Christmas in July Tablescape Party.....

Christmas in July Tablescape Party.....

As I was traveling through blog land this evening catching up with visits to all of my dear bloggy friends I learned that Felecia, at http://playingdishes.blogspot.com/ was hosting a Christmas in July Tablescape Party. How much fun is that! I am posting my tablescape tonight as I won't be available tomorrow. If you would like to participate, or you would like more information about it, just click on the above link. Thank you Felecia for hosting this fun event!...

All of my Christmas dishes have long since been packed away so I thought I would not be able to participate in this fun event but then I remembered that I did do a post last Christmas with a tablescape in it that I could share with all of you.......

My Christmas dishes are Pfaltzfraff and I have had them for many, many years. I like them because they are sturdy like most every day dishes usually are. They can go from the oven, to the microwave, and they are dishwasher safe. I particularly like the design with the Christmas tree and the train underneath. For some reason I have always liked trains and especially the toy trains that are sometimes used as decorations on mantels, shelves, and around Christmas trees during the holiday season. I picked up the chargers at Home goods a couple of years ago. The glasses are imported Czech crystal. Those little snowmen salt and pepper shakers were a gift from my sister. I just love them ♥ I usually keep them out throughout the winter months and then I pack them away again in the spring. I like to use different kinds of center pieces on my tables and especially during the holidays. I always get a Poinsettia for the Christmas holiday and if it's small enough I will use that for a centerpiece. I think they look very pretty on the table. Sometimes I use my Christmas tree cookie jar and other times a Santa Claus tea light holder. I also like to use fresh flowers but they can be rather expensive. Well there you have it. Christmas tablescapes in July.....

Happy Christmas in July everyone!.....

With warmest regards, Carol

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This is a post dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. A post to celebrate God! Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site......






"The happiness of life is made up
of minute fractions-the little soon-
forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile,
a kind look, a heartfelt compliment
in the disguise of a playful raillery,
and the countless other infinitessimals
of pleasurable thought and genial
feeling.
-Samuel Taylor Coleridge-
Happy Hopeful Friday everyone!
Peace be with with all of you ♥
I hope you are blessed with a beautiful sunny day....
With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday......

Welcome to Dogs On Thursdays http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ a weekly post where dog lovers like myself get together to talk about our most precious four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site.......

Yesterday was a great day at our house. Our sweet little grandson Ryan popped over for a visit. Charli just loves Ryan and especially when he plays catch with her! She was in seventh heaven running back and forth across the yard chasing balls and then bringing them back to him....

After Charli had worn herself out she sat down by the table beside Ryan and I and watched while we painted and decorated birdhouses. This is a great summer project to do with children! It's easy and fun. Clean up is a breeze and it's relatively inexpensive. We picked up these darling little bird houses for a dollar a piece at Jo-ann Fabrics and Crafts......
Don't our bird houses look colorful? We added the stickers

to them after we finished painting. I thought they

turned out rather cute and especially since this was our first attempt at doing something like this. We have already decided we would like to make some more. Next time we are going

to try to get a little more creative and perhaps make one with a Halloween or patriotic theme that can be used as decorations

for the holidays.....

After we finished our bird houses we took Charli over to Pet Smart which is her all time favorite store. She likes to interact with the other animals, get an occasional treat, and loves the adoration she receives from the people in the store.......

After all of that painting and shopping we decided to splurge and go to Charli's second favorite place, the Dairy Queen. I don't think that's technically the name but that's what we call it. Our Dairy Queen makes the best frozen custard in the whole world. Every week they have a different flavor, in addition to chocolate and vanilla. Charli's favorite flavor is vanilla and she always gets one teaspoon full of custard when we go there......

We like to go to this Dairy Queen because it's nice, clean, and the people who own it are friendly. Charli loves all of the smells and especially those foot long hotdogs. She also likes the people as long as they don't get to close. She always let's the children pet her head and say hello though......

When we got back home we sat out in the swing and looked at picture books. You know the

kind where you have to find two apples, one arrow, five balloons, and etc. Ryan especially

likes finding all of the hidden things and he's really good at it. He's much better at it than his granny that's for sure. Charli just likes to be where ever we are so she was perfectly content...

After dinner Ryan, the pooch, and I snuggled up in a blanket on the sofa down stairs to watch 'Hotel For Dogs'. This is a great movie for kids and dogs a like. Charli's ears would perk up and her head would turn side to side at different points in the movie. I wasn't the least surprised though because she just loves to watch all of the animal shows on TV........

We hope all of you as well as your little canine pals have had a good week.

Happy Dogs On Thursday everyone!.....

With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A weekly post where book lovers like myself get together to have informal discussions related to literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site......

This week our discussion is as follows......

"An idea I got from The Toddled Dredge (via K for Kat). Here's what she said:

So here today I present you an Unread Books Challenge. Give me the list or take a picture of all the books you have stacked on your bedside table, hidden under the bed or standing in your shelf-the books you have not read, but keep meaning to. The books that begin to weigh on your mind. The books that make you cover your ears in conversation and say, 'No! Don't give me another book to read! I can't finish the ones I have!'"...........

In addition to 'Great Books' published by the Encyclopedia Britannica, the following is my list of unread books.....

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking-Glass

-Lewis Carroll-

America America

-Ethan Canin-

A lady of High Regard

-Tracie Peterson, Judith West-

A Dish Taken Cold

-Anne Perry-

Light To My Bath

-Lynn Austin-

The Pillars of the Earth

-Ken Follett

The Winter Rose

-Jennifer Donnelly-

My Father's Secret War

-Lucinda Franks-

The Thirteenth Tale

Diane Setterfield-

Will I ever read these books? Eventually I'm hoping to be able to but other books keep popping up and these books are once again set aside......

Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!

I hope all of you have a beautiful day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

A Little yellow Cabin By The Lake.......

A Little yellow Cabin By The Lake.......

Recently we had the opportunity of visiting Amy, Tom, and Tommy up at their little yellow cabin by the lake. We had such a wonderful time that I thought I would share some it here with all of you.........

When my children were growing up, my dad, and sometimes his brother, used to take them, as well as, our nephews up north in the summer's to camp in a rural area along the AuSable river at a place they called 'The Horse Shoe'. At 'The Horse Shoe' Paul, Doug, Jon, Michael, Thomas, and Kurt learned how to camp, fish, swim, hunt, and drive a boat among many other things. My dad would tie a rope over a sturdy tree branch and then tie the end of it to an inner tube. The boys would then take turns swinging out over the AuSable, jump in, and swim to shore. My father was like a great big kid himself in some ways and he gave the boys many, many fun and unique experiences there. Although they got to 'The Horse Shoe' in my dad's camper by way of the road, when they were in need of supplies, they would take the boat down the AuSable river to a place called 'Rollaways'. The store is no longer in existence, and you are no longer able to get to 'The Horse Shoe' by car, or truck, but the boys still occasionally go there in the summers and all of our grandchildren have been to 'The Horse Shoe' several times. It was a magical place that all of the boys loved and they continue to share story after story of the incredible times spent there. Our son Kurt started going to 'The Horse Shoe' when he was barely three years old at my father's insistence and Michael was still going the year my dad passed away when Michael was eighteen years old.......

It really came as no surprise to us when we learned Tom and Amy had purchased a cabin in that area of Michigan in such close proximity to 'The Horse Shoe'.........

