Charli and Me

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Whether your decorating your home with little hearts, planning a dinner for your special someone, baking scrumptious pink and red treats, making your own special Valentines, or writing out sweet Valentine's cards for your family and friends, I hope your day is filled with love and blessed in every way possible!

Happy Saint Valentine's Day everyone! ♥

With warmest regards, Carol (and Charli of course)

The Thundershirt, who would have thought!

2012-02-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Thundershirt, who would have thought!

Do you remember last summer when our gal Charli started losing weight, acting out, and running away from home all of the time? Well, I'm happy to say she is doing much better these days, but still the problems with anxiety persist, and it does seem to be getting worse as she ages.

Last summer our vet, after ruling out every possible physical cause, diagnosed Charli's problems as psychological. She has had a long history of anxiety and even though she was behaving differently then she had in the past he felt it was all related to her original diagnosis. He put her on an advanced formula that supports balanced canine behavior called Composure. The Composure has helped a lot but there are still those times when Charli works herself into a state and we can't seem to calm her down no matter what we do. That was until recently.

A month ago my cell phone, low on batteries, sent a signal at one o'clock in the morning indicating it needed to be charged. That little signal through Charli into a tail spin. She was literally frantic! She slammed her body into our walls and actually tried to dig her way through our garage door in order to get out of the house. Once she was outside she refused to come back in. There I stood freezing, coaxing, and worried sick that one of the coyotes that have been roaming our neighborhood would get into our yard and tear her apart. Finally, after more than forty minutes, Charli came back in the house only to continue to pace, cry, and jump on and off the furniture. It all culminated with her trying to get back out of the house by leaping at our living room window. She hit the glass, fell back, and stunned herself into a stupor. Luckily she was not hurt in any major way! The very next day I called my vet and he put her on an as needed tranquilizer, something I swore I would never do.

Shortly there after I was mentioning Charli's latested incident to a friend of mine and she suggested that Charli might benefit from a Thundershirt. She said it had worked for her. Well off we went to Pet Smart. It's a good thing that I took Charli with me because dogs really need to be fitted for these shirts. According to the staff if these shirts are not snug to the dog's body they will not work.

Two days after purchasing the shirt Charli woke me in a panic because it was raining. It wasn't a hard rain but she could hear it hitting the pavement. I put her in her Thundershirt and several minutes later she settle right down beside me. As the wind picked up, the rain started slamming against the window panes, and Charli was so calm that she actually fell back to sleep. It was unbelievable!

There have been several times since that rainy night when I have used the Thundershirt. I don't know if the shirt will work for every dog but in Charli's case we have had amazing results. If you have an anxiety prone pooch the Thundershirt might be something worth considering.

If you have tried the Thundershirt I would be interested in hearing what kind of results you have had.

I hope all of you are having a good week! Many blessings to all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Have you ever been to a paint party?

2012-01-30T14:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been to a paint party?

I had never heard of these kinds of parties until I picked up the newspaper one day last year and saw a advertisement for a new art studio opening in our area called 'Paint Party Royal Oak.' After speaking to the owner of the art studio I thought it might be something fun for my grandson Ryan and me to do together.

Paint party studios apparently are popping up all over the country. People are booking these studios for fund raising, troop meetings, birthdays, wedding and baby showers. Some people are even having date nights there. Other people, who share a common interest in painting, are booking art studio time to enjoy the experience of painting with others and also to find inspiration. Ryan and I decided to visit on family day.

I thought the price to paint was reasonable as everything is provided from easels, to canvas, paints, brushes, and aprons. Best of all is that they do all of the clean up LOL During the two hour class everyone receives formal instruction as well as individual instruction and tips as needed. In the family class refreshments were provided. Ryan and I learned a lot and had so much fun that we have decided it is something we would like to try again sometime in the future. I have provided a link here in case you would like to learn more about it. http://youtu.be/n3S8M6w0Keo

I hope all of you are having a GREAT New Year. I have been checking in and have been around to your blogs but I'm afraid I have been remiss in posting comments. I also wrote a post here on my blog a couple of days ago but when I went to publish it I somehow accidentally deleted it.

It has been a very busy month for me. January is the month when I do most of my spring cleaning. I know, I know, it's kind of insane to tackle a project like that right after the holidays but I really don't like to be stuck in the house when spring actually arrives.

January is also the month when I get all of my wellness exams out of the way. I don't like running around month after month going to this office and that office. For me it's better to get it all over with at once. I finally got everything finished a couple of days ago. I'm so glad!

I hope all of you are up to date on all of your wellness exams. Always remember that no matter how busy you are your health is something just to important to neglect.

So, I have a question to you... Do you make lists? You know, monthly lists, weekly lists, or daily lists of things you want or have to do? Do you make a spring cleaning list? If not, how do you stay organized? I would love to hear from you.

Some of you have asked how little Charli is doing. Well, Charli doesn't like January at all. First of all she doesn't like staying home alone, and she likes my undivided attention when I'm here, but more on her in another post.

For now I would just like to say that I hope you are having a lovely week.

Many blessings to all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Well, we have been very busy at our house decorating for the holidays, baking cookies, making poppers and little gifts, visiting, and having family and friends over to our house.

Speaking of cookies, I got the most wonderful gingerbread cookie recipe from BJ at http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/ who got it from Madeline at http://madelinesalbum.blogspot.com/ The cookies were a little bit more difficult to roll out then my previous recipe but it was so worth it. Everyone in our family loves them! Thank you BJ and Madeline so much! I will forever be baking my gingerbread cookies using this recipe in the future.

Charli knows something is up with the holidays coming. She has been in an even more jovial mood than usual. She loves tasting very tiny bites of sugar cookies occasionally. She refuses to let us out of the house without her and she has been getting in to everything. But what can I say.... That's our girl!
I hope all of you are enjoying this lovely Advent season of ours! I have enjoyed reading your blogs. Thank you so much!
A very special WELCOME HOME to all of our service men and women!!!

On behalf of my family, and myself, we would like to wish all of you happiness, good health, and peace on Christmas and through out the coming year! Merry Christmas! God bless all of you ♥

With much love and warmest regards, Carol

Handel's 'Messiah'.....

2011-12-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

Handel's 'Messiah'....

Recently my hubby and I had the opportunity to visit the Fort Street Presbyterian Church in Detroit to hear 'Messiah' performed by the Fort Street Chorale and Chamber Orchestra. 'Messiah' has been a holiday tradition there for the past thirty three years. It was very inspiring and something we thoroughly enjoyed.
The Fort Street Chorale has been featured on public television in the past and they were absolutely amazing. There is something very special about listening to a moving concert in a church with all of it's wonderful acoustics.

The church it's self was strikingly beautiful! It was a very old historical church that was built in the 1800's. It survived a fire in 1896 and then again in 1914. The ceilings were rich with wood carvings and intricate designs. It had gorgeous stain glass windows, black walnut pews, and a crescent gallery which is where we sat. It was absolutely breathtaking!

I enjoy visiting churches and especially during the Christmas season when they are all decked out in there holiday finery. This church certainly did not disappoint. There were rows of gorgeous red poinsettia's with beautifully lit wreaths strategically placed in the front and back of the church. I don't think the pictures here do it justice.

As I listened to this concert, I looked around this church, and I was truly amazed. I couldn't help but think what it must have been like for the people years ago who heard 'Messiah' for the very first time. Unfortunately, because we live in such a fast paced and modern world, I think we sometimes miss out on experiences and events such as these. The people of the 1800's must have been overwhelmed and moved by they're experience even more so than my husband and I if that were even possible.

We also had the added bonus of seeing our sister-in-law Karen and her aunt who happens to be a member of the chorale. She told us she has been singing with the Fort Street Chorale since she was a young girl in high school. It was so nice to be able to say hello to her and let her know how much we enjoyed the concert.

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only a few days away! I have read your lovely posts, enjoyed seeing your beautiful Christmas decorations, experienced some of your wonderful recipes, and loved hearing about your family traditions, travels, and special events. You spread such joy and happiness to our world ♥ Thank you so much for sharing and making my Advent season so special.

With warmest regards, Carol

A gingerbread house and a lovely award....

2011-12-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

A gingerbread house and a lovely award...

I have always wanted to make a gingerbread house. I think they are so charming and whimsical. I love that slight whiff of ginger you sometimes get when passing by one of these adorable houses.
Occasionally my mother would have a gingerbread house during the Christmas season. She never made the houses herself because she was very busy baking and decorating the thousands of cookies she gave out as gifts to us, our family, and all of our friends. I'm not quite sure where my mother got her gingerbread houses from but one thing I do know is that she and I especially loved them.

A couple of years ago my dear DIL Anne and our grandson Ryan made a gingerbread house that turned out beautifully. I again vowed that I would make one myself but things got in the way as they sometimes do.

Over the weekend our nieces, Cyndie and Dawn, posted a picture on Facebook of their lovely little gingerbread house. When I wrote to ask if it was difficult to make Cyndie said it was very easy and fun to do. She said they had purchased the gingerbread kit at Target.

Yesterday my hubby and I went over to Target to pick one up. They were relatively inexpensive. I cheated because I found a kit that already had the sides and roof of the house attached. I also found some gingerbread cookies that were already pre made and ready to decorate. In that kit there was even a gingerbread dog! Well, need I say more LOL

The gingerbread house really was easy and fun to decorate. It would be a great project to do with children. The kit comes with everything you need to decorate your house, but in addition to the items in the kit, I used marshmallows, M & M's, and other things I had in my home.

I used cotton balls to make snow. I just tore them apart and glued them with frosting to prevent them from moving around. The gingerbread dog fell into the cotton a couple of times as I was trying to attach it with frosting to the base. That's why he looks a little tattered.The snowman sitting on the base of the house is actually a gift tag I picked up at the store. To hide the hole in the center of the hat I just added frosting and let it drip down the sides of the hat and the snowman's body to look like ice cycles or clumps of falling snow. Lastly I added artificial trees from my snow village and ceramic snowmen to create a winter scene. I think it looks rather festive sitting on our china cabinet. What about you? Have you ever made a gingerbread house? I think I have started a new tradition here at our house.

One other thing I wanted to share with all of you is the lovely award I received from my new friend Marina. Thank you so much for thinking of me Marina. I was deeply touched ♥ Marina lives in Russia and has a truly beautiful blog. She enjoys embroidery and cooking. Her blog is very inspiring and I hope you will take the time to visit her at http://marinalikeyou.blogspot.com/

I would love for all of you who follow this blog to accept this award from me. You are such a lovely group and all of you deserve this sweet award for all of the love and inspiration you continue to bring to this blog world of ours.

Christmas is upon us! There is so much I wanted to post here but it seems like time is just swirling by. I hope and pray that all of you are experiencing the wonderful joy, spirit, and renewal that the Advent season gifts to us every year.

If you get a chance I hope you will try to catch 'European Christmas' It's broad casted on PBS. It's absolutely wonderful! It was rich with tradition and breathtaking scenery.

Take care friends ♥
With warmest regards, Carol

Aong came my Christmas spiders!....

2011-12-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

Along came my Christmas spiders!.....

Last year about this time I received a news letter that happened to mention Christmas spiders. I had never heard of Christmas spiders so I decided to google them in order to see what they were all about. I found out that there is a very old Christmas legend regarding the spider that originated in Europe. Actually, I found several variations of the legend but the one I liked best can be found here. http://kraftmstr.com/christmas/books/spider.html

The story of the Christmas spider very much touched my heart and when I shared it with my family last Christmas Eve it touched they're hearts as well.

I had a spider left over from Halloween that I placed on my tree last year but I wondered if anyone had ever actually made a Christmas spider ornament. I found out there are many variations of the Christmas spider and several U Tube instruction videos on how to make them. I looked at all of the videos and then came up with my design.
My spiders sit on the branches of the Christmas tree rather then hang. They can be used on wreaths as in the photo below and you can add a ribbon to them as in the photo above. They can be used as tea party favors or given as gifts.They were very easy to make and every one of them is unique in it's own way. After I finished making my spiders I packaged them making sure to tuck a copy of the legend inside.They have been a huge hit with my family and friends!

Well my spiders have now found new homes, the Christmas tree is up, Christmas cards, addressed, and the presents wrapped. I'm in the process of making my Christmas poppers now and then I will start baking next week.

What have you been up to? Are you all set for Christmas or do you still have a lot to do?

I hope all of you are having a great week! Charli is sending "woof, woofs" your way ♥

Take care my friends!

With warmest regards, Carol

Thanksgiving Day.......

2011-11-29T05:22:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day.....

