Remembering my birthday...

The guys snuck in a game of checkers outside the Cracker Barrel.

Dolly Parton's siggy on the back of the rocker.

How cool is this for all you PINK lovers? This lone, hot pink beauty, was spotted on the porch of the Cracker Barrel.

I turned another year older yesterday, even though I don't look or feel any different. My birthday was like any other day in my life...blessed beyond measure. My parents started the day off, bright and early, by calling and singing "Happy Birthday" to me. It was so sweet, really. My guys took me to my favorite place of all, when it comes to eating breakfast away from home...the Cracker Barrel. Breakfast, was of course, delicious(especially when you don't have to cook it or clean it up), and I was invited to shop in their, ever so neat, gift shop. The shop offers such unusual items. I didn't leave empty handed either...I purchased a birdy nightlight and a candle with the aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls, which smells so yummy.

In the afternoon, my brother and nephew called. They too, sung "Happy Birthday".(You'd have to know my family) And then, my neice rounded out the 'phone calls of love', by calling with her greetings. I received nice little gifts and several beautiful cards through the mail... and a RED VELVET CAKE, my absolute favorite cake in the world! Oh...and the Tarheels won and are in the final four! Yeeeehaaaww........!! (But, my man...Matt Kenseth...suffered much bad luck at the Martinsville speedway) Hey, I almost forgot...my dear friend, Rhonda called, and even though I missed her call, left the sweetest birthday greeting on the robot machine. Actually, we played phone tag throughout the whole day, after that.

And though, I'm sure this post is truly boring to most, its not to me. I wanted to share with the world, how special my family and friends are, and how their little sentiments(even the quirky ones) mean so much. They will never know how great they brighten my days. And with that being said, I'll leave you with this quote... "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been"~ Mark Twain Til next time, blessings!

Another year rolling around...

Gosh, the last few days have been busy ones. I've wiped out a huge part of my spring cleaning. Wish I could say I'm finished, but I'm not.(sigh) The rooms that I did get to, look and feel so much better. Some would probably not even notice (not calling any names here but you know who you are) but I KNOW the rooms are much cleaner. I have to remember that I didn't do this to receive praise...I did it because it needed to be done.
Today, Z has a 4 month checkup with our cardiologist. He had some problems last fall with high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. We found this out when he went for a physical to play football. He never was released to play and was quite disappointed. We discovered that a medicine he was taking was causing the side effects he was experiencing. He is now no longer taking any meds and has lost some weight(he put himself on a diet), so I feel certain he will get a good report today.
I need to get busy again with my camera. I promised someone, more photos of birdhouses...maybe I can do that this weekend, however 'somebody' has a birthday in 2 days. Til next time, blessings!

'Springin' it...

I know...I know...you could say I 'dissed' my blog yesterday. Shame on me! I'm spring cleaning and I'm not as productive as I used to be. Tasks take much longer, then the body MUST rest. And even though spring officially arrived on Friday, I didn't get my door sign hung until yesterday. Now, if I could just get the wreath up there! So , if I'm MIA for a few days, you'll know I continue to have 'spring' in my step. (pun intended) Til next time, blessings!

A simple quiet day...

I think I may have bloggers block. Maybe its 'fibro fog'. Or it may just be that I don't have anything much to say. I'm always telling Zach, "if you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything". Surely its not that I don't have any GOOD to tell...there's always good in my life.

We'll just simply tie this up and say I'm having a quiet day...another good reason to appreciate country living. Til next time, blessings!

Light the way...

I'm always 'dabbling' in something and trying to be 'crafty' around the house.(hey...it saves money) I already had this plain (and boring) lampshade, so I decided to spruce it up a bit with some 'not so fancy' needlework. Actually, it fit my decor style perfectly.

Here's another shade I picked up at a thrift store for fifty cents...its a great 'shade' of green. I added the buttons and twigs to make the snowmen. Had to change it out this week due to springtime arriving.