Tom and Amy's cabin is just beautiful! It's so warm and cozy. The whole inside of the cabin is done in Knotty Pine which is one of my favorite types of wood. The kitchen as well as the rest of the cabin has been newly up dated and remodeled. They live in a little community right off the lake where all of the houses are in different sizes, shapes, and colors that give it such a charming appeal. The locals choose to use golf carts instead of cars to get to the community center, the lake, and the local store. It is such a quaint and beautiful place that my hubby, Charli, and I immediately fell in love with it. It is very peaceful and quiet, or at least it was until Charli arrived on the scene.......

The lake is so pretty, clean, and clear. It also has a nice sandy bottom and beautiful beach area......

It is really difficult to describe how beautiful Northern Michigan really is. The woods are full of hiking paths and trails. It's so quiet and peaceful there. As you walk along in the woods and step on a branch there is a sort of echo that resonates through the area. You can't help but think about what the Indians and first settlers must have thought walking through these pristine woods for the very first time. Here and there you will see a squirrel, or chip monk scattering about, or maybe even a deer. Then there is a break in the silence as we begin to approach some wet lands and hear the bull frogs calling. It is an odd sort of clapping sound that can heard in the distance............

While we were there Tom and

Amy took us to Largo Springs which is a short distance from

their cabin. Largo Springs is considered a holy place which was frequented by the American Indians at one time. The beauty of this place is absolutely breath taking. The Indians came here to pray and I can certainly see why with it's natural springs and gorgeous views over looking Cooke Pond and the Au Sable river. The Indians also believed the water in Cookes Pond held magical powers. There were approximately three hundred steps that led down the mountain to get to the springs. I thought Charli might have difficulty managing them but she just loved it. We put her on an extended leash and she ran up and down, and all around, even as we stopped in several of the designated areas to rest along the way........

Every year my dad would take the boys to see a bear that was held in captivity in the area. The original bear is no longer

there but a new one has taken it's place. All of us were

saddened by this experience as we believe the bear belongs

in his natural habitat and not caged where he is not allowed to be free. Charli was quite vocal as she was not allowed out of the car. There she sat literally howling away at the indignation of it all.......

I hope all of you enjoyed hearing about our trip and seeing some of the beautiful scenery in northern Michigan.....

Thank you Tom and Amy for your wonderful hospitality! We love you both very much, Tommy, and Butters too ♥

As always, I am wishing all of you a bright and sunny day!....

With warmest regards,

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's hosted by Charli and Me. This is a fun post that can be filled with pretty teapots, teacups, tablescapes, stories, poems, quotes, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. This is a place to share anything you would like with a friend! If you would like to join me, just grab a button, write your post, and then leave a comment here so my friends and I can pop over for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy my post.....

"Always set a high value on spontaneous kindness. He whose inclination prompts him to cultivate your friendship of his own accord will love you more than one whom you have been at pains to attach to you"
-Samuel Johnson-

Today I am very excited to share two friendship awards with you. The first award comes from my friend Eileen, at http://ummasworld.blogspot.com/ It is an invisible award, with no button, and is bestowed on those blogs considered charming. Thank you so much Eileen for thinking of me! I was just thrilled beyond measure to receive such a lovely award from you.......

The second award comes from my friend Jerelene, at http://jerelenesblog.blogspot.com/ It is bestowed on blogger's that are not interested in self aggrandizement but instead aim to find and be friends. Thank you Jerelene for this beautiful award! It has meant so much to me. You have touched my heart in ways you will never know.....

I hope all of you will take the time to visit my two wonderful friends. Each of these ladies have charming blogs about faith and family that I am sure you will enjoy as much as I do....

Each of these precious awards come with a meme. In one award I am supposed to list seven boring things about myself and in the other seven random things about myself. I have decided to combind the two awards and list a total of seven. I apologize if I have been repetitious here as I have done something similar to this in the past....

Here goes.....

1. God is the center of my world.

2. I highly treasure my family and friends.

3. My experiences as a nurse have taught me humility.

4. I honestly don't know what the color of my hair is any more. I just know it couldn't possibly be gray :>)

5. My hubby and I eloped just after I turned eighteen. I was still in high school and we didn't tell anyone until just before I graduated. After the ceremony we came home and dyed Easter eggs with my niece and nephew. We planned on getting married right after I graduated anyway but we did it on a dare which was initiated by several of my cousins. We have been happily married forty three years.

6. My husband and I actually got married twice. Once in a civil ceremony and then in a church ceremony years later.

7. My hubby and I love to give each other home made cards on special occasions and some times for no particular reason at all.

Well there you have it...... I am now supposed to bestow these awards on to seven others but how can I possibly choose. I appreciate and value each and everyone of you. I would there fore like to pass both of these awards on to each of you. I think it's such a fun way to get to know one another a little better.

Happy Tea and friendship Tuesday everyone!.....

With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ This is a weekly post where some of us gals get together to share something blue. Thank you Sally for hosting this fun event! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site....

This week I had lot's of pictures to share with you of our Fourth of July celebration at my cousin Pam's house. We always

have so much fun at this event. It's wonderful to be able to see some of my cousins as well as they're families. Pam and Bob always go all out to ensure that

everyone has a great time.....

Unfortunately while trying to edit I lost all of my pictures except one. There is tons of blue here with the water, the sky, and of course the flag....

Pam's house is right on the lake. It has two decks, one stepping down from the other, and then stairs that lead down to the dock. The lake is so beautiful! It's very quiet and serene as no motor boats are allowed. Pam and Bob's living room is in the back of the house. It has an an over sized picture window that looks out on the water. I can only imagine what it would be like to sip coffee or cider in the fall and winter months looking out on the lake. Sigh..... You know how I love to be by the water. In the summer there are the two large decks, one covered, and one with a wooden railing, where you can sit or stand looking down on the water. I just love how our American flag is flying high off the rail of one of the decks. I wish my camera was working properly so the picture would have turned out a little brighter. I was afraid to do any editing after what happened with my other pictures.....

Our day was absolutely wonderful ♥ Everyone brought a dish to pass and then Bob grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. The food was absolutely yummy and the conversation was lively as it always is when any of us get together.......

I think I've mentioned before that I have a very large family on my mother's side. Fifteen of us cousins went to the same high school if I include Bob. He and Pam were in the same graduating class and married shortly after high school. Four of us cousins graduated together and several of us had classes together even though we were in different grades. Many of my cousins went to different schools. Even so, we saw each other all of the time and had tons of fun together growing up.....

Thank you Pam and Bob for including us in your lovely Fourth of July celebration! We love you very much!...

I hope all of you have a beautiful day!....

Happy Blue Monday everyone ♥

I'm off to catch up on the laundry but I will be by to visit later.

With warmest regards, Carol

Happy Fourth of July!......

( American Greetings.com)
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!!
With warmest regards,

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This is a post dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. A post to celebrate God! Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site.......

"Whatever is true, whatever is

Honorable, whatever is just,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence, if there

is anything worthy of praise, think

about these things."

-Phil. 4:8-

St. Paul

Happy Hopeful Friday everyone!...

Peace be with all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday........

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ A weekly post where dog lovers like myself get together to talk about our most precious four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site.........

Hello Everybody. We hope all of you have had a lovely week. Charli is having loads and loads of fun enjoying her summer...

