Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends.

I haven't been posting much as I have been busy taking care of my wonderful hubby, Rich. He was having severe headaches and they finally found that he had a severely pinched nerve at C4-C5. We had to go to Portland, OR for his surgery. He had surgery on Dec. 23rd and was able to go home on Christmas eve day. He is feeling so much better after the surgery. The headaches are gone!

Hope everybody has a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Thanksgiving is over.....now on to Christmas

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are over....now on to Christmas. Not only do we have Christmas next month we have December birthdays..our step-mother and mother-in-law, Bessie, our brother-in-law, Mike and our niece, Emily.

It is time to start decorating our home for Christmas. Since Rick is not feeling too good right now...I will probably not decorate as much as usual. It takes me days to decorate our home. I spend at least a week just decorating the 6 foot tree. Due to Rick having allegies we do not have a real tree. In 1983 I bought a 6 foot artificial tree that was made in West Germany. Everybody that comes to our home has to feel the tree...they don't believe it is artificial. I was lucky and found it on sale at K-Mart in Medford, Oregon. It was originally $400 and I bought it for $99. The tree looks as beautiful today as it did the first time I set it up.

Our tree is different from most people's trees. We don't have Christmas Lights, Tinsel or Tinsel Garland on our tree. All of our ornaments are handmade, gifts or one-of-a-kind ornaments. Each and every ornament has special meanings to us.

For the first 14 Christmas' of our marriage we spent Christmas Eve at Rich's Uncle Everett and Aunt Jo's home. It was so much fun. Their home was filled with parents, children, grandchildren and friends. There was always a 12 foot real tree decorated by everyone. The kids would stand close to the tree and ohh and ahh over all the gifts.

We always had a potluck dinner. Everybody brought their specialties to share. Grandma Cassman always made Rice Krispie Bars, Cousin Sally made Chocolate Cream Pies and Homemade Rolls, Cousin Dory made Taco Salad, Uncle Everett and Aunt Jo provided Turkey, Roast and Ham. Cousin Jo Carol would make tiny sandwiches, veggie trays...one year she made a shrimp cocktail tree. When Mom Bishop was living she would make a Tomato Hamburger Pasta and Crazy Chocolate Cake. We would take assorted dishes until after Mom passed away and we inherited the tradition of taking Tomato Hamburger Pasta and Crazy Chocolate Cake. Others would bring olives, chips, dips, pickles, and assorted dishes. Sally prepared a lot of the food. We would all jump in and help her with everything. After dinner we would help clean the kitchen and do the dishes.

After dinner it was a tradition for Aunt Jo to read the Christmas story from the Bible. As she was reading you could hear a pin drop....everybody thoughly enjoyed listening to her. Then after she finished reading everyone would sing Silent Night!

Now it was time for Christmas stockings. Each and every person that was enjoying the festivities received a Christmas stocking. The stockings were brown bags decorated with our names. Each stocking held a dime, kleenex, orange, candy, a small gift individualized for each person, pen, pad, and a Christmas ornament. Every year the ornaments were different. Aunt Jo would shop for just the perfect ornament for each person. She knew everybody likes and dislikes. Those ornaments mean the world to Rich and I as we place them on our tree.

After everyone had received their Christmas stocking and enjoyed seeing what they received it was time to open gifts.

All the adult cousins and friends would draw names at Thanksgiving. We all spoiled the kids and bought gifts for them. Uncle Everett, Aunt Jo and Grandma Cassman all bought gifts for everyone.

The older kids would help pass out the gifts to everyone....and then the fun began. Aunt Jo would give each family large plastic bags to keep opened gifts in during the gift opening. With 20-25 adults and oodles of kids it was the easiest way.

After all the gifts were opened and everyone had time to play with their gifts....it was time for dessert. There was pumpkin pie, mincemeat pie, chocolate cream pie, vanilla cream pie, apple pie, fruitcake, banana bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, Crazy Chocolate Cake, brownies, and all kinds of candy for desserts.

Rich and I loved spending time with Uncle Everett, Aunt Jo, Grandma and all the rest of the family and friends. We would have to leave a little early as we needed to go to my Grandparents for Christmas Eve too! We would arrive after dinner and open gifts with everyone. Grandma always sent us home a huge Christmas care package for snacking on later. She would make each of us a plate full of Turkey, Dressing and Gravy, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn, Olives, Pickles, Rolls and any other dishes that others would bring. Then made sure we had plenty of desserts too!