I made several of these oil lamps a couple of years ago. There is oil in there with the potpourri. And they work well. I've had to use them several times during power outages. I'm thinking about using them now, while the economy is bad...seriously.

I pray for anyone who has lost their job, their insurance, their retirement, their homes, their health...or even, a loved one. Til next time, blessings!

Thief!

This little guy, along with hundreds (well...it seems like that many!) of his family members, are literally taking seed from the bird's mouths. Just this morning, I witnessed two of the thieves, on the feeder at once, with another trying to sneak up the pole. Of course, the two on the feeder were being greedy, and wouldn't let the other one up. It reminded me of several children playing together, with numerous toys surrounding them, but they all want possession of the same toy. Seems the squirrels might benefit from a lesson in behavioral management. Til next time, blessings!

More pics from Wednesday...

Look what I found under a bench, just waiting it's turn for new life to be planted...

A view of our driveway lined with pines, that will soon 'share' their pollen with those of us who have allergies...(actually I wanted you to see the old hay rake and flag!)...

I just love nests! Found this one in the yard with branch still intact. I'll give it a new home...

An old toolbox that DH bought for me at an estate auction. It's so neat with a drawer that pulls out and a smaller tool carrier with handle that can be taken out, also. Soon, it will be filled with seasonal flowers. Yep, thats an old chicken crate that the toolbox is sitting on...and...what...?...is that a set of eyes...peekin' out...

...aaaww...it's 2 sets of eyes peekin' out and watchin' us closely. Think we might be invading their privacy? Oh, well...til next time, blessings!

Spring is in the air...

Yesterday I enjoyed the beautiful weather outside, because according to the weather man, the first part of April could have some cold temps in store. I searched for signs of spring, and this is what I found...a wasp 'sunbathing' on my porch...

Hens having new 'chicks'...

Forsythias gaining their leaves...

Plum tree adorning it's blossoms (and bees)...

The temp on our back porch at 2pm...

here's your sign...

I used to do a lot of pyrography. These are pics of some of the first ones I burned, several years back. This one hangs over our bedroom door. I made it for Tom, cause we call him "capt'n" around the house.

This one hangs between our fireplace and mantel...I just love this phrase.

This one hangs above a door in our living room. We're such fish fanatics!

I took an old set of folding doors (my mother-in-law was sending them to the dump), and cut both sections in half. I made signs out of the bottom(solid) sections and turned the tops (louvers), into shutters for the picture window in our den. This one hangs above an antique dresser in our bedroom. I'll post a pic of the shutters at another time.

Aaahh...I made this one shortly after we married. It hangs beside our bed, above a nightstand. Sweet, huh? You can click on any pic to enlarge the detail.

I am relieved that the rain is moving out of here, after 4 days. We needed the rain, but the damp weather sure doesn't do much for my bones. I haven't touched a thing (referring to anything crafty) since Saturday, due to my hands not wanting to cooperate. So, now I'm having withdrawal pangs! I'm off to the creative board to see what I can accomplish today. Til next time, blessings!

Be careful what you pray for...

I am truly blessed to be a stay-at-home mom (and wife), even though my health issues played a huge role in the decision. When Tom and I wed, he suggested I shouldn't be in a hurry to seek a public job, here in Virginia. I might like some time out, to adjust to a new place, learn my way around, get used to living away from my family and friends...not to mention, setting up housekeeping, in a house where this bachelor had lived, alone, for a dozen years or so! Yep, bless his heart...the house left a lot to be desired! (Did I say I'm still not USED to living away from my family and friends?) DH had spent 75% of his time 'on the road' (truck driving), so he lived very simply, and needed more than a just a few decor ideas...he needed an Extreme Makeover! But, without Ty Bennington. I was literally, deeply in love. In love with my new husband and in love with decorating my new home.
That first summer, (we married in June) was so busy that it was almost as though it didn't exist. I was getting Z ready for a new school. I found him a new doctor and got him a physical. He had to have a couple of innocculations, by law, before entering Virginia public schools. I found him a new dentist, and got him a checkup. You know that kid has never had a cavitity, since losing his baby teeth?? And then came a new optometrist, with a new pair of eyeglasses...new clothes and shoes, school supplies...and meeting with a new panel of LD teachers and staff, to get them familiar with Zach's learning disability, getting his IEP in place, touring the school he'd be attending, and meeting his teachers on a more personal basis, than just at 'open house'. At this time, I was also, updating all my personal stuff with the name change, registering my vehicle, etc. In addition, we had a garden...so I was 'harvesting' and 'putting up' vegetables...I was preparing a home cooked meal every night...I took on the mowing and weedeating of an approximately, 5 acre mowable area...plus keeping the house clean and doing the laundry. Oh, and remember, I'm decorating the house, too! Looking back now, I don't know how I did it all.