My neighbor told me an interesting and funny story about Charli last week that I thought I would share with all of you....

Now being the dog lovers that you are I'm sure you will completely understand this bazaar behavior on my part and not think I am totally weird...

Some where down the line I started referring to my husband and myself as grandma and grandpa to Charli, much to my husband's dismay. Most likely the choice of these names had something to do with the fact that our grandson Ryan came over to visit a lot when Charli was still a puppy. I would say things like, "Charli give that to grandma" in the same way I would refer to myself as grandma to Ryan. The end result is that Charli knows my hubby and myself by no other name...

Now Charli can be a real stinker when she wants to be and most of the time she will not listen to my hubby like she usually listens to me. She considers him as more of a friend and me as more of a disciplinarian. A couple of weeks ago he was at home and I was out with some friends. My neighbor happened to be weeding by the side of our gate when my hubby went to go out of the yard, and Charli being her sneaky little self, ran out of the gate under his feet. When he tried to get her back in the yard she wouldn't come. Instead, she sat on the drive way looking at him. Every time he would tell her to get in the yard, she would bark, bend down, stick her little bottom up in the air, and wag her tail. She does this when she wants my hubby to play with her. Finally in frustration he yelled at her. My neighbor told me, he yelled, "If you don't get in this yard right now I'm telling grandma on you." My neighbor said Charli's ears stood straight up in the air and she booked into the back yard as fast as her little legs could carry her. My neighbor said she tried as hard as she could not to laugh but she just couldn't help it. She said my hubby looked so funny because there he was a big guy, 6'3" telling this little ten pound schnauzer that he was going to tell grandma on her because she wasn't listening. That, plus fact, that Charli understood exactly what he was saying. All she had to hear was my name and she did exactly as she was told.....

When I got home, my hubby ranted and raved about the fact that he was tired of Charli not listening and embarrassing him in front of the neighbors but he refused to tell me exactly what happened. Probably because he knew how upset I would be if I knew Charli was out of the yard without her leash. My neighbor later told me it was one of the funniest conversations she was ever privy to, but what ever you do, don't tell my hubby I shared it with you... Shh....
Charli looks Innocent enough, but I'm telling you she is a real little hooligan sometimes.....

"Me? Are you talking about me?"
We hope all of you have a safe and fun filled Fourth of July weekend ♥

With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday.......

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A weekly post where book lovers such as myself get together to have informal discussions about literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site....

This week our questions are as follows:
"Suggested by Callista 83,
Do you read celebrity memoirs? Which ones have you read or do you want to read? Which nonexistent celebrity memoirs would you like to read?"

In general my answer is no. I do not read celebrity memoirs. I feel I am inundated enough with them in the news and the occasional times I might pick up one of those smut magazines like 'The National Enquirer' or flip through some other magazine or newspaper. I do read books written by other people about famous people like Mark Twain, Longfellow, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gandhi, and Mother Theresa to name a few......

One memoir that comes to mind that I did read and thoroughly enjoyed was 'Personal History' It was not only the personal history of Katharine Graham, which the name implies, but it was also about the history of The Washington Post. It was an excellent book that was very well written and won the Pulitzer Prize. I would highly recommend that book to anyone who is at all interested in history......

Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!......

I hope all of you have a lovely day and a wonderful Fourth of July!

With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's hosted by Charli and Me. A fun post that can be filled with recipes, teapots, teacups, tablescapes, stories, poems, quotes, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. A post to share anything you would like with a friend! If you would like to join me, just grab a button, write a post, and then leave a comment here so my friends and I can pop over for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy my post......

Good morning everyone. I'm so glad you decided to stop by. Would you like to see where we have been spending most of our time? We have been out in our yard where everyday a new flower seems to bloom........

I especially love my Lillie's. My hubby laughs because I get so excited when a new one

blooms. Charli loves to

sniff them. She sort of pokes them with her little snoot....

Today I'm serving espresso and biscotti. I sorry I didn't have time to bake but I have a wonderful bakery in my area that makes the most delicious biscotti I've ever tasted. The espresso is dark and rich in flavor. Can you smell the wonderful aroma? Biscotti is just wonderful dipped in espresso. If you don't like your espresso black we can have espresso con panne, which is an espresso served with a small dollop of whipped cream. Which do you prefer?......

"I shot an arrow into the air,

It fell to the earth, I know now where;

For so swiftly it flew, the sight

Could not follow it in it's flight.

I breathed a song into the air,

It fell to earth, I know not where;

For, who has sight so keen and strong

That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak

I found the arrow, still unbroke;

And the song, from beginning to end.

I found again in the heart of a friend."

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-

Happy Tea and friendship Tuesday everyone!...

Charli and I hope all of you have a wonderful day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ A weekly post where some of us gals get together to share something blue. Thank you Sally for hosting this fun post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site....

Here comes Charli. She doesn't miss a thing.She knows it's almost dinner time at our house.....

Although we have a patio, with a table, and umbrella we sometimes prefer to have dinner out in our yard on warm summer evenings. Something simple like pizza or a salad is always good. We get a lot of shade in the evenings from our fence and bushes so it is especially nice to sit out there. We like to light tea lights and sometimes our Coleman lantern when it gets dark. We also will have a fire in our fire pit if we decide to go way out back by our other four seat swing. We like to play a little music, listen to the birds, and enjoy our flowers. What about you? Do you enjoy eating outside in the summer? I always love hearing from you....

Happy Blue Monday everyone!......

I hope you are enjoying your day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

A Mad Tea Party!.....

A Mad Tea Party!......

Have you heard the news? There is a Mad Tea Party going on right here in blog land. It is hosted by Vanessa, at A Fanciful Twist, http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2009/05/a-party-a-party-a-mad-and-gloriously-enchanted-party-a-secret-revealed.html Thank you Vanessa for hosting such a lovely event!
That's right a Mad Tea Party! How much fun is that?....

I just happened upon this oh so enchanted blog today and all I kept thinking was,
"I'm late. I'm late for a very important date!" How can I possibly plan a tea party now? Oh how I wish I would have know about it sooner. I wanted so much to participate. You know how I just love tea parties. Yes, well it was much to late for me to plan a tea party. Dear me..... I was so disappointed.....

Then I started thinking "and a bright idea came into my head." Why not have a Mad what if Tea Party! Yes that would certainly do and it would be so much fun!

The very first thing I would do is send out invitations to all of my dear friends here in blog land. I do hope all of you will join me...

Then I said to my self wouldn't it be fun if the illustrious and oh so talented Johnny Depp would agree to be my guest of honor? Oh the joy! He would of course come to my party all dressed up in his Mad Hatter garb. Wouldn't all of you be totally surprised!....

Of course a party just wouldn't be

a party without hats. Come along now..... Oh you all look very stylish indeed!...

Presents!.... Everyone has to have presents!... I picked up some cute little note pads especially for you. I do hope you like them.....

Cupcakes, cookies, and cake, oh my!.......I am also serving orange spice and cinnamon tea. Eat, sip tea, and enjoy yourselves. No need to worry here. You see it's all calorie free...

Do you like the centerpieces I picked out? I thought they were rather pretty and festive......

The tables cloths and napkins will all be done in a black and white checkerboard
pattern with white linen underneath.....

For a little touch of whimsy I've added colored chairs..........

I also picked up these darling pillows to put on the back of your chairs. Now there, does that feel comfortable? Shall we read a little bit of 'Alice's Adventures In Wonderland'?

"Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!

How I wonder what you're at!

Up above the world you fly

Like a tea-tray in the sky."

Well there you have it...

I hope you have enjoyed my little what if Mad Tea Party. If you would like to attend other Mad Tea Party gatherings just click on the above link.......

I hope all of you are having a truly wonderful weekend!......

Charli sends hugs and kisses to all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This post is dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. It is a post to celebrate God!
Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site.....

"Listen to me, my children:

I created you and placed you

in your mother's womb. I have

cared for you since before you

were born, I am your God

and will be all the days of your

life. Just as I was with you

as a child. I will carry you when

your hair is white and you are old. It is I who made you,

and I will be the one to take care of you and keep you safe."

-Isaiah 46:34-

Happy Hopeful Friday everyone!...

Thank you for all of the wonderful comments you leave on my blog. I always enjoy hearing from you. I appreciate and feel so blessed for each and every comment I receive.....

May the peace and love of our Lord be with all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday......

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ A post where dog lovers like myself get together weekly to talk about our most precious little four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site....

Good morning everyone! We hope all of you are doing well and enjoying your summer. We have been incredibly busy here enjoying ourselves, which thank goodness is so much different than last year when my hubby was very sick, and in and out of the hospital.......
Charli especially is enjoying her summer! She has been taking little trips with us, attending family parties, going for bike rides, walks, and playing in the yard. Some of you have asked how Charli does with the excitement, extra activity, and noise when we have or attend our family parties. Surprisingly she loves it and always manages to get her tiny little self right in the thick of things. I guess it's because we have so many family celebrations that she just considers it all to be normal. She loves all of the extra attention she gets. That, plus the fact, that she usually is with Peeper who is her best doggy friend in the whole world. It's interesting because on Father's Day there were some popping noises here and it didn't even faze her. Yet, the boys down the street can let of a firecracker and she literally freaks out. She will run to hide in the bathroom or closet, shaking and crying......

Charli has adjusted well to her new form of transportation. Now I have difficulty getting her out of the cart! Here she is just back from one of our bike rides.......

I was at Michael's the other day and they were already putting the fall flowers and pumpkins out. I think we better all get out and enjoy summer while we can......

Happy Dogs On Thursday everyone!.....

With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A post where book lovers like my self get together weekly to have informal discussions related to literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site......

This week our discussion is a follows:
"Browsing through my blog, I found a link to this post about the "Sorted Book Project" Go read it. I'll wait...
The idea is to take a few books and physically sort them in such a way that the titles make some kind of sense...something that I've never quite gotten around to doing and photographing, which fascinates me.
What title/combinations can you come up with? (Bonus points if you actually assemble the books and photograph them, like the original post.)"

My answer would have to be yes and no. I do have several collections of books like the 'Encyclopedia Britannica', 'The Great Books', and the Time Life series of art books that have been sorted and cataloged for me by the company. I also have a collection of medical and nursing books that on on the top two shelves of one of my book cases with titles like: 'Cultural Diversity In Health And Illness', 'Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing', 'Adult Development And Aging', and 'Nursing Theorist And Their Work' but they are not arranged in any particular order. The rest of my books are actually arranged according to size with larger books on the ends and smaller books in the middle. I have a general idea of where all of my books are so I really have had no need to organize them in any other way......
Happy Booking Through Thursday every one!.....
I hope you have a wonderful day ♥
With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's hosted by Charli and Me. This is a fun post that can be filled with recipes, teapots, teacups, tablescapes, stories, poems, quotes, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. It is a post to share anything you would like with a friend! If you would like to join me, just pick up a button, write your post, and then leave a comment here so my friends and I can pop over for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy my post........

"There is no wilderness like life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a remedy against adversity and it soothes the soul."
-Baltasar-

Good morning everyone! I hope all of you have had a wonderful week. Today I'd like to share several awards with you that I have recieved from two of my very dear friends here in Blogland......

The first award comes from my sweet and lovely freind Sally at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ Sally and I have been blogging together for approximately a year now. Some of you may already know her. She is the host of Blue Monday. She is a wonderful gal! Sally offered this beautiful friendship award to all of us who follow her blog. I would in turn like to do the same. Please except this lovely award from me in the spirit of friendship. I hope all of us will remain bloggy friend "Sister's for Life." Thank you Sally for this darling award.....

This second award comes to me from my wonderful and sweet new friend Eileen at http://www.ummasworld.com/ Eileen has the most beautiful blog all about family, friends, and all of the things most important to her in life. I hope you will stop by to see her. She is a truly lovely gal! Thank you so much Eileen for thinking of me......

Now this award comes with some rules:

1. Say thanks to the person who gave you the award.

2. Share ten honest things about yourself.

3. Present this award to seven other bloggy friends.

4. Tell the people you have chosen them and ask them to provide a link back to you.

Well, here goes......
1. My life was forever changed the day my paternal grandmother died. I was eleven years old.
2. At one point in my life I wanted to be a nun. That was, of course, before I discovered boys :>)
3. I haven't had many great expectations in life, and I live simply, so the least little pleasure or thing that comes my way has always brought me great and profound joy.
4. I am really just a big kid at heart.
5. I have always been a home body. No matter where I go, or what I do, home will always be and forever remain where my heart is.
6. I was a very impulsive, and I guess you could say, some what of a bad child much to the dismay and exasperation of my parents.
7. I cannot cook or bake without making a mess. (I'm talking BIG mess here.)
8. It really goes without saying that I love my family more than anything else in this world.
9. Sometimes my hubby calls me Lucy because of what he calls my Lucy type antics.
10. I have several little pet peeves that just drive me insane.
Well there you have it. I have listed ten honest things about myself. Now I'm supposed to bestow this award on seven other bloggy friends, but being the rebel I am, I would like to offer this award to all of you who follow Tea and friendship Tuesdays instead. I hope you will want to participate. I think it's a great way to get to know one another a little better!
Happy Tea and friendship Tuesday everyone!.....
I hope all of you have a beautiful day!......
With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday

Welcome to Blue Monday, a post hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/. This is a weekly post where some of us gals get together to post something blue. Thank you Sally for hosting this fun post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site......



Yesterday at our house was so much fun! We had our annual Father's Day celebration. Here is a little centerpiece I picked up at Michael's. I thought it looked rather festive with it's Red, White, and Blue......
I always make my hubby's mother's potato salad for our family parties. This year I added some flags to the top. Thank you Judy http://justalittlesomethingforyou.blogspot.com/ for this fun idea......





Of course we had to have a cake which is my favorite part of any celebration. It's also Ryan and Aaydens. Don't you just love the shirt design on the top of the cake? I especially liked the blue stripped tie....

I served the food on blue plates, with blue napkins and silverware.......

My sneaky hubby picked up Ryan the day before Father's Day and they made water balloons. The morning of our party my hubby hid them in three different buckets out in the yard. When the time was right the fight began between father's and son's. Michael, Khory, Ryan, little Aayden, and even the unexpecting dad's had a ball!......

After the balloon fight was over the older boys lit smoke bombs which come in deep rich colors. Then the little ones pulled cords fastened to the ends of fireworks. When the cord is pulled, a little pop is heard, and an array of different colored streamers fly out. It was fun and the kids loved them. I picked them all up at the dollar store. We don't have sparklers or anything like that. I think they are to dangerous and especially since my cousin Sharon suffered third degree burns as a child from a sparkler........