Thanksgiving is over and it was a huge success. We had a wonderful day and I hope all of you did as well.

This year I decided to try to make a turkey cheese ball like the ones I have seen here on the Internet. I know, I know, I can hear you chuckling, but the grands really liked him, and besides, he tasted good. I suppose he would have looked more authentic had I rolled him in some kind of nuts but I decided to use Colby Jack instead.

The ingredients for the cheese ball was really very simple.

I used three packages of cream cheese

One package of Original Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

A little ground pepper

A pinch of salt

Chopped green onions and celery. I loaded my cheese ball up with he two of these.

I think he turned out rather well for my first attempt. I can tell you this. He sure didn't last long.

I didn't get a chance to share the littlest grands table scape with you so I thought I would do it now. As you can see Thanksgiving at our house is all about the turkey's. Chocolate turkey's that is. Usually these turkey's are taken home to be eaten on another day or later in the evening.

I like to use a punch bowl as the grands centerpiece. I was going to wrap a ribbon around the bowl but instead I filled the bottom bowl with a wreath of fall foliage and placed foiled turkey's along the sides. I like to use a punch bowl because it keeps everything contained at the table and eliminates parents having to run around finding cups and getting drinks. Our grandchildren have never bothered with the punch bowl and always wait to be served. I can see where it might present a problem with some toddlers though. I guess I've always been very fortunate in that area.

The punch bowl can be filled with colored milk (In this case orange would have been nice) or a fancy ice cream or sherbet drink. In this case, with parental permission of course, I simply filled the bowl with ice and Orange Crush pop. It looked very festive, and because our grands don't get pop very often, it was considered a special treat.

Of course Charli was right in the mix of everything going on during our Thanksgiving festivities. She had a great time playing with the grands, and her two best furry pals, Sophie and Peeper. She has been one tuckered out pooch as you can see from the picture below but I suspect today she will be back to her old shenanigans.

I think the highlight of our Thanksgiving celebration was when everyone gathered around for our pre dinner prayer. I asked if anyone would like to say grace this year and our five year old great grandson Aayden popped up and said he would like to do it. Then with a very serious, boisterous voice and a huge smile on his face, he nodded his head, and said, "Grace." It was priceless! Children always bring such joy to the holidays don't they? Aayden created a memory that our family will cherish and talk about for years to come.

As I imagine it is in your home, this week is all about putting up the Christmas decorations at our house. I can't wait to get a peak at your Christmas decorations so I hope you will post.

What ever it is your doing, I hope all of you have a lovely week.

Many blessings to all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Thanksgiving

2011-11-20T17:17:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving celebrations have certainly come along way from the way they were in the beginning. Instead of having huge community meals most people will be having more intimate dinners with family and friends.
In the early years of our marriage it was quite chaotic as we would go to my husbands parents in the afternoon and then to my parents in the evening. On Friday we would always make another Thanksgiving dinner for ourselves, our son's, and sometimes our family or friends. When we reminisce about those times my hubby and I wonder how we were able to do all of those things in such a short period of time, but oh what we wouldn't give to have those days back again.

For those of you who have followed this blog you know my house is small. Unfortunately I don't have one of those huge dinning rooms where you can have a table that will seat twelve or fourteen people. Therefore, more likely than not, our Thanksgiving celebrations have been shared down stairs in our basement. I honestly think it works out just as well though. Years ago, over time, we purchased three card tables with chairs and one rectangular serving table. I have a collection of matching linen tablecloths in different holidays motifs. I like to decorate the room with homemade banners, crafts and other seasonal items. This year my centerpieces will be the thankful tree I shared previously here and two evergreen trees I found at a local craft store. They are very small and inexpensive. I added orange ribbons to the bases and I may just switch out to red ribbons and use the same little trees for Christmas.

One of our family traditions is to place a chocolate turkey on each of our grand children's plates. Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions that you would like to share?

The one table I haven't shown, as it is not set up yet, is the one that will have a punch bowel as the centerpiece. It actually consists of two bowls. One is flipped upside down and the other one sits on top of it. I will place a large orange bow in the middle where the two bowls meet.

Charli has been waiting patiently for Thanksgiving to come. She knows she will get some turkey and also get to see Peeper and Sophie our other grand dogs. In addition to our children and grandchildren, all of the family dogs come to our celebrations and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Well there you have a peek at our Thanksgiving. There are still some last minute things to do but I think I have everything pretty much under control. This year I will try making the mashed potatoes ahead of time and then put them in a crock pot to keep warm. Has anyone ever done this? I'm a little leary about trying it.

I would like to take this time to wish all of you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope your day is wonderful and blessed in every way possible ♥

Oh my gosh! In another week we will be putting up our Christmas tree! Where has the time gone.

Take care my friends ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

The Historical Wilcott Mill

2011-11-16T04:36:00.000-08:00

The Historical Wilcott Mill

My hubby, our grandson Ryan, and myself recently went out to Wilcott Mill to spend the afternoon. Wilcott Mill is such a beautiful place with it's many trails and park like atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to relax and have a picnic. I have written about Wilcott Mill here in the past so I won't go into further detail at this time.

On the particular day we visited the park recently they were having civil war reenactment's on the grounds. I have provided a link here in case you would like to take a peek.

http://youtu.be/UAOFV4eE6Hg

Camps were set up all over the park, some civilian and others military. People camp in the park once a year for the entire weekend. They dress in period clothing and try to give everyone a glimpse of what it was like to live during that period in time. You can visit with them as they go about their daily business of washing and mending clothes, cooking on open fires, and making candles. It is quite interesting to be able to step back in time and learn a little bit about the history of our country.

The children are all given an American Civil War activity book which includes questions to ask in the camps. Several questions included were as follows; you might ask a union soldier what the name of the hats they wore were or you could ask a confederate soldier what the name of General R.E. Lee's famous horse was.
It was really a fun way to spend an afternoon. Wilcott Mill has all kinds of wonderful family activities through out the year and we do try to take advantage of them.

And where was Charli while we were having such a nice afternoon you might ask? She was home alone. Last year we took her with us but we had to leave because she was afraid of the guns. This year we decided it was best to leave her home and after a few extra treats all was forgiven.

I imagine like me you are getting ready for Thanksgiving. I spend the morning making my Aunt Rose's date and nut bread. All of the chocolate turkey's are waiting to be placed on each of our grandchildren's plates. This weekend I will begin setting up the tables.

What ever you are doing I hope you are having a wonderful week.

Many blessing are being sent your way ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Honoring our Veterans today and always.....

2011-11-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

To all of the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces......

THANK YOU!!!!

Giving Thanks!

2011-11-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks!

In these trying times we are living in it's even more important than ever to give thanks for all of the blessings we have in our lives. It's something I have learned to do many years ago. Every day, though out the year, I look for something to be thankful for. I do it even on my most busiest and difficult days. It really has changed my outlook and helped me put my life in perspective.

I especially like the month of November because it's been designated a 'Give Thanks and Gratitude' month. It seems like more and more people are doing just that. They are sending little thank you cards to family and friends. They are writing daily thankful posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs. They are even leaving notes in lunch boxes and sending e-mails. It has all helped to make the month of November stand out as a very joyful and loving month indeed. Don't you just love reading those posts or being the recipient of one of those notes? I know I sure do!

We have really been enjoying our thankful tree. It makes us happy! It's very colorful and uplifting. When the sunlight hits the leaves in the house they seem to have a warm and beautiful glow like the leaves outside. I love bringing a little bit of autumn into the house. I also enjoy stopping by my tree and pausing to read our notes. My hubby likes our tree too. He told me the other day he finds it very cheery. And that when I hadn't even asked him what he thought of it yet.

Our thankful tree was very simple to make. First, Charli, my hubby, and myself went out into the woods to collect the branches. Then I sprayed the branches with shellac. I purchased styrofoam and three different types of pre-cut leaves from one of our local craft stores. Some of the leaves have glitter, others are made out of a sort of parchment material, and still others are cut out of colored card stock. My hubby and I made thankful labels, placed them on some of the leaves, and then I wired all of the leaves onto the tree. I stuffed the vase with orange tissue paper in order to hide the styrofoam. Then I printed out a Thanksgiving Day card and attached it near the bottom of the vase.

The tree will eventually be used as a centerpiece on our long serving table on Thanksgiving day. I think it will look very pretty surrounded with tea lights, and of course, delicious food.

What about you? Do you do anything special to give thanks in the month of November? If so, I would love to hear from you.

I'm thankful for our blog land and for all of you♥

I hope all of you have a wonderful and blessed week!

Well, I'm of to take our grandson Ryan on a very special date. Poor little Charli! She has to stay home. "Oh now Charli don't pout. You will be fine."

With warmest regards, Carol

It was a popover kind of morning!

2011-11-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

It was a popover kind of morning!

I like to bake even though I know I shouldn't. This morning it just seemed to me like a popover kind of day.
Popovers are so easy to make and they are really delicious. They can be served with just about anything. My recipe basically comes from (http://allrecipes.com) but I did change a few things. Example being, I don't flour my pans and I preheat my oven to 425 degrees instead of the 450 degrees called for in the recipe.

This recipe calls for:

1 cup all-purpose flour

two eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. I brush my popover pan with butter but you could also use a cooking spray. In a medium bowl beat two eggs. Add the flour, salt, and milk taking care not to over beat the mixture. Fill custard cups in popover pan 1/2 full. Then bake at 425 degrees for twenty minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake another twenty minutes or until golden brown.

Serve immediately. Serve plain, with butter, jam, apple butter or even a little peanut butter.

Charli loves these kinds of mornings as she always gets a bite or two. She likes to have her popovers with a little dab of peanut butter. It's no wonder the pooch doesn't like to eat her dog food!

Well, I have to get going this morning. I'm writing out my Thanksgiving Day menu. What about you? Are you cooking this Thanksgiving?

What ever your doing today I hope it's wonderful and blessed in every way ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Charli says "Woof, Woof!"

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Halloween has certainly changed since I was a young girl. In those days we would grab a pillowcase out of the closet, and with my mother in tow, beg up and down the streets of our community. It seemed much more of a simple and quiet holiday than it does today.
With people moving so quickly in and out of neighborhoods these days, it just doesn't seem as safe to go out trick or treating any more. Our grandchildren still go out but not as far or as long as they used to.
However people today still love to celebrate Halloween! They seem to be going all out for this funky little holiday and having celebrations of all kinds. I really like the fact that there are so many more things available today to make this holiday special.
People in our area are choosing to do all kinds of other family inspired activities instead of the typical trick or treating on the actual day. Many of our cities are offering costume contests for children and pets alike. Several cities here have had sponsored Zombie walks that occur during the day light hours. Other places are offering Halloween teas and dress up tours of local cemeteries. Ryan and Aayden are having the high school band come to play at they're school on Monday.

We are having our annual family Halloween party. I have been busy preparing food and making 'happy face' cupcakes. Our pumpkins are all set to be lit, and this year, I found some spiders at Target to add to the mix. They really look creepy blinking on and off when the lights are dimmed. I wonder what Ryan, Aayden, and Aaron will think?

Charli for one is very excited! She knows something is up and especially since I put on her costume. I think she makes a very cute little pirate indeed!
She has been hanging out in the kitchen most of the morning in hopes of getting a little tidbit of this or that. That Charli... She knows she has me wrapped around her little paw.

What ever your doing for Halloween this year I wanted to wish all of you the very best! I hope you have a fun, safe and happy holiday ♥

Happy Halloween everyone!!!

With warmest regards, Carol

The Historical Town of Northville

2011-10-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Historical Town of Northville

Not far from where we live is the historical town of Northville. It is a quaint little town with it's Victorian lamp posts, brick walkways, and buildings that date back to the eighteen hundreds. As one who loves and appreciates architecture I was intrigued with this amazing place and all of it's warm charm.

The people of Northville host many events. We happened to be there for the Victorian Festival which is held annually. It is a three day affair which begins with a parade on Friday night. All of the people involved with the festival dress up in Victorian clothing. All kinds of activities go on in the town square during the festival including face painting, carriage rides, magic shows, and live music. I have included a link here so you can have a listen to some of the music yourself

http://youtu.be/gs_6CDM92e8

One of the things that struck me about the town is how dog friendly it was. There were water bowels outside of almost all of the establishments. In talking to the town's people, they say they love to bring they're furry friends to the town for strolls on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Do you see the Airedale terrier in the picture below? Doesn't he remind you of someone we love? He looks just like our bloggy friend George. Sorry George but there aren't many steps for you to climb here.