I didn't know it at the time, but those were some of the best days of my life...that summer, when I was frantically running about, like a chicken without it's head! I kept praying for God to "give me a break...let me have a rest...I didn't work this hard when I had a 'job'"! Hey, it wasn't all that long after that, I got all the time I wanted to rest! Little things that I had took for granted, for years, suddenly became almost impossible to do. It didn't take me too long, after that, to discover that I was going about 'prayer', all in the wrong manner. I still have to remind myself sometimes to pray for what God wishes for me to have, not for what I want. But, I no longer complain in prayer...I now pray with a thankful heart and with the understanding that He will fulfill my every NEED. Til next time, blessings!

Where are you springtime?

Here's our border collie, Toby. We got him when he was just 8 weeks old. He'll be 5 yrs. old in May. He was supposed to be Zach's dog, and purely Zach's responsibility to play with, feed, brush, etc. Uh...hmmm...I think we'd had him less than a week when it became apparent that he was MY 'baby'! He's very mild mannered and loves everyone...and everyone falls in love with him. One of our neighbors, who have no children or pets of their own, keeps Toby his own bag of treats, on hand, for when he goes over for a visit. He's one more 'rotten' dog, but I think we'll keep him!

I've been wishing for spring to maybe blow on in with some of the high winds we've been having here, lately. I found this picture of my porch, taken last summer and then I really got the fever. I love having blooms, greenery and color all around me. Flowers compliment the beauty in life, don't you think? Til next time, blessings!

"show off"!!

This painting is an 8 x 10 on canvas board and called 'Flowers in the cookie jar'.

This painting didn't turn out quite like I hoped but is 11 x 16 and called 'Baa baa black sheep'.

This one is 8 x 10 and called 'Lean and proud'.

Happy Saturday everybody! Freezing rain was forecast for our area this morning, but so far, so good. Just a simple rain falling...a cold rain. We did, however, have some light snow yesterday. It didn't cause any mishaps, or stick to anything...just a heavy flurrying for most of the am.

Today, DH has a major errand to run, or should I say, an important appointment with our CPA. Remember, it's tax season! Zach's FFA class is going to a nearby farm 'showing' to help judge the calves, being shown. I'd let him take my camera, if it wasn't raining, but it is, so that is that!

I love quiet mornings. With Tom at work and Z at school, during the week, I've become attached to the quiet time. It allows me to relax...clears my mind of clutter...gives me intimate time with God, and I find I'm more creative when I'm alone. But, Saturdays...well, they 're different. The boys are both here...usually there is a list of things that need to be done, that can't get done, during the week. DH will have something in mind that he needs Z to help him with, and Z will have something totally different, in mind, for DH to help him do. So...chaos, yep...thats the word I'm looking for...chaos...will sometimes kick in and this house becomes anything but quiet! But, today...today, suddenly is 'mine' again, at least til noon, or better. So, I think I'll do some painting and take advantage of this rare opportunity. Til next time...blessings!

thoughts on paper...

I just finished answering emails from some very dear people. I have the bestest family and friends in the world and I hope they know how important they are to me. When days and days pass without a word spoken, or a written word...it doesn't mean these people are not in my thoughts. It may just mean I'm being lazy! Or, I could be busy with life, in general.