More blue on the umbrella of my food preparation cart.......

And where was Charli while all of the festivities were going on? She was out in the yard being her silly little self....

Happy Blue Monday everyone!

I hope you have a lovely day.

With warmest regards, Carol

Happy Father's Day!.......

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!.........

Wishing all of our family and friend's who are Father's a

beautiful and special day ♥.........

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This post is dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. It is a post to celebrate God! Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site....

LISTEN TO YOUR LIFE

"Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace"

-Frederick Buechner-

in Now and Then

Happy Hopeful Friday everyone!....

May the peace and love of our Lord be with all of you!....

Thank you so much for all of the lovely comments you have been leaving on my posts.....

With warmest regards, Carol

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday, at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A post where book lovers such as myself get together to have discussions related to literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site........


This week our discussion is as follows:
"One of my favorite sci-fic authors (Sharon Lee) has declared June 23rd Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day.
As she puts it:
So! In my Official Capacity as a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I here by proclaim June 23 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! A day of celebration and wonder! A day for all of us readers of science fiction and fantasy to reach out and say thank you to our favorite writers. A day, perhaps, to blog about our favorite sf/f writers. A day to reflect upon how written science fiction and fantasy changed your life.
So.... what might you do on the 23rd to celebrate? Do you ever read fantasy/sci-fi? Why? Why not?"

I do read science fiction and fantasy books from time, to time, although they usually are not my first choice. I will hear about a certain book on the blogs, in my book club, or perhaps it's a book that has either been loaned, given, or suggested by a friend or family member. Some books that come to mind that I have read are:
The Time Machine
Brave New World
The Invisible Man
The Lord Of The Rings
Harry Potter and the Soccer's Stone
The Road
Twilight
The Vampire Chronicles
The Ruins
Most of these books are entertaining although I found 'The Road' to be down right depressing. For some reason I love books about vampires and especially if they are vampires with ethics and morals. 'The Ruins' was just to scary for me. I still get a little freaked out when I think of it and I definitely would not ever consider seeing the movie........
When I do read science fiction and fantasy I usually enjoy it as long as it is in small doses. I do like the unusual story lines. However, after reading the first Harry Potter book, that was enough for me. The science fiction and fantasy book has to be somewhat believable in my mind. I don't think I would like a book like 'Star Trek' but who knows.....
I think I will celebrate on the 23rd by going out and looking for a good science fiction and fantasy book to read and perhaps next year when I'm a little more prepared do some sort of a post on my blog...
Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!.......
With warmest regards, Carol

A day in Ann Arbor.......

Recently my hubby and I spent an afternoon hanging out with my brother and sister-in-law in Ann Arbor. It's something we love to do. What a great day we had! As some of you know I am very interested in architecture and Ann Arbor has some of the most amazing old buildings I have ever seen. I could spend hours in Ann Arbor and never get tired of looking at the old and many times historical buildings. I love the way the University of Michigan blends the old with the new sometimes attaching new buildings to the old ones. The first two pictures are of buildings on the campus. Don't you just loved the curved arches on the first building? The second building is just beautiful with all of the ivy climbing up the walls. The flag on the top of the second building is, of course, a University of Michigan flag. If you click on the pictures you will be able to get a much better view........

Just across the street from these two buildings is the University of Michigan School of Law. This building is just spectacular! It was supposedly modeled after a church. It is very pristine with it's stained glass windows, lovely arches, and old stately doors. The beauty of this building is absolutely breath taking....

I've always had a secret desire to go to law school (family law) and I could easily imagine myself sitting here on a Sunday afternoon, surrounded by musty and aged books, taking in the loveliness of this gorgeous old building....

Just look at the ornate ceiling in the student study hall! I just love the high ceilings, the stained glass, the arched windows, and the charming chandeliers. Wouldn't it be simply divine to study here? I don't think I would ever want to leave.....

In the halls outside of the classrooms are row upon row of interesting posters that signify the particular societies the students belong to. Societies like: The Federalist Society, Real Estate Law Society, and The Jewish Law Student Association.....


Situated at the heart of the university, lateral to and across the street from the law school, is the University of Michigan Museum of Art. It has recently under went extensive renovations and just reopened for students, faculty, and the public alike. The museum is totally free of charge although they do accept donations. Here you can explore modern and contemporary art, Chinese, Korean, Buddhist, African, Asian, Japanese and my favorite European and American Art. It is an absolutely marvelous place to spend an afternoon. As we walked through the doors of the museum we found that one of the very first rooms was entirely devoted to religious art of which I am particularly interested in and fond of. We were very fortunate indeed to have our very own personal tour guide as my brother is a docent at the museum. He was able to share little stories and give us insight about the artists and they're work that made the day especially interesting and fun......

If all of that was not enough my dear sister-in-law treated us to a dinner of ocean sea scallops with dill sauce, pan fried potatoes with onion, baby peas, and hunks of crusted bread. As we sipped our wine we listened to a Brahms Clarinet Quintet and String Quartet. The entire day was wonderful. It was like Christmas in June as far as I was concerned. Thanks again Paul and Rox ♥ .....

Charli didn't come with us this time and our neighbor said she howled as though she were dying the entire time we were gone. Next time she will come with us, but sorry Charli, when we tour the University of Michigan Medical School DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED!.....

If you have a university in your area I hope you will take advantage of all of the wonderful experiences they offer. As I've said before, I think you will be pleasantly surprised....

With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's, hosted by Charli and Me. This is a fun post that can be filled with recipes, teapots, teacups, tablescapes, stories, poems, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. It is a post to share anything you would like with a friend! If you would like to join me, just pick up a button, write your post, and then leave a comment here so my friends and I can pop over for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy this post......

Good morning everyone! I'm so glad you decided to stop by. I just pulled some muffins out of the oven. Would you care for some coffee or tea? How about some fresh fruit?........

Today I wanted to share a story with you about the crane. I found it in a little book of mine called 'Forever Friends.'

"It is said that of all the animals, the crane is the most loyal. In each flock of cranes, it is said that one is chosen as the most valued. That crane is designated the king.......

Each night, the king of the cranes sleeps surrounded by the remaining members of his flock. Those subject cranes stand watch all night by turning their bodies face outward. That way, they would be able to see any oncoming trouble at first glance.....

In times of need, genuine friends become the crane flock that protects their old friend in need while the friend in need becomes the crane king....

In Japanese Mythology the crane was believed to live 1,000 years. The Japanese culture has treasured the crane as a symbol of loyalty, honor, and peace. This majestic bird mates for life and is extremely loyal and devoted to it's mate. Japanese tradition holds that any person who folds 1,000 origami (folded paper) cranes before he or she weds will have a happy marriage. The folding of so many paper cranes would take time, patience and understanding-

all qualities vital for a happy marriage or a life long friendship."

-Forever Friends-

Happy Tea and friendship Tuesday everyone!.....

I hope all you have a wonderful day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

"What's that? Oh, Charli says not to forget about her. How's this Charli?..... Charli and I wish all of you a beautiful day ♥"

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ A post where a group of us gals get together weekly to post something blue. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site.......