The other things that I loved about the town, besides it's historical significance, was it's occupation by fairies. Yes, you read right! It is unknown how the fairies happened to come to Northville but evidence of them started to appear on the streets and in the stores sometime in the mid eighties. Some people think the fairies may have sent out scouts to local cities and found they would be most comfortable living in the town of Northville. Other people say it's the fact that the children here are so kind and fun loving that has drawn them to the city. Fairies make themselves known by the tiny doorways that are tucked inside and outside of the stores.

The town's people celebrate the fact that these fairies have invaded they're town and hearts by hosting all kinds of fairy events such as fairy teas and fairy scavenger hunts. There are establishments where you can buy fairy attire, books, and posters. You can also purchase or actually create your own fairy doors.
The stores have unusual names like '141 E. Main, The Next Chapter Fairy Tales Book Store, Proprietor: Mother Goosewing' and ' 104 E. Main, Cobbler's Corner Fairy Walk-in Wing Repair Clinic, Dr. Orville Flywright.'

There is also a roaming troll in the town that everyone is alerted to beware of. It is said that he moves his place of residence all of the time and everyone is supposed to find him before he finds them. It's fun for children of all ages to try to find out where this troll is located on any given day. Humm, I wonder where he could be? Although we found a troll we didn't actually find his house which could be a very good reason for us to visit this whimsical little town again.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about the town of Northville. I'm wondering if you might have a similar town in the area where you live. If so, I would love to hear from you.

We are in the process of painting our living room. We have two more rooms to go and we will be done with our house. We have learned to spread out the work a little bit so as not to become overwhelmed. Still, it's quite a big undertaking! It doesn't help that our little Charli is so anxious. She doesn't like anything in her world out of sink, and believe me, she let's us know about it.

I hope all of you are doing well. Can you believe Halloween is right around the corner? Many blessing to all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Bulletin Boards

2011-10-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Bulletin Boards

I wonder how many of you have a bulletin board? It's something I have always wanted to have. The problem for me is that there was never really any where to put one. I think every wall in my home is taken up with art of some kind.

What I really would have liked to do is purchase one of those French easels with a drawer that I could keep my tacks and stickers in. I could have either used a cork board or even a canvas as the actual bulletin board itself but unfortunately my office area is just to small. It would have been more expensive to purchase the easel but it could have become a piece of art in itself.

I thought about getting some cork and placing it in a gilded frame. I may just do that it if turns out that I enjoy my bulletin board as much as I think I will.
Ultimately I have found a bulletin board I like at least for now. I decided to place it on the back of my office door. My hubby built special brackets and padded it so I don't have to worry about scratches. I'm just beginning to decorate it now. Would you like to take a peek?

My hubby says I don't need another calendar but I keep reminding him that I do. It's perfect because I know the date at a glance and I don't have to keep fooling around with my computer.

Charli is wondering where her picture is. "Don't worry Charli it will be up there before you know it."

If you have a bulletin board, what kinds of things to you like to keep on it? I think I will post something I'm grateful for every day.

I hope all of you are having a lovely day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Sour Cream Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-10-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sour Cream Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Coconut

Anyone who has followed this blog in the past knows that one of our family traditions is to make 'Happy Face' cupcakes every Halloween. I don't know how or why the tradition got started but my mother made them every year at Halloween for our family and school events. I carried on the tradition after I married and I wouldn't have it any other way.

However, if I wasn't making 'Happy Face' cupcakes I would certainly be making Sour Cream Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Coconut. I love coconut and these cupcakes are delicious! I found the recipe one day while surfing the Internet. I thought I would pass it along to any coconut lovers out there like myself. I think they would look fabulous all decked out for Halloween. What do you think?

The recipe and the link is as follows. Special thanks to the author of the blog for sharing this great recipe.

http://sincerelyyoursonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/wimm-vanilla-cupcakes-with-coconut.html

If you try them I hope you enjoy them as much as our family did. I made them for our son Kurt's Air Show party this summer and they were definitely a hit!

I hope all of you are having a wonderful week!

With warmest regards, Carol

'Meet Me in Saint Louis'

2011-09-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

'Meet Me In Saint Louis'

Recently my hubby and I had the opportunity to see the stage play 'Meet Me in Saint Louis' at the Baldwin Theater, in the city of Royal Oak, near our home. For me there is just no comparison between a movie and a stage production, especially with an orchestra. However, I do own that wonderful old movie 'Meet Me in Saint Louis' which starred Judy Garland. I have watched it many times and I wouldn't part with it for anything in the world. Wasn't Judy Garland great?

I really love period plays, films, and books. If I could somehow transport myself to a simpler time in history I would do it in a heart beat.

The minute I saw the trolley car roll across the stage at the Baldwin I knew I was hooked. Much to my hubby's dismay, because truthfully I can't sing, I've been walking around our house singing the songs featured in the play for days. I just can't seem to get the lyrics out of my head! Don't you just love those old lyrics like.....

"Meet me in st Louis, Louis,

Meet me at the fair.

Don't tell me the lights are shining

any place but there;

We will dance the Hoochee Koochee.

I will be your tootsie wootsie,

If you will meet me in St. Louis, Louis,

Meet me at the fair."

Oh what about this one....

"Clang, clang, clang

went the trolley

ding, ding, ding

went the bell

zing, zing, zing went my heart strings

from the moment

I saw him I fell"

I sigh just thinking about the play and all those wonderful old songs.

Oh dear! Where ever you are I hope you can't hear me singing LOL

I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the pictures that Stagecrafters posted on they're facebook home page. Thank you for sharing stagecrafters! We really enjoyed the play! The set and the costumes were absolutely wonderful!

Charli, of course, could not come to the play with us. She was a little disgruntled when we first got back home but belly rubs seem to always do the trick.

I hope all of you are having a great week!

With warmest regards, Carol

"The day was bright

the air was sweet

the smell of honeysuckle

charmed me off my feet

I tried to sing

but couldn't squeak

in fact, I felt so good

I couldn't even speak

Clang, clang, clang went the trolley"

"Let's Go Blue!"

2011-09-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

"Let's Go Blue!"

I don't know about where you live but here in Michigan we just love our football! Of course we like pro football, but college football, at least as far as I'm concerned, is the best! I've been a U of M fan since I was a little girl. It is most likely due to the fact that my father grew up in Ann Arbor and later my brother attended the University of Michigan.

On any given Saturday in the fall some one in our family is usually hosting a U of M football party. It's not just our family who loves U of M football though. There are many people in our area who feel the same way we do and believe me some of them go all out. I thought you might like to see some of the pictures that have been posted on the U of M Football web site.

Charli, do you know anything about how your picture got on my post?

"Well I just wanted to say I love U of M football too and especially the intermissions. Bring on the food granny!"

Charli!!!

I hope all of you are doing well and that you have a wonderful weekend.♥ Let's go blue!

With warmest regards,Carol

Bubble Tea......

2011-09-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

Bubble Tea....

I had never heard, much less tried Bubble Tea, until a few months ago when my great niece Rachel mentioned having some. Since speaking to my niece I have found out that Bubble Tea is becoming quite popular here in the United States. You can even order Bubble Tea charms that come in a variety of colors. I have provided a link here in case anyone is interested.

http://blog.girlybubble.com/2010/08/25/tiny-hands-jewelry-food-you-cant-eat/

There is also a special Bubble Tea day celebrated here in the states.

Bubble Tea, which is also known as Pearl Milk, originated in Taiwan in the 1980's. It started as a childhood drink that was sold at stands outside of schools. The recipes for the tea vary, but most have a tea base, milk, ice, fruit or fruit syrup, and Tapioca starch called pearls.

The tea is sipped through a large straw which causes the pearls to float about in the cup. At times the pearls come up through the straw and taste like gummy candy. Children seem to especially enjoy this.

After speaking to my niece I knew I wanted to try Bubble Tea myself so one lazy Sunday afternoon Charli and I headed over to one of the Bubble Tea stores in our area.

http://youtu.be/IdLY-zWHZyg/

I couldn't believe all of the different kinds of tea and flavors to choose from! The gentleman at the service counter was very helpful and he let me try different samples of the tea. I eventually settled on a strawberry flavored Bubble Tea.

The gentleman was just beginning to demonstrate and explain the process of making the tea when a woman walked into the store. She was upset because someone had left this POOR little puppy in a car all alone. She said she was sure something was wrong with the dog because of the way it was carrying on. When I asked her if the dog in question happened to be gray and have big ears she said yes. I explained to the woman that the dog was mine and this is what she does if she is left alone for even a minute. She howls and bays until I come and get her. Needless to say I left the store and noted Charli had already acquired another audience in the form of a little boy and his dad.

There she was, barking and howling! My little rascal! What a stinker she is! When I walked up to the car she refused to look at me she was so mad. Charli, Charli, what am I ever going to do with you???

The Bubble Tea was quite interesting and delicious. It was very sweet and unusual tasting.

Even though I liked it, in the end, I think I will stick to my Starbucks frappuccino if I'm in the mood to splurge on extra calories. I just love the coconut mocha! I justify having it by omitting the whip cream and ordering it with skim milk instead of whole.

What about you? Have you tried Bubble Tea? If you so did you like it? Or are you a Starbucks fan like me?

I hope all of you have a great week! Charli and I will be out and about enjoying our wonderful weather.

When a sun room is not an option...

2011-08-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

When a sun room is not an option....

I've always wanted one of those beautiful sun rooms you see when your out and about town. Some place to relax where you can enjoy being outside but not have to worry about the rain, the bugs, or strange animals that might be lurking about in the early morning or late at night.

Years ago my hubby and I decided we wanted to build a sun room. We had several different companies come out to look at our house but they all agreed we would have to cut into the roof because of the way our roof line was situated. Unfortunately all my hubby and I could think about was the multitude of problems associated with a decision like that, mainly a leaky roof some where down the line. In the long run we decided it just wasn't worth it to do it.

We decided instead of a sun room we would get a swing. With our swing we were still able to sit out in our yard and have the little bonfires that we enjoy but there was still the problem of bugs. Our yard is very deep and when Charli came along it became harder to sit out there. She always wanted to get down and explore under the bushes and shrubs. We found there were just to many critters out there for Charli to chase. We didn't want her to get attacked, or heaven forbid, get rabies or some other type of disease.

Last year we decided to try one of those screened in canopies. We really loved it! We thought it might be just the solution for us but after several weeks we had a severe storm that caused it to smash into the house and break apart into pieces.

Last winter we started thinking about a gazebo. They are quite beautiful, and with the new materials they use to build them, we thought it was something that could serve us many years. We almost bought one, but when we thought about the price, and the fact, that we would have to drill into our patio to secure it, we weren't quite sure if it was something we really wanted to do.

One day I happened to be surfing the Internet and I saw an advertisement for a 'Fresh air Screen.' Well, we decided to give it a try. For us it's the perfect solution. It was cheap and easily rolls up and down to get cars in and out of the garage. The best thing about is we can sit outside night or day and not have to worry about bugs. It has become a nice place to read. I like looking out at our flowers and trees. It's a nice place to have a glass of wine or listen to the rain. We like to sit out there and light a bonfire early in the morning or late at night.

Charli loves it too! She was never a pooch that would lay out on the grass or on the cement for any length of time but she has taken some of the lawn furniture and made it her own. I think the screen has given her a renewed sense of security.

So there you have it. Our answer to the sun house option. It might not be every one's cup of tea but it is definitely working for us.

I hope all of you are having a nice day. We can sense fall in the air here in Michigan.

Have any of you been having problems writing your posts lately? My blogger is doing all kinds of weird things. It changes fonts, colors, and isn't allowing me to place my pictures where I want them to be.

Many blessings to all of you ♥

'Sarah's Key'....... A book review........

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

'Sarah's Key'.......     A book review.......