The next day we would have Christmas breakfast with Rich's family. After breakfast we would open gifts. Then we were off to my family. We would open gifts and then later in the afternoon have our Christmas dinner.

Those days are gone now that Uncle Everett, Aunt Jo, Grandma Cassman, Grandpa and Grandma Shaw, Rich's Mom, my Dad and Mom have passed away. It seems like the family is so scattered and so busy with our lives that we don't get a chance to get together as often as we like.

More Christmas memories to come................

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Family and Friends. Rich and I have truly been blessed this Thanksgiving. Recently Rich was hospitalized with severe headaches, lose of balance and trouble focusing his eyes. At first the doctor's thought he had a stroke. They kept running tests until they finally found the problem. He didn't have a stroke. The last MRI shows disc and degeneration pinching nerve and cord at C$-C5. They believe the Vertigo is being caused by an inner ear disorder. It is getting better. Rich will have to have surgery on his lower neck. We have a consultation with the surgeon on Dec. 2 as it stands right now...waiting confirmation from surgeon's office.

I'm so happy to have my sweet hubby at home now so I can take care of him. His kitty, Misty is also happy to have him home. She really missed him while he was in the hospital.

Hope every one is blessed on this day.

Love, Rich and Shirley

First Snow of the Year

This morning we awoke to our first snow of the year! Poor Rich said he is already tired of the snow! I love the snow! It's about the only thing I miss about living in South Lake Tahoe, CA. The snow there is beautiful!

Woo Hoo! I finished the Sailboat baby blanket that for a friend today! It's all ready to go to its new home tomorrow.

I had so much fun picking out the fabric for this baby quilt. I love to make my quilts large enough to be used for a few years.

Lots of Goodies Thrift Shopping this Morning!

Primrose Kitty - 13-inches tall

Molly's Toys...20-inch doll and clothes, 12-inch Patchwork Cat and 4 sizes of Blocks.
Samantha and Socks....18-inch boy and girl kitties

Clara Cow, Patricia Pig, Rosy Rabbit and Lorrie Lamb Towel Dolls

Merry Mouse and Candy Cane Door Hanger, Holly Tabletop Tree and Puppy Love with Bone

Cobalt Blue Clear Saucer and Wild Rose Saucer

Winnie the Pooh Cross-stitch kit

This morning Rich and I went out to breakfast at our favorite cafe...Marla Kay's in Canyonville, OR. After breakfast we decided to stop at our local St. Vincent De Paul's Thrift shop on our way thru Myrtle Creek.

Rich found a set of headphones to use with his laptop and a funny coffee mug. Did I tell you that he loves coffee and collects all kinds of coffee mugs?

I found several crafting patterns and kits! I know, I know just what I need....more projects. I love Winnie the Pooh..........in fact Pooh is one of my nicknames for Rich. Oops! Don't tell him that I told you! I found a counted cross stitch kit of Pooh.....can't wait to get it done. I think I'll start it this afternoon. Now I need to find some Pooh fabric and make the stitchery into a quilted wall hanging. I'll have to see if Joann's has some next time I go shopping.

There was 3 preprinted projects....a cute Merry Mouse on a Candy Cane to hang on your door, a Holly Christmas tree for your tabletop and a cute red and white puppy with a bone. Somebody had carefully cut out the pieces and drew patterns of them. These were included in the kits.

The Towel doll patterns are so cute. I'd love to make some for Christmas gifts....but I have too many projects now. Maybe next year! LOL!

As most of you know I love kitties! I found several patterns to make kitties. I can't wait until the holidays are over to dig into my stash and find fabric for kitties and their clothes.

Well I better quit ohhing and ahhing over my bargains I found and get lunch prepared.

Homemade Pizza Sauce

Homemade Pizza Sauce

1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasonings
1 Tablespoon Oregano
1-2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon canola oil

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine tomato sauce and paste. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Bring to a boil, stirring contantly. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Cool. Pour into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 12 months. Yield: about 4 cups

Use the sauce with crust and toppings of your choice to make a pizza; 1 1/3 cup sauce will cover a crust in a 15x10x1-inch pan.