Good morning everyone. This week I thought I would share one of my trays with you. I love trays and I use them all the time to serve coffee, tea, and other beverages inside and outside of the house. I found this tray at Kohl's. I have a small collection of patriotic themed chip bowls, serving dishes, and platters that I use from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July. This tray was a perfect addition to my collection. Charli especially loves it when I take out one of my trays because she knows I always have a little snack tucked some where on it for her ♥
Happy Blue Monday everyone!
I hope all of you have a beautiful and fun filled sunny day......
With warmest regards, Carol

Flag Day.......

FLAG DAY...........

All over the country in cities, small towns, and villages people in the United States are proudly flying they're flags in honor of Flag Day. I'm an American girl. I hope I never take for granted all of the blessings and freedoms that have been afforded to me living in our beautiful country.......

You're A Grand Old Flag

-George M. Cohan-

"Your a grand old flag

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave

You're the emblem of

The land that I love.
The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White, and Blue

Where there's never a boast or brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Your a grand old flag,

Your a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land that I love.

The home of the free and the brave

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White, and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or a brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep you eye on the grand old flag"....
For more information on Flag Day please click on the following link....

http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/national/flagday.html

Spring time out in the yard......

Springtime......

"Oh, spring came to my garden
And caught it unaware
Wearing just a few old leaves
And a dejected air

But when spring left my garden,

It's work so deftly done,

Many, many Daffodils

Were dancing in the sun."

-Velma D. Bates-

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This post is dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. It's a post to celebrate God! Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post ♥ If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site....

"Listen to me,
my children: I created you and
placed you in your mother's womb.
I have cared for you since before
you were born.
I am your God and will be all the
days of your life.
Just as I was with you as a child,
I will carry you when your hair is white and you are old.
It is I who made you, and I will be the one to take care of you and keep you safe."
-Isaiah 46:3-4-

Happy Hopeful Friday everyone!.....
I hope all of you have a beautiful and blessed day ♥.....
Charli and I are off to work and play in the yard....
Peace be with all of you!.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday at http://btt2.wordpress.com/
A weekly post where book lovers like myself get together to discuss literature and questions related to books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site........

Our questions this week are as follows......
"There are certain types of books that I more or less assume all readers read. (Novels, for example) but then there are books that only YOU read. Instructional manuals for fly-fishing. How to books for spinning yarn. How to cook the perfect souffle. Rebuilding car engines in three easy steps. Dog training for dummies. Rewiring your house without electrocuting yourself. Tips on how to build a NASCAR course in your backyard. Stuff like that. What niche books do YOU read?"

I do occasionally read recipe books but most of the information I need I now get off of the Internet. As far as 'how to' books are concerned I never read any of those. I'm blessed to have a hubby who knows how to build and fix just about anything. I usually just say "Oh honey" and my hubby takes care of it for me. I used to read a multitude of nursing and medical books but since my retirement I'm trying to get away from that. Besides, medicine changes so quickly that most books are out dated with in a year except for some of the most basic knowledge and information. I do subscribe to two on line nursing magazines, the CDC, and 'Med Page Today.' I do like to read inspiration books and stories that I usually pick up in the religious stores in my area. Other than that, it's novels all the way for me........
Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!....
I hope all of you have a beautiful day ♥.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday......

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/
A post where a group of us get together weekly to talk about our most precious four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the offical Dogs On Thursday web site..........


Hello everyone! We hope all of you are well and enjoying your summer. Charli has had a great week. She's been the first one out the door, the first one out the gate, and the first one in the car. She loves to watch the sun rise with me out in our swing all cuddled up in one of her fleese blankets of course. Charli doesn't care that the Red Wings on in the play offs because her favorite sport is playing fetch with her ball.......
As some of you already know Charli and I partisipated in 'Day Of Portugal' yesterday. It was hosted by our friend Sue, at http://theportuguesewaterblog.blogspot.com/ What fun! If you get a chance and haven't seen the dogs yet go over and take a peek. All of them are just adorable ♥........
I mentioned Charli's Fourth Of July collar in my previous post and I think it's worth mentioning again here. The collar is blue with red trim. It has tiny red and white stars on it. If you click on the picture you will be able to see it a little better. Target has these collars available in the best deal section as you walk in the store. They only cost one dollar. They have three different kinds of collars. I also got Charli a yellow one with blue trim and red flowers. They didn't have her size in the green but I just might take a trip to another target store. I usually don't promote department stores but these collars are nicely made and afordable. The collars click together rather than buckle. If your looking for a cute Fourth Of July or Summer collar for your little girl or boy Target is the place to go. I don't think you can beat that deal any where else in town :>)
Happy Dogs On Thursday everyone!.......
We hope all of you have had a good week.......
Our warmest regards,

A Portuguese Holiday!......

June 10th is an official Portuguese Holiday!......

Last week our friend Sue, at http://theportuguesewaterblog.blogspot.com/ asked if all of us who participate in Dogs On Thursday would like to participate in wear something blue day on her blog. We could dress our dogs in anything blue. They could wear a ribbon, a scarf, a collar, really anything blue. Well, Charli and I were, of course, very excited to join the group.......

Today I learned we are celebrating a Portuguese holiday! How fun is that ♥ "The 'Day of Portugal' is a holiday celebrated every year on June 10th in every corner of the Portuguese-speaking world. It commemorates the death of the revered Portuguese poet, Luis Vaz de Camoes in 1580." Sue said since people and dogs celebrate Saint Patrick's Day all over the world she thought it would be fun to celebrate The 'Day of Portugal' by having all of our talented and beautiful dogs wear blue. Charli and I really love this idea and we can't wait to celebrate it again next year. Thank you Sue for hosting this fun event! If you would like to see more bloggy doggies celebrating this lovely holiday just click on the above link. All of our charming friends look just adorable all dressed up in they're blues!......
Charli is wearing a blue collar. It's trimmed in red, and has tiny white and red stars on it. I got the collar at Target, in the best deal section which is usually located in the front of the store, for one dollar if any one is interested.........

Charli and I would like to wish all of our Portuguese friends a truly beautiful and blessed 'Day of Portugal' holiday ♥
With warmest regards,

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's hosted by Charli and Me. This is a fun post that can be filled with recipes, teapots, teacups. tablescapes, stories, poems, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. It's a post to share anything you would like with a friend! If you would like to join me, just pick up a button, write your post, and then leave a comment here so my friends and I can pop over for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy this post.......

Recently I found out some interesting facts about friendship......

Did you know that when women feel close to a friend their hormone levels of Progesterone increase, which in turn helps to alleviate stress and boost their mood. In addition improved physical health appears to be related to social contact and communication with others.

"Hormones and Behavior'

-Los Angeles Times and Ann Arbor News-

In another study, having a close friend, even more than having a close family tie, increases longevity in women. Women who have many friendships live 22% longer than those women with fewer friends. Women build friendships through memories, life experiences, children, jobs, and neighborhoods. Friendships decrease the likely hood or prolong disease processes like high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Having a friend can increase your survival rate by 85%. The study also found that friends can sometimes be more understanding of current health issues than family members because while friends acknowledge each other's ailments they don't tend to swell on them. Having a friend is therapeutic because friends laugh together and laughing is good for every one's health.