'Sarah's Key' was written by Titiana De Rosnay. It takes place in Paris, France, in the summer of 1942. During a two day period in July, thousands of Jewish families were brutally forced out of they're homes by the French police under the direction of the Nazi regime. The incident was known as the Velodrome' d' Hiver' round up.
According to the author,Titiana De Rosnay, the characters in the book are completely fictitious. However, the French round up was very real. Not much was known about the Velodrome d' Hiver until President Jacques Chirac acknowledged it in a public address in 1995.
The following is an excerpt from his address.......
"These black hours will stain our history for ever and are an injury to our past and our traditions. Yes, the criminal madness of the occupant was supported by the French, by the French state. Fifty-three years ago, on 16 July 1942, 450 policemen and gendarmes, French, under the authority of their leaders, obeyed the demands of the Nazis. That day, in the capital and the Paris region, nearly 10,000 Jewish men, women, and children were arrested at home, in the early hours of the morning, and assembled at police stations.... France home of the Enlightenment and the Rights of Man, land of welcome and asylum, France committed that day the irreparable. Breaking it's word, it delivered those it protected to their executioners."
In the book 'Sarah's Key' two stories actually run parallel to one another. One is the story of Sarah, a ten year old Jewish girl who was caught up in the horrific events of that summer in 1942. The other is the story of Julia, an American journalist living in Paris, who was asked to write a article commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the Vel' d' Hiv. During her research of the events Julia discovers a secret that will change her life forever.
'Sarah's Key' is shocking at times and difficult to read. It is a story I will never forget and one that is haunting to think about even to this day. It helped to have the two stories running together as the story of Sarah is extremely compelling and heart wrenching. It leaves one wondering how these events could have ever taken place and yet we know they did. It leaves questions as to how the French police could have participated in the Velodrome' d' Hiver round up and turned on they're own people. Yet we know it happened. Maybe it didn't happen exactly like it did in the fictitious book 'Sarah's Key' but one can only imagine based on the authors research of the events.
In the book ''Sarah's Key' the police come to Sarah's home, pounding on the door, and yelling at her mother. Sarah becomes quite terrified and decides to protect her little brother by locking him in a secret closet in the home. She tells him to be very quiet and explains to him that she will be back to let him out later that day. Instead of coming home as expected though, she, along with her parents, and the rest of the Jewish people in the community are sent to a make shift refugee camp where they are forced to live in the most inhumane conditions. There is over crowding, no shelter, high temperatures, very little if any food or water, no medical supplies, and no sanitation of any kind. Sarah doesn't understand what's happening and questions her parents but they have no answers for her. No one has any answers as to why this is happening to them. There are only whispers among the people of the camp that Sarah sometimes over hears. After several days the men are separated from their families and put on a train that is heading to the gas chambers at Auschwitz. Next the women are taken.The children are then left alone to fend for themselves and wait. We learn of the horrific trials these innocent children were forced to endure.
I cannot say any more about the book here as I don't want to ruin it for anyone wanting to read it. I though the ending of the book was some what weak, but over all, I do think it's a book well worth reading.
A movie has been made based on the book and you can see the trailer by clicking the following link.http://youtu.be/LzDZ9e3mGRE

Hello everybody, remember me?

2011-08-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody, remember me?

I'm Charli! I just had to come by and say hello to everyone. I really, really miss all of you ♥ I hope all of you are having a great summer!

Summer got off to a rough start for me but now I spend my mornings and evening laying out in the sun. I don't go out during the day because it's been to hot.

I've been trying very hard to stay out of trouble because it seems like I've gotten into quite a bit of it lately. It all started when my grandma and grandpa decided to do some painting in the house. First, I accidentally stuck my paws in the paint which wasn't good. Especially since we have hardwood floors but with a little scrubbing it all worked out. To this day I don't understand what the fuss was about. All I wanted to do was help.

It seemed to me that every day all my grandma and grandpa did was paint, tape, and paint some more. No one wanted to play with me so after a couple of days I got bored and decided to run away. Well, I wasn't really running away. I was just trying to get them to play with me. This is what I did. I would wait until the door or the gate was opened and I'd scoot out between their feet. Then I would take off running and I would run for blocks! Of course I was always watching to make sure they were coming after me because I sure didn't want to get lost. It was so much fun! I would wait until my grandma and grandpa got a couple of feet away from me and then I

would take off again. I ran all over our neighborhood. One day I almost made it to the park! Cars stopped, and people tried to catch me, but they couldn't do it because I can run faster than anyone on this planet! When I got tired I would just sit down in the middle of the street and let my grandma pick me up. She says I'm going to be the death of her, what ever that means. Now I'm not allowed to go any where near the door or gate.

Then our neighbor's had a party and I crashed it! Yes I did! I found a little hole under the fence and I slid right through. It was great! Everyone was chasing me all over the place. I really like to run, and jump, and play. Finally they just gave up and said I could stay. Oh boy, it's been a great summer!

I really like being outside and especially after that cold and snowy winter we had. Yuk! I don't like snow at all! Well, I better get going before I will get caught on the computer. I think I'll go outside and try to find me a squirrel to chase.

Take care everyone!

Love, Charli

An update and a huge thank you!

2011-02-01T03:40:00.000-08:00

An up date and a hugh thank you!

First I would just like to say THANK YOU to all of you who have sent me such lovely e-mails and left such thoughtful comments here. I have been very touched by all of them ♥ I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to each individual comment. Thank you so much for all of your kind words and prayers!

Things are going much better here. I have new glasses which have seemed to help. I am looking into getting some type of an e-reader which is supposed to reduce glare and make it easier to see the font and read. My hubby has dimmed the brightness on my computer and on our TV screen. Since any type of glare or brightness seems to affect my vision, I have been wearing sun glasses sometimes even in the house on extremely sunny and snowy days. I have also sometimes been pulling my curtains and shades. I'm still undecided about a laser treatment as I have heard many different pros and cons. I see my Doc again in April. I still read, and am able to use my computer, but for much shorter intervals than previously. I've been visiting your blogs even though I haven't been leaving many comments.

I have truly missed blogging more than you could possibly know. To fill the gap, I have been taping a lot of TV programs, trying to get out as much as possible, and doing some of my spring cleaning earlier than what I would normally do. I have been going through old books, DVD's, and videos. With the help of my dear hubby we have been rearranging book cases and some furniture. And where I used to walk on my tread mill three or four days a week, I am now walking thirty minutes a day, six days a week, and still treading every step LOL

Like many of you I have also been getting ready for Saint Valentine's Day. I had some red card stock paper and ribbon left over from Christmas so I decided to make a very simple banner. I went to the dollars store and purchased some Valentine's Day cards. Here in our area they are fifty cents a piece. I cut the front off of each of the cards, folded and cut the stock paper in half, and used two way tape to fasten the Valentine's cards on to the stock paper. Then I punched holes near the top of the stock paper and threaded ribbon through it. I wish I would have used old vintage cards that you can sometimes get on line and print or perhaps purchased two of each of the Valentine's cards and added another dimension to them but I think this banner still looks nice. It seems to warm our home up on these cold winter days we have been having.

I have also been making Valentine's cards and writing out others. Saint Valentine's Day is such a lovely day to me and one that our family has always celebrated. I feel it's not just a day set aside for lovers, although that is certainly important, but it's also a very special day to spread love in our families, schools, and neighborhoods.

Just before Christmas I was invited to a Party Lite demonstration and purchased the container you see below. I like it because it has three functions. It serves as a candle holder, a vase, or all together as a bell jar with a bottom. The containers come in three different sizes and I believe they can be ordered on line if any one is interested. Here is mine is all decked out for Valentine's Day.

Charli is doing well but she was a little upset when I had to stop blogging. Prior to my stopping she would sit quietly in the chair in my office while I read her all of your posts or worked on my own. I know she is just a dog but she really seemed to enjoy me reading to her. When I stopped blogging I would sometimes find her sitting in the chair in my office just like she is doing in the picture below waiting patiently for me. Even to this day, we can be any where in the house, and if I say, "Come on Charli, let's go see what's happening in blog world" she will run into my office as fast as her little legs can go and plop herself in the chair.

I hope all of you are staying cozy and warm on these cold winter days.

I don't know how much blogging I will be doing in the future, if any, but I want you to know that where ever I am, and what ever I'm doing, all of you are close in my heart.

With warmest regards, Carol

A good bye for now......

2011-01-05T03:32:00.000-08:00

A good bye for now....

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post but I feel some of you may wonder where I am, why I haven't been posting, or writing comments on your blogs.

As some of you already know I retired some what early from my nursing career. I don't think I ever mentioned it here but one of the reasons was my eye site. By the age of forty seven I had already had bilateral cataract surgery. Even though I was able to work another twelve years I was constantly plagued with headaches, eye strain, then a vitreous detachment, and an onset of macular degeneration that made it increasingly difficult to see and especially under the fluorescent lighting.

After retiring I seemed to do better in the natural environment of my home but lighting has always been an issue. This past year it has been increasing difficult to remain at my computer for long periods or read books like I used to do. I have noticed my posts here on my blog have become more sporadic and I have gotten behind in answering e-mails and the wonderful comments I received here. It has made me feel like a very uncaring and slacker blogger as I have tried to keep up. I have had many things I wanted to share with you but I found I was having to put it off because of the eye strain. I would sometimes start a post and not be able to finish until the holiday was over like the little Christmas spiders I wanted to tell you about.

The week before Christmas I was diagnosed with an ocular retinal hemorrhage. Since then I have been running around getting tests trying to find out the cause. Luckily it is stabilized. There is talk of a laser treatment or other procedures that may help but until this is resolved, and I have less eye stain, I feel I have to close my blog. That doesn't mean that I won't be by to visit you though, or that I won't be back here on my blog sometime in the future, or even that I won't leave an occasional comment on yours, but I may have to be one of those anonymous blogger's for a while:>)

In the mean time, I wish all of you every happiness and blessing possible as we begin this New Year ♥
With warmest regards, Carol

Our very best wishes for a happy, healthy, and blessed new year!

2010-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

Our very best wishes for a happy, healthy, and blessed New Year!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1c8wCDOrk8

A Gingerbread House and a Very Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

A Gingerbread House and a Very Merry Christmas to all!

It's still hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner! My, my, where does the time go? There is still so much I would like to do to make this season special but there is just no time left.

I have stopped by many of your blogs and I have to say you are truly a creative and inspirational group! From your wonderful and touching spiritual posts, to your beautiful Christmas decorations and crafts, to the lovely poems you post, to your baking skills and the sharing of your favorite family recipes, to your lovely art work, and to your wonderful adventures out and about in your home towns, all of it has just been amazing, enjoyable, and heart warming to read! Thank you so much for making this Advent season special. Thank you for sharing a little part of yourself with all of us. And most of all thank you for being the truly kind, remarkable, and very special blogger's that all of you are.

Every year during the Christmas season my hubby and I have tried to do something special with our children and grandchildren. It usually entails maybe going shopping, or attending some type of Christmas event, taking in the Christmas lights, and almost always going out some where nice for lunch or dinner. This year, when I heard about the Gingerbread House at the Royal Park Hotel, in Rochester Hills, a town very close to where we live, I knew it would be the perfect place to take our grandson Ryan. I especially wanted to see this Gingerbread house because the chef and staff in the hotel built it to help support The Salvation Army, a charity that is very dear to my hubby and myself. The hotel invited the public to come in to see the gingerbread house and then placed the familiar red Salvation Army buckets at specific locations around the house in the hopes of encouraging everyone to leave a small donation. I thought this was such a wonderful idea and so true to the spirit of what Christmas is really all about.

The Gingerbread House was amazing! Ryan couldn't believe all of the ingredients that went into making it. It stood over four feet tall and actually had a fake but working fireplace and lights inside of it. The roof was made out of squares of chocolate and each square had a small gingerbread man in the center of it.

The hotel also has a sweet shop where baked goods are made fresh daily. Here we were able to pick up some gingerbread cookies for Ryan to take home with him.

It was such a fabulous day in so many ways and one I know I will remember for many years to come.

"I have been trying so hard to be good! I have been waiting patiently for days now but I don't think that Nick guy is coming. Oh well, I think it's time for a nap. If you see Saint Nicholas will you please tell him not to forget to stop over at our house?"

"Charli your not playing on the computer again are you?"

I will be busy getting ready for our out of town guests who will be spending the week before Christmas with us, and then with Christmas, my nieces Solstice party, and all of the activities after Christmas this will be my last post until after the New Year.

I would like to wish all of you every blessing possible this Christmas and New Year!

Best wishes for a very safe, healthy, and joy filled holiday ♥

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

God bless all of you ♥

With warmest regards and much love,

Carol, Mike, and Charli

Christmas cookies and party favors.....

2010-12-14T05:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas cookies and party favors....

First of all I would like to thank all of you for your prayers and for wishing my hubby and myself well! It turns out that I was coming down with a cold and I am feeling much better now. My hubby, on the other hand, had a virus that seems to be going around and it has taken him a little longer to feel like his self again but every day he's feeling better and better.

Though out the end of November and early December I have been busy making cookies and party favors like so many of you. I thought you might like to see and hear about some of the things I've made.
To me the advent season is the most exciting, joyful, and beautiful time of the year. It's just filled with wonder and anticipation. Little surprises seem to come every day, perhaps in the form of a song, a beautiful card, and unexpected call from a friend, a concert or party, an invitation, a visit, and sometimes even the first snowfall of the season as happened here in our area the other day.