I must be from the 'old school', because I would rather write a letter, or type (as the case may be), than to talk on the phone, or type one or two lines on Facebook, or even type quick thoughts in an 'IM' (thats instant message for those of you that are worse off than I am with technology). I'm not even a cell phone person. Yeah, I do have one, but I have it for extreme situations or for emergencies. You do not see me gathering my groceries or shopping in a mall while having a phone strapped to the side of my head! Nor do you see me driving down the highway, having a personal conversation. I'm not crazy about the land line phone, either. Believe it or not, I don't have enough to say, to hang on the phone line for hours on end! I do, however, call 'home' to my parents twice a week (like clockwork), out of respect and concern for them. Well, maybe I like hearing those loving, familiar voices, too...but, I even have a problem conversating (is that a word?) with them, but so long. I mean, how much new stuff can happen in a few days, right?

I have an 'ole dear' friend who is like a sister to me. As a matter of fact, we call each other 'Sister', 'Sis', "Sissy'. She lives in NC, too, and we write each other letters (I'm talking handwritten here), and send cards on the average of once every 10 days or so. I so love this means of communication. And I love pretty stationary, and beautiful cards and verses. I love receiving actual mail that you can feel, in my mailbox. I love reading the other person's thoughts and feelings on paper. Nine times out of ten, you'll put a thought on paper, that you wouldn't normally express to another, out loud. Think about that. It's so much more personal to write someone than to give them a call. When was the last time that you wrote someone a letter? Try it sometime. It might even relieve some stress. Til next time, blessings!

Fishin'...

Catch 'o the day...a basket of crappie! There's no better 'eatin' according to my family...you catch...you clean...you cook!

We love to fish...all of us do. So, we spend many hours atop this water. That is...weather and schedules permitting!

Here's my Dad, with a catfish that I CAUGHT! I was afraid to handle it 'cause I'd always heard they could sting ya. Just wish the pic was clearer...it was a BIG fish!

Another angle of our pond, as neighbors cleared off the back of their property, while building their new home.

Now this is one of my prized pics...my mom and dad with DH at the helm! Mom CANNOT swim, had NEVER been on a boat, and this was the FIRST time she had ever fished. She loved it! I'm afraid we may have created a monster!!

The view from our driveway and porch in late spring. I tell ya...living in the country ain't half bad!

Thankfulness...

Okay, okay...when you suffer from a chronic condition, like FMS, you must learn to set limitations for yourself alot of times. I admit I have trouble with this. Like in the instance of going to get groceries and then coming home to vacuum the WHOLE house, using the hose extension, for the most part. So, I'm over the flu but incredibly sore and stiff from all the 'over doing'. I can't win, it seems, but still I am so blessed! It could be worse...much worse. I'm thankful for the 'good' that God allows me to have. And I am becoming more and more appreciative of the little things. Things that most people (including myself here) take for granted. Gosh, if I can ride in a car for any length of time, go shopping, go sightseeing, clean house, lay flat on my back, sit or stand for extended times or even go for a walk...if I can do any of these and have just a minimal amount of pain...then I've had a GOOD day! Isn't that just crazy?? It is crazy...but it's the craziness I live with every day. Just about everything we do in my house, is planned around my FMS. We don't make long term plans because we never know how I will feel, or what shape I'll be in, at a certain time. Is it sad?...yes. Do I question it?...no. Is it fair?...probably. I do know that there is a reason for everything and God has a plan for all of us. I trust Him to lead me where He thinks I should be. Right now, that just happens to be sitting here, typing this post, while dealing with FMS. I am what I am and it is what it is, but I'm thankful for it all. Til next time...blessings!