-The Wall Street Journal-

Based on all of the above we have yet another reason to celebrate our wonderful bloggy friendships. Let's laugh and cherish one another! I consider each and everyone of you truly a blessing ♥

Speaking of friendships, I was visiting my friend Madeline, at http://madelinesalbum.blogspot.com/ last week and she had posted a poem that I remember jumping rope to as a young girl. How many of you can remember jumping rope with your girlfriends? It was the in the days before colored TV, cell phones, tex messages, and all of the video games young girls have available to them today. We didn't have fancy jump ropes like the ones that are pictured here. We often used a piece of old rope from a clothesline. I'm glad I grew up in the age of jump roping, Kick The Can, Hop Scotch, Hide-and-seek, Baseball, and bike riding......

Does anyone remember these?....

'Call for the doctor, call for the nurse,

And call for the lady with the alligator purse!

In came the doctor, in came the nurse,

And in came the lady with the alligator purse!

Out went the doctor, out went the nurse,

Out went the lady with the alligator purse!'......

'Cinderella dressed in yella

Went downstairs to kiss her fella

She made a mistake

And kissed a snake.

How many doctors will it take?'.......

'Sally had a baby and she named it Tiny Tim

She put it in the bathtub to see if it could swim.

He swam to the right,

And he swam to the left'......

One last note...... LET'S GO RED WINGS!!!!!.......

I hope all of you have a beautiful day!....

I'm so glad I found all of you. You light up my life ♥

Thank you for all of the lovely comments on my posts, for all of the smiles you have given me, and especially for being your warm, delightful, and charming selves......

With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ A post where a group of us get together weekly to share something blue. Thank you Sally for hosting this fun post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site.......


Wouldn't it be fun to live in the Victorian age even if it was just for one day? Sigh..... We could dress in beautiful clothes and wear lovely hats like these. With blue being our favorite color and all I'm sure we would probably pick a blue hat of some kind. Aren't these hats pretty? Perhaps we could meet at a hotel and sip tea in the lobby. I've always wanted a beautiful hat like one of these. I found a web site where you can purchase one.........
http://www.artisticattic.biz/elegant_victorian_hats.html

If only I had some where to wear it..... Sigh....

Happy Blue Monday every one!..

With warmest regards,

Carol

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This post is dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. It is a post to celebrate God! Thank you Cielo for hosting this beautiful post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site.....

"Just as you did it to one of the least of those who are members of my family,

you did it to me."

-Matthew 25:40-

I found a story in a little book of mine called 'Meditations To Renew A Woman's Spirit' that I wanted to share with all of you.....

Many of the townsfolk were amused by her child-likeness; others mocked and taunted her. She rode through town on a rickety old bicycle, talking wildly to herself as she went about her daily routine of collecting cans and cigarette butts. Nearly every day, she would sit on a bench in the center of town, blowing bubbles for hours. That's why everyone called her "The Bubble Lady."......

She was grist for the gossip mill and strangely accepted as a town mascot. When I tried to find someone who could tell me her name or something about her, no one could. I decided to make it my mission to learn more about her. What I learned was no laughing matter.....

Lola (not her real name) had spent most of her life on the streets. She was indeed a simple soul, who was mentally impaired and probably also an alcoholic. The bruises and scars on her body told the story of a life of dangerous entanglements on the fringes of society. Still, she had the heart of a child. She lived in a closet-size room crammed full of belongings collected from the curb. The grimy walls were lined with sketches in pencil and crayon that she had drawn by hand. Their skillfulness belied her childlike demeanor. Her most cherished possessions was a sketch she had drawn of her childhood home. It was the only thing she had left of the "good old days."......

Simple as she was, Lola taught me a lot. She taught me about the strength of vulnerability and the terrible effect that devaluation has on the lives of people who are poor and discarded. She challenged my hidden assumption that people "bring it all on themselves," and she showed me what it is like to live in a world where no one knows your name. I learned to never ever judge others, because we simply have no idea what their lives are really like. Above all, she taught me how to reach out to someone who is different from me. When I did, I found someone who was truly worth knowing and loving. Thanks, Lola.......

Lord, watch over your most vulnerable ones, and give us the courage to reach out to them in love.....

-Refresh Me Lord-

Meditations to Renew A Woman's Spirit

Anne Costa

Happy Hopeful Friday everyone......

I hope all of you have a beautiful and blessed day!

I will be by a little later to visit with all of you....

Thank you for all of the lovely comments you have left on my posts ♥ They mean so much to me ♥

Peace me with all of you!.....

With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday......

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday, at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ A post where dog lovers like myself get together weekly to talk about their most precious four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site..........

The flowers in our garden are just starting to bloom and we have been busy like many of you, weeding, planting, and pruning away. If you look closely at this first picture you can see Charli in one of her favorite places. She loves to be in the garden trampling down my flowers, chasing birds, rabbits, and squirrels. When she's not in the garden she's busy swiping my gardening gloves and trying to get me to chase her with her ball.......

As you can see we have a lot of work yet to do in our yard.......

Speaking of Charli, I haven't seen her in a while. I better go see what she has been up to......

"What are you doing Charli?"

"I'm playing dress up."

"Your playing dress up? Well, who are you supposed to be?"

"Don't you know Betsy Ross when you see her?"

"Charli are you being sassy?"

"No."

"Do you know who Betsy Ross was?"

"She made the American flag"

"How do you know that?"

"I looked it up."

"Very good. Your such a smart little pooch!"

If you would like to learn more about Betsy Ross and the American flag just click on the following link.
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/

Happy Dogs On Thursday everyone.......

We hope you have a beautiful day ♥

With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday, at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A weekly post where book lovers such as myself get together to discuss literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site........

Our question this week is from Shelly and is as follows:

"This can be a quick one. Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you've read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes".......

Oh dear, I think this is a very hard question. How can a book lover like myself limit all of the books I've read down to fifteen that have stuck with me? I guess I'll just name fifteen books that pop into my head. Here goes.....

'The Wind and The Willow'

'The Boxcar Children'

'Little Women'

'Team of Rivals, The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln'

'Corridor O'

'The Sunne in Splendor'

'The Speckled Monster, A Historical tale of Battling The Smallpox Epidemic'

'The Catcher In The Rye'

'The Great Gatsby'

'The European Dictatorships 1918-1945'

'One Hundred Years Of Solitude'

'Look Homeward Angel'

'The Great Influenza, The story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History'

'Into Thin Air'

'Water For Elephants'

Well there you have it.........

Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!.......

I hope all of you have a beautiful day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

'The Sixties: A Decade that Defined a Generation'....

'The Sixties: A decade that Defined a Generation'......

Recently I had the wonderful and exciting opportunity of attending an exhibit on the sixties with my hubby, brother, and sister-in-law. The exhibit was presented by the Albert L. Lorenzo Culture Center http://www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com/ , which is located on the campus of Macomb Community College, in Clinton Twp. Each year the Cultural Center presents a fabulous and informative exhibit that includes a series of topic related lectures as well as concerts that are hosted by the Macomb Center for the Preforming Arts. The concerts are not free of charge but most everything else is. The Cultural Center really does a tremendous job of creating an educational experience through the exhibits, performances, presentations, and hands-on activities for those willing to take advantage of these amazing opportunities........
Unfortunately my camera wasn't working properly so I did get some of these images off of the Internet....

When we walked into the exhibit we were immediately transformed back into the sixties. We were able to experience the art, the social activism, the music and the artists that shaped so much of the thinking at the time, and the tragedies involved with Vietnam War.......

We were exposed to the politics of the time, the civil rights and women's movement, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race, and the leaders that helped to navigate us through the many domestic and international issues.......