I love this recipe. I usually make a double batch and after cooling place 1 and 1/3 cups in a pint freezer bag. I like to freeze in the bags because they lay flat and you can thaw the sauce quickly.

Happy Halloween

Wishing everyone a wonderful Halloween!

Early Morning Visitor

As I've posted before we have all kinds of critters visiting our country home. This morning Rich went out to put his lunch in the car and was greeted by a Billy Goat. It seems he had broke his tether and decided to visit around the neighborhood. He was very friendly and wanted attention. We knew there was a Billy Goat down the street that was usually tethered in the front yard. So we tied up Billy Goat and Rich was going to see if the people were up yet......remember it's only 5am. Rich was going to call me and let me know what he found out. Rich called and it wasn't their goat....he was still in the front yard.

So I called Animal Control......the dispatcher said she would have a Sheriff's Deputy call me when they had time. A Deputy called and asked me questions about the Billy Goat. I told him that we had him tied up to our porch...we were afraid some of the dogs in the neighborhood would attack him. He told me that South County wouldn't arrive until 7am and he would relay the situation on to them. They would contact me.

UPDATE: I just went out to check on Mr. Billy Goat and he was gone. Seems he got loose and took off. Hopefully he went back home!

Awwwwwww........the joys of living in the country!

Fall Baking

Pumpkin Butterscotch Chip Cookies

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

It's been a while since I've felt like baking. I decided to try a new recipe I found for Pumpkin Butterscotch Chip Cookies. They turned out so good. They are so soft. I bought a large can of pumpkin and there was enough pumpkin for 3 batches of cookies. I only made one and measured out the pumpkin for 2 more batches of cookies and put in the freezer for another baking day.

I love making Cinnamon Rolls. Rich doesn't like them with raisins so I leave them out. I use my bread machine to make the dough. Rich bought me the bread machine before I had my carpal tunnel surgery. I love to use the dough cycle for my bread making. I make loaves of bread by placing the dough into the pans and letting rise....then bake like a regular loaf of bread.

I'm in the process of making a Spicy Apple Crumb Pie this afternoon. Rich found the recipe in a Cooking magazine that I get in the mail.

Well, my pie dough has chilled long enough......so I'm off to finish the rest of the pie and bake.

Sunday I received a package from Gina at CaT nAp PrimITiVes. I had ordered one of her Halloween pillow from her Etsy store. It is the Halloween Kitty. Rich decided he wanted it placed where he could see it from his chair....so he placed it on one of the shelves of the entertainment center.

The Wolf eyes block and the POW/MIA block were a complete surprise for me. Gina said she was inspired from reading my blog about the Memory Quilt I am making that she made the blocks for me. It is so wonderful to have such a thoughtful blogger friend......this wasn't the first time she has surprised me with little extras!

The baskets of apples are ones that I recently made for myself. They are handsewn. I found the sticks for the stems when we was watching the Pioneer Days parade in August. Rich helped me cut them with the garden shears into the proper lengths for my apples. I also have some pears that I'm working on...hope to have them finished soon.

You can find Gina's blog on the side of my blog. She has oodles of goodies to look at and you can find the websites for the various sites she sells her crafts.

POW/MIA Fabric

I am very happy that I found the POW/MIA fabric that I've been searching for months. I would find it.......only to discover that they were out of it and it was on back order. Finally I found some at Fabric Paradise Their prices were reasonable and shipping wasn't too bad. I was happy that I could just order 1/2 yard. I only needed enough to make a 12-inch block.

I've been working on a Memorial Quilt for Danny for the last 3 years. Danny died December 26, 2004.....he was my best friend and I wanted to do something to honor our friendship. I designed the quilt to fit his personality, likes, and special memories of the times we spent together. It will be a work of art that will take years to finish. It has been fun searching for special fabrics for the quilt. It took me over 2 years to find the perfect fabric for the center square....it is a panel with wolves on it......that represents the passion that we shared for wolves. Then the next section around is 12blocks that represent things that were special to Danny.......fishing, hunting, POW/MIA, Army, Agent Orange, waterfalls, camping, etc. The next round of blocks for the quilt will be 4 special interests of Danny's......bull riding, Native American, Oldies but Goodies Music, and I'm still undecided on the last section. There will be flying geese blocks, Volkswagon bug blocks, log cabin blocks and more.

