If you haven't used one, and you do any hand-sewing at all...you really need one! You run your thread through the Beeswax, and it keeps the thread from tangling, helps to thread that too small needle eye, and it makes the thread go through the fabric so nicely! I have to say..I love mine, and they make all the difference in the world!

Brenda has been busy, and has put the cutest set of Witch Shoes and Pumpkins...it is a pattern by Sue at Oodlekadoodle....we both love her patterns! (Have I mentioned that before?!!) Brenda is getting ready for her folks' visit....she has all kinds of fun stuff planned for them to do, so she may be missing for a week...but never fear....you will have me! Lucky, lucky you!

I hope that you all have an awesome week!

2008-07-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I couldn't sleep so I decided to get up. Living in Alaska the nights are light all summer long. Sometimes it makes it hard to sleep. While my husband is deployed I promised him that I would get my craft area put in order. It is a complete disaster. I thought I was making a dent in the project due to all the boxes that I have emptied out in the hallway. Well this morning I walked into the basement and thought what have I been doing because I still can't see the floor. I don't know if anyone can relate to this. I can't wait to get it organized. I am itching to get back to crafting. Well I must get busy. I have prolonged getting busy long enough. Have a wonderful day.

Friday!!!! Yes!!!

2008-07-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yippee! It's Friday!!! And yes, I know that I don't work, (well, I do of course), but I don't work outside the home...so it shouldn't matter, right? But it does! Friday just makes my little heart happy!

So, how was your week? Busy, interesting, restful? All of the above? Mine was definitely all of the above! I did a bit of everything, which is kind of bad, as I didn't finish anything! But, this weekend! Watch out!

We did have sad news this week. Our WASAH Forum Sister, Denia (handcraftedwithlovebydenia), had to leave and go to Birmingham. Her father had passed away. Denia, if you read this? We are all praying and thinking about you! We love you and miss you!

One of the unplanned things that happened was a quick trip for me to the dentist. What I thought was just a quick Meet n Greet visit, turned out to be a "hmmm, let's just clean this one spot, and you have a root that needs to be removed, so how 'bout we just take care of that....." and before I knew it, out went the root, and I thought he was cleaning the whole time! He had me figured right though...if I had made an appt. for the root removal, I would have been a basket case!

I am sitting here, typing and listening to some wonderful music. Max got a guitar this last week, and has been busy playing it. He is learning, but I think he sounds good. He just shakes his head when I say that...but I just parrot back to him what he is forever telling me: "you are your own worst critic". LOL

I'm not sure exactly what I did all week, but it must have been something, because I am just tired!! I did get some more things added to the Blog..check out the right side! AND, now you can also click on the Olde Harbor Saltbox logo above and go directly to the website! Thank you, Sue!! I had no idea that I could do that!

The snowflakes and icicles are ready for their last little dip....Buffalo Snow and Mica! They are so pretty! Sue at Oodlekadoodle has the greatest patterns!

I talked to Brandi this week, and she said "Mom, where are the candles"? So, I promised I would get those candles on by Sunday.....guess what I will be doing tomorrow?!! Taking candle photos! I promise, Brandi!

I will also be adding Lavender Dryer Bags, and something else, but for the life of me, I can't remember what!!!! It must be bedtime! Snowballs!! That was what it was!

Brenda has been BUSY!! Along with doing her special orders, she has added an awesome Harvest/Fall Penny Rug...her own design, I might add. Also a Snowman and a set of Elf Shoes!

Both of us have auctions going now. I have put on a couple sets of Vintage Halloween Postcards, covered in German Glass. They have always been a good seller. I haven't done any auctioning since last Fall, so I had to get re-acquainted with Ebay! The Postcards are printed out on cardstock and then covered with the German Glass. They are copied from cards in my Mom's Postcard collection that she started when she was a small girl.

In the next Blog, I'll post some photos of where we live.....just in case you are interested!!

Well, I better close, my eyes are drooping, and the next thing you know I will fall asleep on the keyboard...wouldn't that be a kick! See you soon!

Good Afternoon

2008-07-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would finally show my face so to speak and blog a bit. I have never blogged before so I feel a bit nervous. My name is Brenda my husband is in the military, so we move every 4-5 years. Makes it exciting seeing new places. Currently he is deployed so I am spending the summer creating primitive folk art. We have a little snoodle dog that I just love to pieces her name is Addie. She has been keeping me company while my husband is gone. My craft area is a mess but right now I don't care because no one is here to complain about it ya know what I mean. I have an order right now that I need to get back to so I will talk to ya all later.