Oh, there is my hubby up ahead. "Hey, wait for me honey!"

We learned about and revisited life in the sixties. We saw the kinds of cars people drove, the fashions, and the toys that were popular in America at the time. Everything was extremely interesting and very well presented......

A complete section was devoted to John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and the esteemed Martin Luther King.......

Some of the lectures the Cultural Center offered were:

'The Decade that Shaped Detroit's Destiny''Motown and Beyond'

'The Detroit Music Scene of the Sixties'

'A POW in North Vietnam'

'The Space Race'

'Bringing the Boy's Home, The Anti-Vietnam War Movement'

'Art and fashion, 1960's to the Present'

'Gloria Steinem, The Longest Revolution'

'Ted Sorensen, A Life at the Edge of History with JFK'

Some of the concerts offered by the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts were:

"Blue Suede Shoes-The Ultimate Elvis Bash'

'Mitch Rider'

'Bobby Vinton Live in Concert'

'Richie Havens, with special quest Harry manx'

Next year the Cultural Center is doing 'And Still They Prospered: Living Through The Great Depression.' I will be taking advantage of that series as well........

If you are interested in history, sociology, and the humanities call your local college and Universities to see what is available in your area. You might be presently surprised. We had a terrific time!.....After the exhibit we went to an Irish Pub and had the most delicious hamburgers and seasoned fries........

I hope all of you are having a lovely day!

With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's, hosted by Charli and Me. This is a fun post filled with recipes, teapots, teacups, photos, tablescapes, stories, poems, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. It's a place to share anything you would like with a friend! If you would like to join me, just pick up a button, write your post, and then leave a comment here so my friends and I can pop over for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy my post.......

Good morning every one. Come on in. I didn't have time to make the traditional ice tea or lemonade this morning but I think I found something to serve you that is equally as good. I used to walk right past Crystal Light in the grocery store until one day I was over at Anne's and she served me this delicious drink. Now I keep it stocked in my pantry for occasions such as this. Today I am serving Raspberry Lemonade but crystal light also comes in many other delicious flavors like Pink Lemonade, Strawberry-Orange-Banana, regular Lemonade, Raspberry Tea, and Peach tea to name a few. It's very easy to make. It comes in individual packages so all you have to do is open it up, add water, ice, and stir. Now how simple is that! It's approximately five calories per serving so you know what that means ladies. You can have that extra cookie without the guilt!.......

A FRIEND

A friend is like a flower,

a rose to be exact,

Or maybe like a brand new gate

that never comes unlatched.

A friend is like an owl

both beautiful and wise.

Or perhaps a friend is like a ghost,

whose spirit never dies.

A friend is like those blades of grass

you can never mow,

standing straight, tall, and proud

in a perfect little row.

A friend is like a heart that goes

strong until the end.

Where would we be in this world

if we didn't have a friend.

-Breena C. Park-

Happy Tea and Friendship Tuesday everyone!....

I hope you have a lovely day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ A post where a group of us get together on Monday's to post something blue. Thank you Sally for this fun post! If you would like to join or group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site.......


Good morning everyone. You may have seen this cute little lady on my side bar. As you can see she is very patriotic. Look at all of the babies she is holding. Well isn't that just like a rabbit. She is obviously a very busy mother. She certainly has her hands full. She is just one of my seasonal and holiday cookies jars. I started collecting them a Little over five years ago. I needed four more cookie jars to complete my collection so a couple of years ago my hubby bought them for me as a birthday gift. This charming patriotic bunny is one of the cookie jars he picked out. He got it from Fitz and Floyd. I have provided a link here..... http://www.fitzandfloyd.com/category/seasonal+decor.do
I hope all of you are having a wonderful day!...
Happy Blue Monday every one!...
With warmest regards, Carol

Peaches And Cream Cake....

Peaches and Cream Cake.......

When I was growing up my parents belonged to a small pinochle card group. The group would meet at each others houses a couple of times a month. The ladies were always responsible for serving some sort of dessert and coffee. Sometimes in the summer months my mother would serve this cake. It's very simple, yet decadent, and delicious......
My mother would buy a large can of sliced peaches and chill them over night. In the morning she would drain the peaches, cover them, and place them back in the refrigerator. Then she would whip together two cups of heavy cream with two tablespoons of sugar until it formed peaks. She would cover the whip cream and place it in the refrigerator. Next she would bake a white cake mix according to directions and cool. After the cake had cooled she would take a knife and slice each piece of cake in half. Then she would layer each piece with the peaches and cream. My mother would refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.......
Peaches and Cream Cake is a nice, easy, and simple summer dessert.....

With warmest regards, Carol

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This post is dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. It is a post to celebrate God!
Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site.......

"The heavens tell of the glory of God.
The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship"
-PSALM 19:1-

"Our world is filled with beauty, but usually we are too busy to notice. An early morning routine forces us to miss the sunrise, and we're engulfed with activities intro the evening so we don't enjoy the sunset. Maybe your daily commute takes you past majestic scenery-but you never notice because you're too upset by the driver that cut in front of you.
Imagine that you attend an art exhibition featuring incredible paintings by a local artist. If you blasted through the gallery without looking at the paintings, you would insult the artist, and you would be depriving yourself of the beauty of the display.
And so it is with the world around you. God is the Master Artist Who creatively designed the beauty in nature. Don't rush through His gallery. Stop long enough to enjoy the splendor of the earth. And compliment Him on His artistry."
-Keeping God in the small stuff-
Happy Hopeful Friday everyone!.....
I hope all of you have a beautiful day ♥.....
Peace be with you ♥.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday......

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/

A post where dog lovers such as myself get together weekly to talk about their most precious little four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site.........

We have had an upsetting couple of days at our house. It's been raining on and off. Along with the rain has come thunder which is diffinately one of Charli's least favorite things. She has been pacing up and down the hall night and day either antisipating thunder or trying to survive through one of the thunder storms that rolls in. As a result Charli is very moody today. We are all suffering from lack of sleep. Yep, we have one crabby little schnauzer on our hands.

"Charli turn around. I want to get

your picture."

"No."

"Come on Charli. Please."

"No."

"I'm sorry your upset"

We hope all of you have had a good week......

Charli will get in a much better mood when I tell her our son Kurt is stopping over. Shh.... I can't tell her to soon or she will drive me crazy until he gets here. I think he must be her favorite person in the whole world :>) Kurt will definitely cheer little Charli up ♥

Happy Dogs On Thursday everyone!

With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday, at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A post where book lovers like myself get together weekly to answer specific questions related to literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site........

This week our questions have been suggested by C in DC and are as follows:

"Is there a book that you wish you could "unread'? One that you disliked so thoroughly you wish you could just forget that you ever read it?"

No, there has never been a book that I wish I could have "unread." However, there have been many books that I have read that have been quite unsettling. I like to read literature that helps me gain knowledge and insight into life and life experiences. Books related to history and humanity have always been favorites of mine. These types of books can sometimes be very unsettling but a wise European History professor once told our class that we as individuals are a culmination of our past. In order to fully understand and appreciate who we are as human beings we have to know and understand from where it is we have come. Those words have stuck with me all of these years. How can we possibly exercise our right to vote or affect change in the world with out this type of knowledge?

Happy Booking Through Thursday every one!......

I hope all of you have a lovely day!.....

With warmest regards, Carol