Birthday Times

Last week was my birthday! Rich took a week's vacation and we spent it celebrating my birthday. We went out to Marla Kaye's cafe in Canyonville, OR. It is our favorite place to eat.....the home cooking is the best in the West. We spent some time visiting Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR. We love going there to see all the animals roaming the countryside. We have season passes that we buy for our anniversary each year. Wildlife Safari opened the year Rich and I married. We took advantage of several coupons I had received by email for my birthday.

On Saturday we went to Medford, OR. My sister, Bobbie was having an estate sale to try and sell some of the items from Dad's estate. I took in some items that was in the storage shed. It rained most of the day...but we did sell some things. Rich went to have lunch with his Dad and Step-Mom and I went shopping. I visited Michael's and spent a gift card I had received for my birthday. I bought some scrapbook paper, rick-rack, a Martha Steward embossing punch and a set of elegant clear alphabet stamps. I then went to Joann's and purchased some fabric for a baby quilt I'm making as a gift. I also bought some muslin to make some primitive redwork wall hangings.

I also visited Supercuts and had my hair cut. I love it and so does Rich. It is so easy to take care of now.....just wash and fluff with a towel. My kind of hairstyle.

Rich and I also spent a lot of time during the week just sitting and talking. We also did some reading.

I loved my birthday week.

Zipppppppp...........Summer's Gone....Autumn's Here

The photo is the Rogue River Gorge in Southwestern Oregon.

Wow! What happened to summer.......zip and its gone. We have been having cool nights, warm days and some rain the last couple of weeks. Typical fall weather here in Southwestern Oregon. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been busy making fabric apples, pears and pumpkins. I hope to get photos uploaded soon. I still have just a little more to do on my apples. I couldn't find my extra long needle to sew the buttons on the bottom so I will have to pick up one today when I go into town shopping. I know I have 2-3 of them darn needles......do you think I can find them.....NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have pears and pumpkins cut out to sew.

If I would ever get my craft supplies organized I wouldn't have to be constantly buying things that I know I have already. I just don't have the energy to organize my supplies. I just get started and Bam.......I'm totally exhausted and have to rest. I wouldn't wish my fibromyalgia on my worst enemy! So, as a result I don't get much accomplished in the craft supply organization.

Well, I better get around and head into town soon! I've got several errands to do today.

ALS Walk Sept. 12, 2010 UPDATE

UPDATE Rich and I will not be able to participate in the ALS Walk. I've been having health issues that will not allow me to participate this year.

On Sept. 12, 2010 Rich and I will be participating in the ALS Walk in Medford, Oregon. As most of our family and friends know we lost our dear friend, Danny to ALS on December 26, 2004. He was 54 years old when he died of complications of ALS. We miss him each and every day.

It is too late for Danny......but we need to find a cure for ALS. If possible could you please help us reach our goal. Please visit my personal page or search for our team....Pappys Crew

This and That!

Fall Fabrics to make pumpkins!

Rag Rug Kit

Wallhanging Patterns

Air Refreshener Dolls

Baskets.....Oh My!!!

This morning I had to go into town to have some lab work done. While waiting for my appointment I went to Joanns. I found some pretty fall fabric to make some pumpkins! Now, I'm sitting here patiently waiting for my pumpkin pattern to arrive in the mail.

After having my lab work done I stopped at the Saint Vincent De Paul thrift shop in our little community. Today was my lucky day.........Baskets and Crafts were 50% off today. I found several baskets for 25 cents. I found the Rag Rug Kit for $1, the air refreshener dolls for 25 cents each, and the 2 wall hanging patterns for 25 cents each. I was doing the happy dance as I left the store!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cut out 6 fabric apples last night and I want to cut out 6 fabric pears tonight. I think they will look awesome in a couple of my new baskets. Will post photos when I get them finished.

I also purchased some 4-ply yarn to do some crocheting! I went to 3 different stores and none of them had very good selections of yarn or colors. I wanted some peach colored yarn for some little dolls I'm making for some Bassinett Purses......not a skein of peach yarn anywhere. I had to settle for pink and its not what I wanted. I will probably have to order yarn on line to get the colors I need......you think they would have gold, orange, moss, tan, and varigated autumn colors that I need for my crocheted scarecrows........No!