Our First Sale! And a Gorgeous Sunset!

2008-07-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Good morning, everyone! It is feeling like Fall here on the Central Oregon Coast! And summer? I think we had a whole 4 days of it!! Of course, from talking to everyone, the weather has been weird everywhere this year, so really I can't (shouldn't!) complain!

We had a very exciting evening here last night. Just before I shut off the computer I decided to check out the mail for the last time, and well, guess what? WE HAD OUR FIRST ORDER! Very exciting!! I had to run to the phone and call Brenda to tell her that she had sold her "Crow, Watermelon, Sunflower" Wallhanging! I have to say...it made our day!!

I have been busy stitching up Snowflakes and Icicles from Oodlekadoodle's pattern, I love them! BUT, I have to say, it is proof that truly, no snowflake looks the same! And my living room looks like it is full of snow!! Hoping to have them on tomorrow early! Also hope to have some Needle Felted Felt Cone Ornies up sometime tomorrow. So be sure to check it out!

Brenda is busy finishing a special order.....well, special orders! She was working on them late last night. Then she will be back designing and putting some new goodies on the website!

I thought I would add a photo that I took last night. It is not the best Sunset that we have had here on the Coast, but it was beautiful! I have been so fortunate to live in several places that just have the most awesome sunsets...here on the Oregon Coast and in the Arizona Desert. When you see one of those sunsets, you just cannot doubt the power of God!

I'll be back to post in a day or two...as soon as I get out of the snow!

2008-07-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning, everyone!! Well, it is DONE! Brenda and I are now officially OPEN and playing with the Big Girls!! We didn't make it on Friday or Saturday, as we found several things that we had missed, but hopefully we caught all of them! Can you tell that we are excited? We have big plans to keep adding stuff daily...we'll see how that goes!

So, here on the Coast, the sun is shining! Can you believe it? No fog, no clouds and no wind...just glorious SUN! Mom F. is out planting her flowers, and Max has already watered, we have happy flowers today! And me? I am sitting back, working on a cup of coffee! I love days like this!

So, I need to close and get busy, (I am a working girl now), but I want to share the URL with you. It is:

www.oldeharborsaltbox.com

I'll see you tomorrow!

A New Beginning!

2008-07-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am, blogging! I never thought that I would actually have a blog! Not that I can't and won't write and bore everyone to death...(just ask my close friends and family....I truly can carry a LOOONNGGG conversation all by myself, and have on many an occasion!)

My friend, Brenda and I have finally opened our store!! Well, technically, it will be open Friday...and all the shelves won't be full, but we will be working our little tushies off to get those stocked!

A bit of history about us, you ask? Of course! Brenda and I have been friends for what seems like forever! We both worked at the same hospital, and then she married, he is in the Air Force, and I retired. Now, she and I have always wanted to open a "real store", but as you can imagine, it was hard to do with her moving about the country, and at times, so did my husband and I. We tried a webstore about 5 years ago, and had fun...but we were SO not brave, and finally, it went away! After much talking and whining, and more whining...we decided to give it a try again! And I have to say, so far, we are very pleased! Of course, as I mentioned earlier it is not open for another day but we have managed to get it together without any tears, yelling, screaming, or running to the fridge for the wine bottle (well, okay, to be honest? I did have a SMALL glass last night, but I swear it was with dinner, and it was definitely after 12:00pm...so I think I am okay?)

My family will also be delighted that they can see how well Mom (as well as Daughter, Sister, Niece, Most Favorite Cousin, Best Friend....you get the picture, right?) has been behaving....I seem to have given up on letter-writing, and our phone calls can be full of silences when I say something...and their brains are spinning...."has she told me this before? No? Hmmmm....she should have.....MOOOOOMMMM"

I just want to share some of the goodies that we will have on the site...so I am going to pop some photos up...the Watermelon Lamp is one of Brenda's creations...I love it! It just screams SUMMER!!! And the beautiful Penny Rug is also hers...alas, it has sold, but this will be a pattern that we will be offering in the shop soon! (right, Brenda?)

Well, enough about me today! I'll be back tomorrow to post our Shop URL...