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is bake cookies. This year I made five different kinds. I don't make a lot, just a batch, or two of each kind. I think they make great gifts and it's always nice to have some cookies around the house to serve when family or friends come to visit. I admit cookie baking can be quite expensive, but I prepare in advance, buying my ingredients a little at a time over a period of several months.

One of the cookies I always make are chocolate oatmeal but I like to add cherry infused cranberries and coconut instead of raisins to give them a more festive look.

Cutout cookies are always a hit in our family and can be used in so many different ways.

Another thing I love to do is make my own poppers. My poppers are a little larger than the ones you can find in the stores. During the year I collect little bottles of this and that to fill them with like hand lotion and perfume. Special messages can be added, candies, lip gloss, money, and sometimes even lotto tickets. You just never know what your going to get when you open one of my poppers.

Every year our niece has a Solstice party in lieu of a Christmas party just before the holiday. This year I made the party favors. They are very simply done but I think they look pretty. I found the snowflakes, four of them for a dollar, at the party store. They can be used later as a Christmas ornament. I have always loved to use ribbons and so I pick them up when ever I see them on sale through out the year. I think I may have mentioned before that my hubby built me a rod for one of my closets and I hang the spools of ribbon there until I'm ready to use them. I think these Solstice party favors would make great little Christmas gifts too.

This year I found a new cookie recipe that I thought I would share with all of you. Not only are these little cookies darling but they taste delicious too!

The recipe comes from the 'Land O Lakes Holiday Cookies' magazine. This is a seasonal magizine and one that I absolutely love! It's always full of wonderful ideas and delicous recipes.

SUGAR AND SPICE REINDEERS

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teasppon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup Land O lakes butter softened.

1 egg

1 tablespoon cream or milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

For the frosting:

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup Land O Lakes butter, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 to 3 tablespoons milk

3 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled

Decorations:

Mini chocolate covered pretzels

Brown candy-coated chocolate peices or in my case raisins.

Red gumdrops, cut in half or red coated candy peices.

Combine flour, baking powder, salt cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. set aside.

Combine sugar and 1/2 cup butter in a large bowl and beat at medium speed until creamy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Add flour gradually beating after each addition. Divide dough in half, cover, and chill until firm.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out dough, one half at a time, onto a lightly floured surface. Cut with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 5 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly brown and the center is set. Cool 1 minute on the cookie sheet and then transfer to cooling rack. Cool completely.

Combine powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla in a large bowl and beat at low speed adding enough milk for desired consistency. Reserve 1/3 cup frosting. Add melted chocolate to remaining frosting beating until well mixed.

Frost the cooled cookies. Set 2 pretzels on top of heart to form antlers. Create two eyes with reserved white frosting and top with raisin or candy coated candy. Place red gumdrop onto frosting cut side down to form nose.

I think these little guys would look adorable on any Christmas inspired table. I hope my little grands like them! My hubby sure does :>)

These sweet reindeer's would also make great gifts to add to lunch boxes or to give to someone special as a nice little treat. Wouldn't they make cute party favors for a children's Christmas luncheon or even a ladies Christmas tea party?

Of course, even though I know I shouldn't, I always give Charli a little treat when ever I'm baking. No chocolate or raisins for dogs though! Charli always waits patiently at my side in the kitchen to see what I'm going to give her. I do not give her candy but I do give her a little taste of the plain white frosting and sugar cookie.

Well, that's what I've been up to the last several weeks. I can't wait to come around and visit all of you!

I hope all of you are having a wonderful and blessed Advent season.

With warmest regards, Carol

A Jesse Tree......

2010-12-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

A Jesse Tree....

First, and for most, I would like to thank all of you who have left comments here. I deeply appreciate all of your comments and I don't want you to think I've been a bad blogger. The truth of the matter is that my husband has been sick for over a week. In between the decorating, shopping, baking, and etc, I have been busy taking care of him. He is finally on the mend but now I'm not feeling well myself. As you can imagine this is not a good time of the year to be sick. Not that any time of the year is good but this month is especially hectic for everyone.

I have so many posts I wanted to share with you but now it seems I'm not going to be able to do it.

I did want to write something here about Elizabeth Edwards. I have always admired her courage, intellect, determination, class, and integrity. To lose a child has to be one of the most devastating experience in life. Then to have to take on the battle of your life, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and face the public humiliation of your husbands affair is just inconceivable to me. Elizabeth could have easily given up so many times but instead she used all of these negative experiences to reach out and help others. She was an inspiration to us all! My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to her children. Elizabeth Edwards may you rest in peace. You were a truly remarkable woman....

I have been wanting to make a Jesse Tree for sometime now. I have been looking around the Internet to find some down loads to use but I didn't really find any that I liked. That was until I found these downloads at http://www.catholicartworks.com/catechist/the_jesse_tree.htm
I was referred to this site by another great site I recently found called Catholic Icing http://catholicicing.blogspot.com/ It is a blog with many wonderful holidays ideas. I hope you will stop by for a visit some time.

I like these downloads because they are large and you are given two choices as to how to use them. One of the down loads gives you a picture with the name of the person, or persons, and the other one gives a little blip about who they were, or why they were significant. I also like them because they are very colorful. I decided to down load both sheets on to card stock paper and then laminate them together so I can use either side. I lamented these a month ago and set them aside not really sure how I would use them. Then, when my hubby got down our Christmas tree, he decided to go through some things in our attic and found an old Christmas tree we had long forgotten about. It was perfect to use as my Jesse Tree!
I have always like the biblical story 'Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors' so I used it as my inspiration. I punched holes in each of the down loads and tied them with a different colored ribbon thus turning them each into an ornament. I used colored lights and stars on the tree as fillers. I also tied different colors of ribbon together and used it as garland.

My Jesse Tree is very simply done but I think it's beautiful! Traditions can be old but sometimes they can also be new. My Jesse Tree is a new tradition, that God willing, I plan to use year after year.

With my hubby so sick, and now me not feeling well, Charli has been left to her own devices. She has not been happy about it at all and has been getting into so much trouble! I keep telling her if she isn't good St. Nicholas is not going to leave her anything on Christmas Eve. She just looks at me as if to say "ha!" Then she goes about her merry way.

It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost here!

I hope all of you are doing well and are having a wonderful week ♥

With warmest regards, Carol.

The town of Holly Dickens Festival........

2010-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

The town of Holly Dickens Festival...

Just a little ways north of where I live is the quaint little town of Holly. The town was named Holly because of the numerous holly plants that grow in the area. It is a very small town but it's a town with a big heart. Every year, since 1975, the town has hosted an annual Dickens Festival. If you are looking for an over done and commercialized extravaganza then this Dickens festival is not for you but if you would like to step back in time for just a little while and enjoy the sites and sounds of an old fashioned Christmas then this is the place to be.

The historical Holly Hotel is reason enough to visit here. It's a place where you can have lunch, or dinner, and perhaps even tea. The hotel is host to many events and is famous for it's in resident ghost.

The Dickens Festival runs from the last week of November through December 18Th. Each week is a little different with this or that event taking place. http://www.dickensfestivalholly.org/
On festival days you an participate in some old fashioned games in front of the Holly Hotel if you wish.

The town also has a warming tent in place as some weekends it can get extremely cold. There is usually some type of entertainment in the tent and sometimes they even sell plum pudding.

Many of the local merchants get into the spirit of the festival. They wear costumes and put up displays like the one seen here.

Most of the shops are open on festival days and sell an array of interesting items.

One of the shops has a Santa where children can stop by to visit and have they're picture taken.

If you like you can even take a carriage ride.

On all of the main street corners fire pits have been set up so that visitors can warm they're hands. There are stacks of logs along side of these pits and everyone is invited to toss a log in if the fire starts to get low.

Periodically throughout the day performances are scheduled. This booth indicates what time the next show is set to begin.

Sometimes vendors come to sell they're wares.

The day my hubby and I went to the festival we saw a rendition of 'A Christmas Carol.'

Sometimes there are Christmas Carolers singing on the street corners. Other times, perhaps a Punch and Judy show, face painting, a cookie contest, and almost always roasted chestnuts are sold on the street. All of the people in the town are very warm and friendly. It's a nice place to spend an afternoon.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The Spirits of all Three strive within me. I will not shut out the lesson that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone."

-A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens-

I hope all of you are having a good week!

With warmest regards, Carol

Yes, there really was a Santa Claus but his name was Saint Nicholas!

2010-12-06T01:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, there really was a Santa Claus but his name was Saint Nicholas!

Who doesn't love Santa Claus! He is associated with laughter, joy, and holiday cheer, but what is the difference between Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas?
"Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas"
Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
Saint Nicholas models for all of life.
Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales-the commercial Christmas message;
Saint Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, good will towards all-the hope-filled Christmas message.
Santa Claus encourages consumption;
Saint Nicholas encourages compassion.
Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
Saint Nicholas is part of the communion of saints surrounding us always with prayer and example.
Santa Claus flies through the air-from the North Pole;
Saint Nicholas walked the earth-caring for those in need.
Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
Saint Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.
Santa Claus isn't bad;
Saint Nicholas is just better."
-J. Rosenthal & C. Myers-

To me the Internet is such an amazing source of information! I just wish it was available when my children were growing up. If you would like to learn more about Saint Nicholas or find some wonderful activities you can do with your children just click on the following link....
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38

Happy Saint Nicholas Day everyone!
With warmest regards, Carol

A snowman cheese ball......

2010-12-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

A snowman cheese ball.....

I'm very happy to present to you my snowman cheese ball except that in this case it happens to be a snow woman as defined by the hat that sits upon her little head :>)

The inspiration for my cheese ball came from all of the many darling pictures I've seen in blog land of cheese ball snowmen and food.com. I also did a little tweaking of my own.

For the cheese ball, I used three eight once packages of cream cheese and one half carton of whipped cream cheese.
One package of Original Ranch Buttermilk Dressing.
Eight slices of fried bacon, chopped.
Green onions, chopped including green parts. Use as much as you desire. I used five and I probably could have used more.
3/4 cup shredded cheese. I used the Italian five cheese package.
Mix the three packages of cream cheese (softened) with the ranch dressing.
Fold in the shredded cheese, bacon, and green onion.
Form the cream cheese mixture into two balls, one smaller for the head, and the other larger for the body. Place each ball in a separate bowl. Cover with plastic and place in refrigerator until firm.
When the cheese balls feel firm remove them from the refrigerator. Place larger ball on a work plate. Frost the cheese ball with the whipped cream cheese. You can either leave the ball plain at this point or cover it in more of the blended shredded cheese mixture like I did here. Cut a large carrot in fourths, length wise, and run one of them down the center of the cheese ball just like you would do to stack a cake. Place the smaller cheese ball on top to secure and then repeat the process of frosting and adding more cheese if you would like to do so. When you are finished place back into the refrigerator.
I used two different kinds of bread for the hat. I used a round cookie cutter with a finished edge to make the rim of the hat. Then I cut a rectangle out of a darker piece of bread and secured it to the rim by cutting a slit into the rim of the hat. I added an olive and some green pepper to the hat by using a dab of whipped cream cheese as glue.

Next I pulled the cheese balls out of the refrigerator again and added cranberries to make the eyes. Then I cut a piece of carrot to make the nose. I secured the hat to the body with a little more of the whipped cream cheese.

I used raisins for the mouth and the buttons. Then I used celery to make the arms. Because it was being taken to a Christmas party I finished it off with a 'Merry Christmas' sign and added one of my Christmas tree cookies to the other side. But wait something was still missing! I know, I forgot her scarf! I decided to used red ribbon.

After I was finished decorating I very carefully transferred my snow woman onto a serving platter using a spatula.

I'm very happy to say that my little snow woman was a huge hit! Everyone said it tasted as good as it looked! As I was decorating, I was thinking that this cheese ball doesn't have to be limited to the Christmas season either. Wouldn't she look cute with little snow flakes, stars, or even Valentine hearts dangling from her arm? If any of you decide to make one I hope you will send me a picture!

As you can see we are in the full swing of the Christmas season over here at our house. I hope all of you are having wonderful times with family and friends as well ♥

Charli just loves all of the comings and goings and increased activity here at our house. She has been hanging out by the Christmas tree a lot. Do you think she could be snooping for presents?

Many blessings to all of you!

With warmest regards, Carol

An unexpected gift!....

2010-12-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

An unexpected gift!

Last week I received a lovely and unexpected gift from one of my son's friends and his wife. It is so unusual and creative that I thought I would share it here with all of you. When I thanked Jeff and his wife, I was told his sister-in-law makes them! I thought it was a very clever idea and that some of you crafter's might be interested in doing something like this yourself.