I love living in a small community until I need craft supplies and then its not fun anymore. I have to drive at least 90 miles for a super Joanns, large Michael's, etc.

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!!!!!!!!

Today would have been Dad's 78th birthday. We lost Dad on June 1st this year. He had just returned from camping and fishing when he had a massive heart attack and complications.

Rest in peace, Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!

Primitive Pumpkin Gal

My fellow blogger, Gina from CAt Nap InN PrIMitIveS (see sidebar for her blog) makes the cutest Prim items. She posts them on her blog and sells them at various places posted on her blog. Anyway, she made the cutest Prim Pumpkins and embroidered designs on them. I want to make some Pumpkins and went searching for a pattern. I haven't found the pattern yet.......but I did find the adorable Primitive Pumpkin Gal at Thru The Attic Door It was so easy to purchase the pattern and download it without having to wait for a paper pattern. I have it all printed and ready to make. Instead of painting her orange color on muslin I'm going to find the perfect orange fabric for her. I already have the fabric for her dress in my stash.

I love to make dolls and stuffed animals. I used to make dolls and stuffed animals and sell them at flea marts and craft shows. I enjoyed the making of the dolls and stuffed animals.......but I hated the selling part. I got so tired of people telling me that my prices were too high, their mother, sister or neighbor could make them, would I let them have the pattern for free, on and on! So, I dropped out of the flea marts and craft shows.

Back to looking for a pumpkin pattern!

Scrapbooking

One of my favorite layouts of my best friend, Danny. He realized one of his dreams by being able to visit Howling Acres and pet a wolf.

I love to scrapbook...although I've been in quite a slump lately! I need some motivation...........I have tons of paper, embellishments, tools, and photos printed, etc......just need to find motivation.

I belong to Scrap101 Yahoo Group and it's pretty slow right now. So, I issued a challenge for everyone including myself......post at least 1 layout by the end of the month.

I'm trying to decide if I want to work on photos of Rich's 60th birthday, Sister's Outdoor Quilt Show, Josh and Rosa's wedding, Stacy and Florin's wedding or Zach and Mandy's wedding....or ???????????????

Well, sitting here on the computer is not getting anything accomplished so I out of here.

I Did It!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich with his birthday balloons

Rich
South Jetty, Bandon, Oregon

Coquille Light House at the mouth of the Coquille River

Seagull

Saturday we celebrated Rich's 60th birthday. We started off with breakfast at Marla Kaye's Cafe in Canoyonville, Oregon. Rich was surprised with his birthday balloons that was on the table for him. We decided to go home and drop off the birthday balloons so we wouldn't have them in the car going over to Bandon. It was a warm and sunny day for the trip. We stopped at the Visitor's Center and talked to a nice man about getting down to the beach. We had never been able to find any nice beaches before on previous trips. He gave us a map and highlighted the best places to go. We had so much fun walking on the beach and of course......I did find a few rocks to add to my collection. We sat on driftwood watching and listening to all the sights and sounds of the ocean and surrounding area. After a while we decided to have our picnic lunch. We had Little Smokies, cheese, homemade potato salad, chips and soft drinks. It was so much fun sitting on the driftwood and eating our lunch. Of course......we was a little concerned with the seagulls flying over our heads while we was eating.

We took off and drove around Beach Loop and stopped at several parks along the way. We want to go back over and check out some more of the areas later.

We headed home in the late afternoon. The farther we drove inland toward home the hotter it became. Rich and I decided that when he retires we will be moving over to the coast where it is cooler. Neither one of us can handle the heat anymore. So, we will be doing a lot of research to decide where we want to relocate to in approximately 3 years.

Rich kept telling me that this birthday was the best of the best! He said that he was totally surprised with my plans for his birthday. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pulled it off and surprised him.

Planning for Rich's 60th Birthday!

This coming Friday is my dear hubby, Rich's 60th birthday! I wanted to plan something special for him because he always tells me that his birthday is just another day in his life. I've been pondering for the last few weeks just what to do for his birthday to make it memorable.