Wind + Groceries = Crazy

It's another gorgeous day in central Virginia. The sun's shining brightly and the air is warm...but what is up with all this wind??? I'm always telling DH that this is the windiest place I've ever seen! He and his mother have told me many times that the wind was not always this bad. I find this hard to believe! We live right at the foot of the Peaks of Otter. This is absolutely beautiful country, with breathtaking views...but...the wind, well...lets just say, sometimes you have to work around it, or rearrange your plans. Like today, for instance...Monday's are usually my grocery day, but I'm not going due to the wind. Who wants to wear weights to the grocery store?? (I'm getting tired just thinking about it) I mean, I'm exhausted by the time I handle the groceries a million times! Think about it. Okay...#1.) you choose your items and put them in your cart. #2.) you place the items on the conveyor to purchase. #3.) you take your bags from the checkout and put them back into your cart (I shop at walmart) #4.) you then walk to your vehicle and take the groceries from the cart and place them into your car. #5.) when you arrive home, you lug these same bags of groceries from your car, into your house. Guess what? You're still not finished. You must now, #6.) take the items from the bags and put them away! Now, you're finished...that is...until the next time you need something!! See what I mean?? Grocery day is bad enough without adding 30 mph winds to it. Wait...'a light bulb just came on'...I may just design the new and improved WINDsuit!! Gotta run...til next time, blessings!

TKO in 1st round...

I know I've been 'MIA', but I have a good excuse...remember the flu bug I mentioned earlier in the week? Well, ...there was a huge fight and the flu won...by a "knock out"! Seriously...flat on my bottom, I fell. And thats where I stayed for several days. I guess there is some truth to the old saying..."get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids", because I tried for days to keep going. But, once I gave in(or the bug won), and did the rest and fluid thing, I am feeling much better. I always thought my household would standstill if I ever got sick enough, that I couldn't do the daily chores and cook the meals. I was pleasantly surprised. Don't get me wrong...I didn't say that things got done the way I would do them, or that I liked the way they were done. I'm just saying DH and the teenager made out ok, and took on the inituitive to 'fend' for themselves. And they cleaned up the messes they made, in the process. Oh, they took pretty good care of me, too. Now, how cool is that?? Til next time...blessings!

...and more birdhouses!

Today as I'm still fighting the flu bug, I'm posting more pics of nesting places. Not only do we make these little gems, you can see I decorate with them all over.

That huge log cabin birdhouse, on the table, was a gift from a very dear friend (and 'sister'). She and her husband are very talented, indeed. So, we cannot take the credit for this beauty!

Yep, I had DH make a few birdhouse planters, too. I threw together the bench, myself, several years ago. Most of the woodworking we do, has the rustic, aged patina.

Those gorgeous bluebirds built a nest in our 'outhouse' last summer, right in front of our porch so we got to experience some amazing actions for a few weeks.

Til next time...blessings!

Birdhouses...

Ahhh, can you tell we love making birdhouses? We love our birds...period. We feed them all year round and host many different species to our backyard. There was never any question as to what we would 'specialize' in when we decided to start our own little craft business.

I am, again, going to be short and sweet today, as I seem to be battling the 'crud', and not feeling very well, so...til next time, blessings!

Handmade goodies...

Here's a couple of pics of items my DH has made just for me. The white cabinet is my absolute favorite. It was a Christmas surprise! I had bought the old window for $5 some time ago and it sat in our shop, while I decided what I actually wanted him to do with it! I had seen a cabinet, in the Country Sampler magazine a few years back, made with an old window and loved it so much, that I never forgot that idea. I knew that one day, I'd get Tom to make me one. He used old door hardware for the pulls. Isn't she lovely??

I asked him to make the pigeon hole shelf for Z's room when we were redoing it , back in the summer. After all the decor changes, there was no room for this on his walls, so...I get to claim it for my very own! Of course, I need to paint it first...but I will find a spot for it!

When we first married, we looked high and low for a old farm table for the kitchen, and soon discovered that one in good shape was way too expensive for our budget. So, this was my gift for our first anniversary. DH also made the shelf over the table, on the wall. I think it all came together well with the wallpapers and border I chose. I told ya DH is talented!!

Til next time...blessings!