Jeff's sister-in-law started off by drilling a hole near the bottom of a wine bottle. A set of Christmas lights were then threaded into the hole. In this case yellow lights were used, but multi colored, or even white would also be very pretty. Next she bought a cluster of grapes and placed the stem on the neck of the wine bottle. The bottle was then wrapped with a twine type ribbon and the ends were tied in a bow.

Isn't it beautiful! I keep mine on my counter top next to my standing wine bottle opener. It's especially pretty at night when it's lit up. Thank you so much Jeff and Tina! That was so thoughtful of you ♥

There are snow flurries today and it's cold in our area. Charli is having no part of it! She has been snuggling up in her little fleece blanket on the chair in my office listening to Christmas music, with one ear up, and dosing on and off.

I hope all of you are well and having a lovely week ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

The bells of Saint Sebastian.....

2010-11-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

The bells of Saint Sebastian...

We are now entering the most beautiful time of the year! Happy Advent everyone! Advent is a time to rejoice. It is a time that is filled with love, hope, meaning, and purpose. It is a time of reconciliation, anticipation, and self evaluation. I hope the weeks leading up to Christmas are filled with many blessings for all of you!

I thought, during this very special time of year, I would share a personal story with all of you. I grew up in a working middle class neighborhood. No one in my neighborhood had much wealth but it was a community that was very rich in many other ways. Neighbors looked out for and helped one another. Neighbors were involved, committed, and really got to know each other. Most of them formed life long relationships with one another. It was a very warm and safe place to grow up.
Nestled at the edge of the end of the community where I lived was a Catholic Church called Saint Sebastian. It was established in 1949. It was close enough to my home that I could easily ride my bike there which I did many times while growing up. I attended catechism classes there for many years. Two of my uncles, on my mother's side, actually helped to physically build the church and according to one of my cousins, they're names, along with the others are some where on a plaque near the front of the church.

I don't get back to my old neighborhood much any more but when the opportunity presents itself I find myself drawn to my old parish. To this day the doors of the church are not locked, at least the times I have visited there, but now the church does have a twenty four hour monitoring system.

One of the many things I always loved about this church was the church bells. Bells that rang out at different times through out the day. Sometimes the bells put me in a panic like when I realized I had better hurry or I would be late for mass. Other times I found them extremely sad like the day they rang out at my mothers funeral. Most of the time though I found them to be very beautiful and comforting. Especially when I used to sit in one of the a pews waiting for mass to begin. To me they were a consistent reminder that God was there and watching over our little community. I have to say that the whole time I was growing up I never once heard of any one complaining about the bells.

I was very disheartened to learn that there are those living in the community now that would like to stop the bells from ringing. They are complaining that the bells and music are just to loud. Although the parish has tried to work with them, and have turned the volume down, apparently that was not enough. They have now petitioned the city council, bringing the local government into the mix.

I was so shocked when I learned of this that I googled church bells to see if any other churches have been faced with a similar situation. I did find another church, in another state, in which this occurred. I can't help but hope that this is not the start of some sort of a slow moving trend. It would be hard to imagine living in a world without church bells.

I would very much like to hear your thoughts? I realize we are all different in our likes and dislikes. Are you bothered by the ringing of church bells or do you find them soothing like I do?

Saint Sebastian has gone through restorations like many other parishes through the years but there are little things that have remained the same. It is still quite beautiful! As I was standing there all alone in the quiet of the moment with tears in my eyes taking these lovely pictures it truly felt like I had come home.

It is my hope and prayer that those disgruntled in the community will find a way to work with the church, without government involvement, and that the bells of Saint Sebastian, like in the past, will be allowed to ring on forever.

With warmest regards, Carol

Happy Thanksgivng!.......

2010-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Although this isn't my Thanksgiving tablescape it's a tablescape I did in early Autumn this year for company we had one evening. I will not be doing a Thanksgivng tablescape this year as my hubby, Charli, and I have all been invited over to Anne and Mike's for dinner :>)

I imagine most of you are busy baking, cooking, setting up your own tablescapes, or getting ready to travel to your destinations as this truly lovely holiday of ours, here in the United States approaches.

I hope your day is filled with good friends and family, and I hope your blessings are bountiful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

Thank you so much for all of the lovely comments you leave here ♥

God bless our troops in far away lands!

A very special thank you to them and to all of they're family's for the sacrifices they make each and every day for all of us ♥

A very special prayer for all of those who are sick or suffering in any way, as well as, to all of those who are grieving the loss a love one ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

A wedding across the sea!

2010-11-17T05:31:00.000-08:00

A wedding across the sea!

Actually this lovely wedding took place across the ocean and the people in it are very special to me. I know I have talked about my cousin Sharon here in the past. Sharon is not only my cousin but we were best friends growing up. We did everything together! We lived approximately seven blocks apart, went to the same schools, and attended the same parish. We married the same month, of the same year, and our children are very close in age. Sharon lives up north now so we don't get to see each other as often as we would like, but we still keep in touch and talk on the phone all of the time.

Sharon's daughter Kelly happens to live in South Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom, and her daughter Nikki recently got married. Although we were unable to attend the wedding, with the aid of Face book, phone calls, and instant messages it was almost as though we were there. Some of our family members were able to watch the wedding take place via Skype. Other family members traveled to the United Kingdom to personally attend the wedding. Kelly was host to everyone, and if that were not enough, she still took the time to make Nikki's beautiful wedding cake herself! Isn't it gorgeous!

I just love weddings!.... Sigh.... They are so romantic and joyful. I enjoy seeing the thought and attention to detail that goes into them. Each bride has her own unique style. I thought Nikki's wedding choices were absolutely beautiful! Her dress was exquisite, the flowers stunning, and the cake absolutely lovely! The fact that Kelly made the wedding cake is so special and something Nikki, I'm sure, will never ever forget!

Because most of us enjoy weddings so much I thought all of you might like to see some of the wedding pictures too. Thank you Kelly, Nikki, and Ian for graciously allowing me to post some of your lovely pictures here!

Nikki's color choices were blue and orange. I thought the combination of colors was just beautiful! And don't you just love that darling little cake topper in the picture up above? I don't remember ever seeing a cake topper like that before. I like the bride's dress and the umbrella that was incorporated into the topper.
I love all of the pretty delicate white, orange, and blue flowers on the wedding cake. I like the way the flowers have been arranged. Isn't the cake just beautiful?
The bride wore orange shoes! I really liked that idea. It was a great choice for a modern bride. I love the vibrant colors of the orange and blue that Nikki chose. Everything was absolutely perfect and so pretty.
Daughter and Mother, Nikki and Kelly. Two women who are both just lovely inside and out.

The guys wore kilts! Don't they look handsome? I really like the ties and vests. The flowers on they're lapels just pop! They look very elegant indeed.

Instead of the tradional bridal veil, Niki chose to wear a single orange flower in her hair. Isn't it just stunning? I also love the bead work on her dress. What a beautiful bride she was!!!

All of the flower arrangements were absolutely gorgeous! I especially like the blue flowers as I don't see them as often in flower arrangements. Blue has always been my favorite color.

I think Nikki and Ian make such a handsome couple! They are so cute together. I get such a kick out of the comments they make to one another on Facebook. Just think.... They have they're whole life ahead of them.... Sigh.... They have been busy moving into they're new home and last week Nikki made cookies for Ian :>)

Nikki's dress was just lovely and I thought the girls dresses were absolutely gorgeous as well.

The bridal bouquets were done very simply in one solid color and yet they were so elegant and beautiful!

A picture of the guys getting ready. Do you think they were nervous :>)

Congratulations to Nikki and Ian! Best wishes for a wonderful life together and a marriage filled with romance and love!

I hope all of you have enjoyed seeing some of Nikki and Ian's wedding pictures. There is just something about a wedding that is so up lifting. I just love weddings don't you?

I'M THANKFUL that I live in the world of the Internet. It has allowed me to stay in touch with my family and to meet many wonderful new friends through my blogging experiences.

Many blessings to all of you ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Has anybody seen my grandma?

2010-11-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

Has anybody seen my grandma?

"Hi everybody. Have you seen my grandma? She's been gone an awful lot lately! She's been talking about showers, and dinners, and visiting with friends while I've been stuck here at home all alone. I just don't think it's fair! Since I'm a little girl I don't see why I can't go to all these showers she's been talking about and I wouldn't be any trouble at all if she took me with her to visit her friends. If she took me out to dinner with her I would even be glad to volunteer to help out in the kitchen. She's gonna be mad but it really wasn't my fault that I chewed up one of her favorite books and pulled all the covers and pillows off of the sofa. It's just that I get so frustrated some times. I miss her so much! If you see her will you tell her she has responsibilities here at home? Thanks, Charli"

In Honor of Veterans Day!......

2010-11-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

A very special thank you to all of the men and women who so gallantly served and continue to serve our country!
I'M THANKFUL that because of the sacrifices you and your families have made, my family and I are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today!
GOD BLESS YOU!..... WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!........
With warmest regards, Carol

Rycraft Cookie Stamps.....

2010-11-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

Rycraft Cookie Stamps.....

Quite some time ago, perhaps in the spring, I happened upon a blog and read a post about Rycraft Cookie Stamps. I honestly cannot recall whose blog it was, but a link to the Rycraft home page was included in the post. If anyone reading this post wrote a post on Rycraft Cookie Stamps please send me your link. I would be very happy to add it to my post here.
Ever since reading that Rycraft cookie post I have been receiving monthly newsletters from Rycraft with the intention of one day purchasing one or two of the stamps myself. About two months ago I finally purchased two of the stamps and last week I decided to try one of them out.
This is what I learned.....
It's super easy to do!
I followed a basic shortbread recipe which called for:
1 cup of butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 1/4 cup unsifted flour
All you have to do is roll the dough into one inch balls and then stamp them with the cookie stamp. The stamps are easy to use and the dough doesn't seem to stick to them. When I made my cookies I decided to use the pre packaged Betty Crocker Cookie Icing. I couldn't find any of the green icing so I used the pre packaged cake icing instead. That was a hugh mistake because the icing didn't blend as well on to the cookies. Next time, I will either make the icing as recommended by Rycraft, or purchase the actual Betty Crocker pre made cookie icing in both colors, even if that means going to several stores to find it.
At the Rycraft site there are many different kinds of cookie recipes, cooking and packaging tips, craft projects, cookie stamps, and a newsletter that can be subscribed to if you wish. These cookies are very pretty! The colors are just vibrant and really stand out. I think they would make a beautiful addition to any Christmas cookie box or to a tea table of any kind. They also taste very good!

I would like to say that even though this may seem like some sort of an official advertisement for Rycraft Stamp Cookie's it is not. I just fell in love with these pretty cookies, as well as the site, and with Christmas coming I wanted to share the site with all of you as well. This last picture is courtesy of the Rycraft Stamp Cookie link.
http://www.cookiestamp.com/

Are you inspired to bake cookies during the holidays? If so, I would love to hear from you.

Charli camps out in the kitchen when ever I cook or bake. She will periodically scratch my leg with her paw so I won't forget she is there. When something is baking in the oven her little snoot is on alert! She sits there and sniffs the whole time it is baking.

I'M THANKFUL that I have a home. I have my own little place to rest my head at night. I have a place where I can read, bake, entertain, or even have an animal if I would like. I have a place to come home to, a place where I am warm and out of the cold. To me this is a huge blessing because there are so many without. I hope I never take my life or home for granted.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful week ♥

Since posting my friend Mildred has sent me her stamp cookie link http://yellanmildred.blogspot.com/2010/10/cookie-stamps.html Athough this is not the link I was referring to I wanted to add it here. Just look at all of Mildred's beautiful stamp cookies! Thank you Mildred! Your cookies are awesome!

With warmest regards, Carol

Treasures!.....

2010-11-07T04:47:00.000-08:00

Treasures!....

Recently Charli and me headed over to one of my favorite thrift stores here in our area. Charli, of course, was miffed when she was told she had to stay in the car, and especially, when she saw the big old dog that roams the thrift store during the day. You should have heard her howling! Sometimes that pooch can be so embarrassing!