So here are a my plans so far!

We will be celebrating on Saturday as I just found out that he decided to take off his birthday.......Thanks, Rich you just made it a little bit tricky to pull off my plans for Saturday......but I love you anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!

So Saturday morning we head out for our favorite cafe....Marla Kay's for breakfast. Oh did I mention that on Friday I will be delivering a big bouquet of balloons that Marla will set on our usual table right before we arrive for breakfast! Also a card and one of those front page newspaper that I designed for his birthday. After all a man needs to read his newspaper while waiting for his breakfast to be delivered. I thought about flowers too......we will be driving up over to the Oregon Coast and I'm afraid they might turn over so I think I'll skip the flowers. Rich loves to walk on the beach and then find a comfortable place to watch the ocean. He says that it takes away all the stress and makes him whole again. I'll pack a picnic lunch for us to enjoy when we get hungry.

I do hope that he enjoys my plans for his 60th birthday........oh and he has already warned me that paybacks are a ..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I reminded him that my 60th birthday was a while down the road.......and he said that he had a memory like an elephant and wouldn't forget!!!!!!!!

Enjoyable Afternoon!

Today is the first time I have taken time to myself since Dad's death to go shopping..........at my favorite store.......Joann's!!! It felt good to forget all the stress from finalizing Dad's estate for the afternoon.

I found some jungle fabrics to add to my jungle fabric collection. I'm making a wall hanging for our jungle themed bedroom. It is a pattern called "Savanna Flair". I found the pattern on Fatcat Patterns I just love her patterns!!!!

I also found some patriotic fabric for 50% off. I thought I would make it into placemats. That's what I plan on making from the fall fabric. My blogger friend, Gina at CaT NAp iNn PriMaTIvES has been posting about Autumn goodies that she has been crafting to sell and it put me in the mood for looking at the Autumn fabrics.

Yummy Summer Veggies

One of Rich's co-workers gave everyone a Baked Potato Bag. She is experimenting with different items to sell at craft fairs. I haven't had a chance to use the bag for baking potatoes in the microwave yet.........but I did experiment using it to prepare corn on the cob. It turned out yummy!!!!!!

I cleaned the corn and then wrapped it in a damp paper towel. I placed it in the bag and closed the flap. I cooked it in the microwave for 6 minutes on HIGH! You might need to adjust time with newer microwaves. Our microwave is 26 years old....and has never had any repairs over the years. It gets used 4-6 times a day. Back to the corn......after cooking I took it out and buttered! Yummy is all I can say.

Now I need to try baking potatoes!

Summertime Fruits and Flowers

One of my houseplants


Begonias and Zinnias


Blueberries


Heaping baskets of Strawberries


Bowl of strawberries waiting to be sliced and packaged


Finished packages of sliced strawberries

Yesterday I went to Mary's Gardens in Canyonville and bought another flat of strawberriesl. They are Albion Everybearing Strawberries. This is the first year they have had this variety. The berries are so sweet that you don't need any sugar on them. We love Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry Smoothies. I now have a total of 28 pints of strawberries in the freezer for winter use.

Rich stopped by Fred Meyer and bought two 5-pound boxes of Blueberries after work yesterday. They are so yummy! I packaged 33 1-cup packages of the blueberries for Blueberry Muffins and eating frozen.

While I was out and about yesterday I treated myself to some flowers for my terracotta bowl on the porch. I bought some begonias and zinnias. I planted them last night and they turned out pretty. I have them sitting on the porch. I have to make a chicken wire cage around them this evening or else bring the planter in the house tonight. Don't want the deer nibbling on them in the middle of the night.

This beautiful houseplant started out as 3 little leaves sticking up in a planter that my sister, Bobbie didn't like. She told me I could take it or else in was being thrown out. I took it home and repotted it......now look at it 3 years later. I need to repot it again and see if it will get bigger or else divide it into a couple of planters.

This morning Rich and I went out for breakfast at Marla Kay's. After breakfast we did some shopping for a few items at the hardware store, picked up my prescriptions and filled our water cooler bottles. When we got home we decided to move the utility trailer so we could load it for a trip to the dump. Its already 84 degrees and so we decided to stay in the house until it cools off this afternoon.

Hope everybody is having a fun filled summer.