While I was in the store, tucked a way in the corner, I found this beautiful package of hankies. How many of you can remember back in the days when these dainty little hankies were so popular? Well, according to the owner of the store they are making a huge come back. He told me in the last several weeks alone a lady had come in and bought several boxes to use in a report she was giving on vintage hankies for her college class. He said another lady came in and purchased seven boxes. She said she was going to give them out as favors at a wedding shower she was throwing for her daughter later that month.
Seeing this box, wrapped, with the word Mom on it made me kind of sad. I imagine that some sweet mother received this lovely gift, and like so many of us, cherished it so much that she tucked it away in a drawer and never gave herself the pleasure of using it. I can't imagine this mother ever wanting to part with such a beautiful treasure so I am assuming she may have died and this precious little gift then found itself discarded in a thrift shop. It served as a reminder to me that all of our pretty things should be used and enjoyed. As I stood there speculating about this little box I knew I had to bring these hankies home with me.
Once I had gotten the hankies home, I washed and pressed them. Then I started thinking of all of the fun things I could do with them.

Perhaps I could give them as a gift at one of the teas I enjoy hosting.

Maybe I could used them as a delicate napkin.

I think they would make a lovely napkin ring.

I could even fill them with candy and use them as a party favor.

I don't think these lovely napkins will ever mean as much to anyone as the person they were originally meant for, but perhaps, I could make someone happy by passing them along. What ever I decide to do with them I know this....

As much as we treasure our beautiful gifts, we should enjoy them ourselves, because they just might eventually wind up sitting on a shelf in a thrift shop like these beautiful hankies did.

I hope all of you have a beautiful week ♥

I'M THANKFUL for the life lessons my mother and my grandmother's taught me.

Happy Sunday everyone!

With warmest regards, Carol

It may not be the Mayflower but I still think it's cute!

2010-11-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

It may not be the Mayflower but I still think it's cute!

With out mentioning any names, last year I saw an advertisement in a catalog for a Mayflower ship centerpiece that was made out of felt. The store is some what upscale and the ship was quite expensive. Although I thought it would look darling in my home, or on my Thanksgiving table, I just couldn't justify spending all of that money.

Then this past summer, while walking through Michael's Craft Store, I happened across an unfinished pirate ship and I thought why not try to turn that into a ship to be used as a Thanksgiving decoration, a centerpiece for a small table, or on a buffet for the actual Thanksgiving meal. I bought the ship, popped off the skull and crossbones, and removed the cannon. After a light sanding, I painted it and added foam art stickers. I used fall leaves and 'Give Thanks' messages but there are all sorts of things available in foam art from pumpkins, to pilgrims, and even corn stalks. Wouldn't this be a great project to do with children! I have to say I think my little ship looks very festive indeed!

Give thanks....
"For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done,
and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home-
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!
For the trade and the skill and the wealth of our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and reflection have brought-
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!
For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea;
The land that is known as the "Land of the free."
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!'
-Author Unknown-

Charli and I did a little Christmas shopping today. We went to one of her favorite stores, Pet Smart, where she picked out the presents for Sofie and Peeper. Charli actually wanted to keep them all for herself but she graciously agreed that we could put them away as long as she got a toy too. She is such a typical little diva!
I'M THANKFUL FOR my family. I'm thankful for my dear hubby, our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and also for all of the sweet animals we have been blessed with.
I hope all of you are having a lovely week ♥
With warmest regards, Carol

Please Vote!....

2010-11-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Please Vote!....

Election day is fastly approaching. I hope all of you will exercise your right to vote. Our ancestors fought hard to give us the right to vote and women do have a very powerful voice in this country. Let your voices be heard! Don't sit idly by and leave it up to others to promote the causes that you hold dear. Get involved. The future of our country depends on it.

Today I popped over to my friend Vee's and noticed she had provided a link to a post at 'The Gazebo House.' The post is called 'Why Women should Vote.' I hope you will take the time to stop over to Rett's and read it. It's very interesting and informative as well! It's a very well written post indeed!

http://rettspace.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-women-should-vote.html

Like many of the towns across our country my home town is suffering due to the poor economy. Our city council has had to slash many services and our library is now in jeopardy of closing. This election is especially important to me as I have been busy campaigning in an attempt to save our library for future generations of adults and children alike. Have you noticed changes taking place where you live due to the faltering economy?

I"M THANKFUL that I am a woman living in the United States. I'm grateful that I have the freedoms I do and that I have the right to vote.

The weather is supposed to turn cold in our area later this week with the possibility of snow! Oh, No! Charli and I are enjoying being out doors as much as possible because soon we will be inside hibernating for the winter.

I hope all of you have a beautiful election day ♥

Don't forget to vote!

With warmest regards, Carol

Giving thanks!....

2010-11-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

Giving Thanks!....

The month of November has always been a time of reflection. A time to look back over the year with a sense of gratitude. Of course most of us count our blessings every day but it's also nice to remember all of the things we are thankful for during this designated time of the year.

For some of us this can be a very difficult and sad time of the year. We may have great difficulty looking for things to be thankful for when we are estranged from love ones, going through divorce, separated from those we love through distance or death, or perhaps suffering from an acute or chronic illness.

Most of us carry great burdens in our hearts but God does not want us to dwell there. There is no way any of us can possibly understand the larger plan He has in store for all of us. As long as we do all we can in any given situation and treat one another with respect, dignity, and kindness, that's all that really matters. Sometimes, as painful as it may seem, all we can do is let go.

I believe we have to look for our joy even during the most trying of times and when we do most of us will find it. It can sometimes be in the most unusual places. Sometimes it can be found in places like this lovely blog world of ours. It can also be found in a beautiful church service or in reaching out to others. It can often be found in a stroll though the park, a child's smile, the bud of a flower, and even in the beauty of a song. I believe the more we look for things to be thankful for the more our other burdens will ease.

Several blogs this month are asking us to team up with them in offering daily thanks for all of the wonderful blessings we have been given. I think it's such a lovely idea, and although I am not teaming up with any of them per say, because after all how could I possibly chose only one, I have decided, with all of them in mind, that each post I write this month I will add something or someone I'm thankful for to the bottom. In addition to listing the things we are thankful for, sometimes just reading what someone else is thankful for can remind us of our own blessings as well. I would like to share some of the links I found with all of you. This first link goes to the first image up loaded here. http://branchofwisdom.blogspot.com/2010/10/month-of-thanksgiving-giveaway.html

http://thebzhousethatlovebuilt.blogspot.com/2010/10/2010-im-thankful-for-challenge.html

http://southbreezefarm.blogspot.com/

I wanted to share the following passage I found in 'Joyful thanks,' a very small book with a powerful impact. I picked up at the dollar store one day.

"It is easy to be thankful when life hands us our greatest desires. When everything seems to be going our way, it is natural to be filled with gratitude and joy. But wouldn't it be wonderful to experience this kind of joyous thanks for the simple, everyday blessings that life brings us as well? One practice that helps me get my day started in a thankful mode is to wake up, see that a new day has dawned and say, "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." With this attitude, how can I help but find little treasures throughout the day for which I am thankful?"

ONE OF THE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR is all of you ♥ You brighten my day and make me smile. Thank you so much for your generosity, warmth, kindness, and friendship! Thank you for all of the lovely comments you leave here on my blog. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you could possibly ever know!

Happy November everyone!
Peace be with all of you ♥
With warmest regards, Carol

A spooktacular surprise and a very Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T04:35:00.000-07:00

A spooktacular surprise and a very happy Halloween!

I know all of you have been busy getting ready for Halloween and here at our house there is no exception. Yesterday was the day I made my mom's happy face cupcakes. It is a very simple tradition but one that I have cherished and made for my own family the past forty five years. My mother started this tradition when my brother, sister, and I were very small children. I honestly don't know where the idea came from. Every year she would bake these sweet little cupcakes for our school Halloween parties, and to serve to our aunts and cousins when all of us returned home after collecting our candy on Halloween. My mother would spread out blankets in our living room and after she and my aunts inspected our candy they would go into the kitchen to have coffee, tea, and cupcakes while all of us cousins traded and bartered for candy. After we were finished we would each get one of these darling little cupcakes of our own.

For me these happy face cupcakes are what the holiday is all about. Recently I found a picture I took way back in the sixties. There they are! My little cupcakes! We must have had a late Halloween party that year because I noticed the month that the picture was taken on was November. I wish I could find some of those darling witches to add to the plates of cupcakes I make yesterday. I remember giving plates of cupcakes to all of our neighbors that year.

Yesterday Charli and I received the most awesome surprise in the mail! It was a Happy Halloween card from our good friends Scout and Shelly! Isn't Scout adorable ♥ Thank you so much Shelly and Scout! That was so sweet! My hubby is so funny. He was looking at the card, and said, "Who would have thought? Now the little diva is getting cards on the holidays!" http://logcabininmichigan.blogspot.com/

Shelly actually has several blogs that are absolutely wonderful but I have provided the link to the one that features her beautiful log cabin. You will find Scout in these posts as well. Scout and Charli are just the best of friends. I hope all of you will stop over to visit them. Charli and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy, safe, and fun filled Halloween! We will be thinking of all of you as we head out to a Halloween party of our own this evening.
"OK, OK" Charli has been biting on the leg of my pants because she is so excited to show you her Halloween costume!

And here she is.... The little diva herself......

"Happy Halloween everybody!"

Happy Halloween everyone!!!!!!

With warmest regards, Carol

"Yes, yes Charli, your going to get a treat."

A Halloween tablescape!.....

2010-10-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Halloween tablescape!

I don't know about you but I sure have been busy this week making treats and packing up little bags of goodies for our grandchildren. This is by far one of my favorite weeks of the whole year! There seems to be spiders, bats, ghosts, and goblins every where! Even on my table there is no exception. You are bound to find at least one spider and sometimes maybe even two.
Do you like my black chargers? Sometimes I like to layer chargers as I have done here. The black chargers are ones I picked up at the party store a while ago. You can get chargers for just about any holiday at the party store. I like them because they are festive, will last for years, and are relatively inexpensive.

Remember those pumpkin pails I picked up a while back? Well, all I have to do now is fill them with treats. I added a pretty green bow to each one. I think they make great party favors.
I purchased my plates at Pier One Import. I like to use them in the summer, or when I serve Mexican food, and I was thinking they might even be great for a Mad Hatter tea party. Humm....

I will be making my mom's Happy Face cupcakes very soon. To me it just wouldn't be Halloween without them. My little owl sticker is already sitting high on his perch. I think he just may be on the look out for them :>)

I have placed spider webs, jewels, tea lights, and pumpkin candles on the table to give it that party feel. When we have hosted family parties in the past, sometimes we have even placed a cauldron in the middle of the table that was filled with dry ice. Our grandchildren have especially loved that!
This year my center piece is actually my cookie jar. It's a perfect place to store unexpected surprises and treats!

Now all I have left to do is put the candles in my tea lights, the skeleton straws in the glasses, add the greeting cards to my scarecrow photo holders, and fill my little favor pails. Then, at just the right time, I will turn the lights way down low, light the candles, put on some very creepy music, and I will be all set to go.

I hope all of you are having fun this week!

With warmest regards, Carol

"Come on Charli. We have to put on your costume. It's almost Halloween!"

A football season comes to an end...

2010-10-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

A football season comes to an end...

As those of you know who follow this blog our grandson Thomas was on the varsity high school football team this year. After receiving an invitation from him to come to his games, my hubby and I didn't want to miss any of them. We have been so excited! We have had a wonderful time rooting for our grandson and his team!
This was the first time either my hubby or myself had been to any high school football games since we were in school ourselves which was a very long time ago. Our son's and our grandson Michael attended many of their games but none of them were ever interested in actually playing.
If you are older, and haven't had the opportunity to attend a high school football game recently, I encourage you to do so because you will be amazed at how much things have changed! At least, at our grandson's high school they have. Even though I truly loved attending my high school football games, and rooting our beloved Polar Bears on, these days high school football is over the top! The first thing I noticed is that there is so much more parental involvement than when I went to school. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all come to the games. The parents volunteer for all sorts of things from making sandwiches for the football players to eat after they're six am daily work outs, to selling tickets, team booklets, working the concession stands, and selling tee shirts and other team inspired clothing at the games. It has become a very expensive commodity to support these high school football teams.
The pictures I'm sharing in this post were taken during homecoming weekend. Many of the students decorate they're cars for homecoming now and the parents have actual tail gate parties in the parking lot prior to every game.

The homecoming parade route covered approximately a two and a half mile radius with the police and fire department involved as well. It was absolutely amazing!

Each class designs and builds a float. We didn't even have floats at our homecoming games. That's how old I am! Today there are electronic score boards, announcer boxes, and rolls upon rolls of steel bleachers. In additions to bands, and cheer leaders, schools now have dance teams.

Many of the football fields are made out of artificial turf instead of grass. Do you see that wonderful track the kids have to run on? Our grandson has three different football uniforms and the cheer leaders have three different uniforms as well. During the season, as they support a different cause, the dance team and the cheer leaders wear a different shirt over they're uniforms with the logo of what they are supporting that week written on it.

There is even a street sign called Cougar Boulevard!

My hubby and I were very happy that we got to share in this truly wonderful experience! The Cougars did a fantastic job! There was such a great display of sportsmanship on the field! We enjoyed seeing all of the school spirit and comradery that the high school students have.

Do you remember attending your high school football games? If so, I would love to hear from you.

As much as we will miss attending the games, Charli for one is glad they are over. Some how she knew which days we were going to the games and from early morning her anxiety level heightened. She would pout and pace all day long. Every time we left for the game, there she would be, standing in our window with a broken hearted expression on her face. That little girl really knows how to lay on the guilt when she wants too :>)

I hope all of you are having a wonderful week ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Betty Crocker Cake Box Sugar Cookies

2010-10-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Betty Crocker Cake Mix Sugar Cookies

I have been seeing cookies periodically here in blog land that have been made from different types of pre-made cake mixes. I thought it might be fun to try so I googled Betty Crocker cake mix cookies and found the following recipe.

"Mix-Easy Rolled Sugar Cookies'
1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist white cake mix (I used yellow)
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup butter softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg

Heat oven to 375 (350 for dark or nonstick cookie sheets) In a large bowl, beat cake mix, shortening, butter, vanilla, and egg with an electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then high speed 1 minute.
Divide dough in four equal parts. Roll each part 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured board. I put my dough in the refrigerator for two hours prior to rolling. After rolling the dough cut into desired shapes.
Bake 5 to 7 minutes, or until lightly brown. Cool one minute and remove from pan.
After the cookies are completely cooled they can be decorated any way you chose. I used the pre-made frosting's and gels you can get at your local super market. I also added candy to make the noses.
This would be a fun project to do with children.

Are you cooking up anything special this week for your little goblins? I would love to hear from you.

I hope you have a spooktacular and fun filled week ♥

Well, I'm off to deliver some unexpected treats to my favorite goblins.

With warmest regards, Carol

'"Stop Bullying Now!"....

2010-10-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

'"Stop bullying now!'

In recent months we have all heard of young adults committing suicide because of bullying type behaviors. Bullying is more prevalent in our society than once was thought. It is not only in the elementary, middle school, high schools, and colleges, but it can also sometimes be seen in our own homes, the Internet, work places, hospitals, and extended care facilities where some of our most vulnerably reside. I believe this is a very serious problem and through zero tolerance and education we can effect change. As mothers, health care workers, and educators, through our blogging community, face book, and twitter pages we have a strong forum to get the word out. I found a wonderful site that has been developed for adults and children as well that I found quite interesting and helpful. I hope you will take the time to stop there and then pass the information along to your families and friends.

htttp://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/default.aspx

As I was thinking about this subject, and deciding what to post, I came across the following blog where a mother has written a letter to her daughter and then posted it here in our blog world for others to see. It is very well written and I couldn't have been said it any better. I hope you will take the time to read it and then pass along to someone you love.

http://vicky-bell.blogspot.com/2010/10/letter-to-my-daughter-in-wake-of.html?spref=fb&ref=nf

With warmest regards, Carol

Happy Monday everyone!......

2010-10-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Like many of the areas where you live, farmers have been busy setting up road side stands and bringing they're harvest into our towns to sell. I enjoy seeing these small road side stands as I drive along doing errands and what not. They always make me smile :>)

I love all of the colors associated with fall, the yellows, oranges, and the vibrant reds.

I love the smell of cinnamon, of burning leaves, and fires in open pits.

I enjoy walking in the woods and playing in the leaves.

I love the taste of pumpkin and apple pie, toasted cinnamon almonds, spicy pumpkin seeds, fresh pressed cider, and pumpkin lattes.

I like all of the pretty fall decorations displayed in homes and in places of business.

My hubby and I really like college football and this year it has been especially fun to be able to attend our grandson Tommy's high school football games.

"Well, I like fall because I get to take walks, roll in the leaves, smell the mums, and eat apples!

What are some of the things you like to do in the fall? I would love to hear from you.

I hope all of you have a beautiful and blessed week ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

'Are you ready for some football?'

2010-10-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

'Are you ready for some football?'

Well, Michigan lost the game this weekend but my hubby liked the football menu this week.
I decided to make a clam chowder. I found a wonderful chowder recipe at http://www.food.com/ and then made a few changes to make it my own.
2 tablespoon butter
1 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 cup chopped leeks
1 clove chopped garlic
2 tablespoons flour
1 quart whole milk
2 can chopped or minced clams with juice
1 1/2 cups diced potatoes
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white ground pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream

In a soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, leeks, and garlic. Saute for three minutes mixing often.
Remove from heat and stir in the flour, mixing well. Add milk and whisk well.
Drain the clams and add the juice to the soup. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce the heat to simmer. Then add the seasoning and the potatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add clams and simmer an additional 5-8 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the cream. Season again with black ground pepper and salt to taste.

In addition to the clam chowder I served cheesy biscuits and a orange cranberry salad.

I hope all of you are enjoying your weekend.

Happy Sweetest day ♥

With warmest regards, Carol

Here's hoping you have a spooktacular weekend!....

2010-10-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

Here's hoping you have a spooktacular weekend!

Halloween is such a fun holiday and autumn is such a beautiful time of year. Why not do something fun that you might not ordinarily do. This is a great weekend to decorate your home, take a trip to a cider mill or pumpkin patch, or perhaps make some spooky Halloween cookies. I found these darling skeleton straws at the dollar store last week. My hubby was very surprised when I served him a smoothie and popped one of them into his glass. He just loves it when I do things like this.

Toddlers, pre-schooler's, and school age children love to recieve mail. Why not send your special someone a little treat.

It is not necessary to be a child to enjoy Halloween. My friend Len has been sending out count down Halloween e-mails to all of his family and friends for the past several weeks. Every day I have been recieving one of these charming vintage cards, or some other little something related to Halloween with the message twenty days left, eighteen days left. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed these e-mails! They warm my heart ♥ Now I wait in antisipation to see what his e-mail will bring each day :>) Thank you so much Len! You truly do have a Halloween spirit.

What ever your doing this weekend I hope it's special in every way ♥

Don't forget to watch out for those goblins, witches, and ghosts!

p.s. Charli has been busy getting ready for Halloween too. She now has her costume and we can't wait to show it to all of you.

With warmest regards, Carol

All I ever wanted to do was go to homecoming!

2010-10-11T00:53:00.000-07:00

All I ever wanted to do

was go to homecoming!

"Charli where are you? What are you doing?"
"I'm getting ready for the homecoming parade."
"Charli we have been through this already. You can't go to any of the homecoming activities. Your a dog."
"Well, I want to be the new school mascot. Then I can go. Call Tommy! Just think, everyone will be saying welcome to Schnauzerville, instead of Courgarville, and I'll have a have a street named after me and every thing! Charli Drive!.... sigh... Doesn't that sound good?"
"Nice try pooch but your no Dakota High School Cougar!"

"I just don't think it's fair. Those cats get all the breaks! I never get to have any fun!"

"Charli...."

An Award!......

2010-10-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

An Award!!!

I was so surprised and happy to learn I had received this beautiful award from Ms. Bingles! Thank you so much Ms. Bingles for thinking of me. For those of you who haven't visited my friend I encourage you to do so. You can reach her by clicking on the following link.

http://www.msbinglesvintagechristmas.com/

Ms. Bingles loves everything Christmas and she also loves collecting antiques. Sometimes she even gives away free graphics on her site. She also has has a ETSY shop. She is a grandmother like so many of us are. I hope you will visit Ms. Bingles and see for yourself what a truly wonderful blog she has.

I'm supposed to now offer this pretty award to fifteen of my favorite blogs but I don't think Ms. Bingles will mind if I offer it to my all of my followers here. All of you are so creative and have such beautiful blogs that I just couldn't choose. I hope all of you will accept this heart felt award from Charli and Me.

You can see this pretty award as well as the rest of my lovely awards by visiting http://friendsofcharliandme.blogspot.com/

By the way my dear friend Shelia is having a blog party this week. You can find all of the information about the party on the side bar of my blog. Come join in the fun! Show us your kitchens!

I hope all of you are having a wonderful and blessed day ♥
Charli, my hubby, and myself have been out and about enjoying all of the beautiful sunshine here in our area.
My warmest regards, Carol

Our final destination in Petoskey, Mi.....

2010-10-08T00:24:00.000-07:00

Our final destination in Petoskey, Mi

As I have said before, the real reason for going to Petoskey was to see two of our best friends, my brother and sister-in-law. The plan was to watch the U of M football game together. Those of you who follow my blog know we are huge U of M football fans. Since I was a little girl I've been watching the Michigan games with my brother and the season just wouldn't be the same if we didn't get to watch at least one of the games with him and my sister-in-law. As I said in the previous two posts we had a wonderful time! In addition to the game we took walks out in the woods and watched 'Live in Dublin', a Bruce Springsteen concert. I have never been a great fan of Bruce Springstein's but this concern was awesome! It had a little bit of ragtime, a little jazz, and a little bit of an Irish flavor. If you ever get a chance to watch it I don't think you will be disappointed. In fact, we liked it so much that we ordered a copy for our collection here at home. We had so much fun visiting, talking, and laughing with my brother and sister-in-law. My brother grills the most delicous thick juicy steaks with a smokey wood chip flavor and my sister-in-law, who is a gourmet cook, makes all of the wonderful side dishes. As you can see I'm a very spoiled little sis. Thank you so much Paul and Roxanne for an absolutely lovely visit!
In this post I wanted to show you a little bit more of the color changes here in Michigan. The picture up above was taken off the deck at my bother and sister-in-laws over looking their property. The colors have not even fully peeked yet but as you can see it was absolutely gorgeous!

We always love walking in the woods. It's so beautiful and refreshing. Charli had a ball! She just loves it out there too.

I found this pretty little leaf laying all alone on the ground. The color was so vibrant that it really stood out in the distance as we were walking down the path that leads into the woods.

I love the quietness and peacefulness of the woods.

As we were walking along Charli suddeningly stopped dead in her tracks. There near the side of the road was a deer. When the deer saw Charli it darted back into the woods with her in full pursuit. She soon learned she is no match for the quickness and agility of a deer.

Part of my brother and sister-in-laws land used to be a Christmas tree farm and the scent of pines filled the air as we were walking along.

My brother and I found this magnificent mushroom. As we walked further into the woods we found even more of them. They were all quite large and beautiful! The picture here does not do it justice. The orange colors were just stunning! I have never seen anything like it before. It reminded me of some of the mushrooms in one of my favorite the movies, 'The Wizard of Oz.'

As you can imagine it's always quite difficult to get Charli to come into the house, but once she is there, she does have a favorite place where she loves to hang out. Much like a child she loves to play on the stairs and when she is not running up and down them she can be seen here where she has the best view of everything going on in the house :>)

My brother and sister-in-law enjoy having Charli as a quest and she too is very spoiled by them getting little bites of this or that treat. I'm telling you the dog is a diva!!

I hope you enjoyed seeing a little bit of our recent trip to Petoskey.

Best wishes for a beautiful and fun filled weekend!

We will be hosting a football party here as well as picking up our pumpkins. Let's go blue!!!!

With warmest regards, Carol

From town to my brothers in Petoskey, Mi

2010-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

From town to my brothers in
Petoskey, Mi.

In my last post I showed you a little bit of the board walk area in the town of Petoskey. Today I thought I would share just a few of the many beautiful sites and landscapes on the very short drive back to my brother and sister-in-laws home.

The trees are all very stunning here dressed in their pretty fall attire.

Do you see those houses up in the high lands? That is where my brother and sister-in-law live. The entire area is surrounded by rolling farms and forest.

There seems to be pretty wild flowers in a variety of colors growing every where along the road side.

Then in the middle of no where, standing all alone, no where near a house, or a church is this stunning life size statue of Mary. It was impossible from the picture to capture the enormity of the statue or the emotion I felt seeing it standing there alone in the middle of the field surrounded by nothing but the beauty of the land. The statue has been there for many years but no one seems to know who put it there or why.

The barn below stands at the corner to the entrance of the drive that leads up to my brother and sister-in-laws. I wish I would have had time to take more pictures but it was getting late and there was no way any of us wanted to miss the Michigan game.

In my next post I will share a little bit more of our visit to my brother and sister-in-laws home. It's just incredibly beautiful there and especially in the fall.

I hope all of you have been enjoying fair weather and sunshine in the area where you live.

With warmest regards, Carol