ON HOLLYHOCK FARM

HEARTBREAK

2013-02-16T06:29:00.000-05:00

Monday, the 11th, my sweet Chumley lost his battle with cancer. I have been spending what time we had left taking care of him, so I have neglected all of my projects and blogging.

He had complications of bronchitis and could not breath. It took this long for me to even write about it. I am having a very hard time, as well as my husband. He was so a part of me, I could not move a muscle with out Chum jumping up to see where I was going!

RIP Sweetie!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2012-12-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

My Truck

2012-12-23T06:20:00.000-05:00

Well, we woke up to a very upsetting situation yesterday! My beautiful truck, 2011 Ford F150 was stolen right out of our driveway! And as they backed it up, they smashed the drivers side tail light and bumper. We found soon after way at the end of our road. Merry Christmas! I can't remember the last time I was so mad!
I just make sure I think of Sandy Hook. Then I come to terms with the situation very quickly.
I have the truck back. Just a little glitch in my life that can be fixed. Our quiet, suburban area has now caught up with the rest of the world of today! I guess it's time for a younger and bigger dog. I truly believe in a good watch dog that can hear everything. My three dogs now are up in age and sleep through a hurricane.
I just had to vent a little. Oh, and my hubby was hoping for a new truck! He was hoping for mine to be totaled so we can get another one. I am not like that. I love my truck. I'm a rescuer, of everything! And, another freaky addition to this story. I went to a psychic with my neighbor and she predicted that someone was going to smash in the rear end of my truck!!!!! That was this past Monday! She was holding my keys to the truck and asked me if anybody else drives my truck besides me. I said my hubby. She said "well , the back end will be smashed in". I thought he would be the one to do it. I have been to her before and so many things have come true.
And that's it for this weekend! Kind of a lost weekend. Thanks for listening. Hope your weekend was a lot better.

Christmas 2012

2012-12-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

I thought I would show a few pics of my trees, one of which I spray painted with an off white to try and achieve a snowy effect.

This is the tree before.

This is after. It worked a little. Now it's not as fake looking as before.

Here is my white tree. No ornaments. I went simple this year. (it's also called lazy)

My little snow scene I made in my huge glass canister from an estate sale.

(little blurry)

I have been making ornaments for presents this year. I love these little bird houses.

Love using this Moose Moss.

And since we live in Buffalo, I use Buffalo Snow.

And of course, the old standbys. A little goes a long way.

I hope every one has a safe and merry Christmas.

Linking up to these partays;

Holiday Home Tour

2012-12-18T04:21:00.000-05:00

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air... They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their Savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Old Frames

2012-12-16T05:37:00.001-05:00

I have a few of these oval frames laying around and always wanted to paint one for Christmas. My Nicky, always was the clown. I have a ton of acrylic paints, too, and I chose Holiday Red. Appropriate. So this was one of the easiest projects I have done in a while.

We also have a lot of pine trees around for boughs. I have them around for decor and used some for my frame. I love these frames and have been collecting them over the past summers at yard and garage sales.

I also have been on the lookout for a vintage blow mold Santa or snowman. We had a snowman when I was a child, but my brother has that one. I found this one at a gently used furniture store.

He is in our front hall to greet everyone. Another window in the back of him that I made into a mirror with Looking Glass Paint. Love that stuff.

Thats it for now. Short and sweet.

I'll be partying at these partays;

Shanty2Chic

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY

2012-12-15T10:01:00.002-05:00

Ornament Exchange

2012-12-04T06:25:00.001-05:00

This is the ornament I had made for the ornament exchange over at Danas' blog, The Crafted Niche.

I made it from this,

Along with odds and ends I had in my craft boxes. I have a bird themed Christmas tree and love these little bird houses. I hope the recipient loved it, too.

My camera settings were off so it's hard to tell the color. It's actually green with brown trim.

Hop on over and see the rest of the ornaments at her linky party tomorrow.

I can't wait to see what comes in the mail for me!

Linking up to these partays;

A Crafted Christmas

2012-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

UPDATE

Here is an update on my Chumley, he has rallied back and seems normal again!!! After a couple days on his meds, he has made a turnaround and is back to his normal self! He is still anemic but is running around harassing his little bro, Boo Boo. So for now, we can breathe a sigh of relief.

It's a waiting game. Chumley, my loyal companion ,is waiting to cross over. His cancer is starting to take over, he is anemic, in pain and not in a good quality of life. He saw his dr. yesterday and now is on pain meds and antibiotics along with his steroid. He still is eating and drinking well. But you can just tell. Our hearts are just aching. We have been through it so many times, and it gets harder with every one! Our vet is so great and caring, he will even come to the house so it's not so traumatizing for the dog. We love him!

Chum at the animal blessing this past summer.

Chum and his sister, Jill playing in the sprinkler.

He is 15 and we gave him the best life ever. I know he won't be far, they are all around me, waiting for me.

A new use for old windows.

2012-11-29T20:55:00.000-05:00

Storm windows for a screen door came in handy. I decided to make a fake window with lace curtains and lights for a Christmas feel.

I cut some old lace curtains to fit the back of the window and glued the edges.

Then added some lights to the back of the curtains.

They phase off and on. It adds a little Christmas to that wall.

I haven't been in the spirit lately. Maybe if we get a little snow.

I did find a pretty unique light for the outside. It's called Bliss Lights and it looks like sparkles all over the trees.

They look like an ordinary stake light but with a million led lights. They come in green and red.

Of course I don't have palm trees, but it gives you an idea how it looks.

(And I am not in any way promoting or have been paid to advertise this light.)

Has anyone seen or invented a new and unique way to decorate with Christmas lights? I would love to see some.

That's all I have for now.

Ta ta.

>>Chic on a String The Cowgirl Up! Link Party!
Shanty to Chic

#16>

Happy Thanksgiving to All

2012-11-22T05:54:00.003-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERY ONE

SHUTTER SHELF

2012-11-10T09:17:00.001-05:00

I have had these corbels hanging around for years and did not know what to do with them! There were three of them and they were red.

Purchased them off of Craigs List for $25.

I love them!

They were nice and big, the biggest went to make a new mailbox post.

The other two really don't match, but I didn't care, I wanted a shutter shelf! And I made one using a shutter from a yard sale.

This is an old lamp base I took apart and painted white, glued a rusted metal piece from another lamp, and a glass "what not" on top to hold a candle. Also added crystals to finish it off.

I made this candle from a table leg and candle plate glued to the top. Then painted it white with a little distressing.

I just love stuff like this! I had made more but sold them at various yard sales.

Well, on to other projects. We are having a warm up this weekend so leaf sweeping is in order!

Hows the weather by you guys? We are to get into the 60s by Sunday. Virtual heatwave.

Have a great weekend! 8^)

Linking up to these partays:

>A glimpse inside Momnivore's Dilemma

Fall Into Fall Party

Road Trip

2012-11-05T06:03:00.001-05:00

Now this is a lot of beef!!!!

We took a little road trip yesterday. It was a frigid and slightly snowy day.

Since I found out that the cattle industry has been supplementing grain with CANDY!!!!, I choose not to buy it unless it is grass fed and organic. How the hell can we fight the obesity epidemic in this country if the dairy and beef cattle are being fed everything but the kitchen sink?! We need to know what is in our food! I raise my own chickens, so I know whats in my eggs. But now the milk and beef have mass amounts of sugar. It's cheap and makes the cattle eat more. Of course they are going to eat more, they're addicted! Plus, what corn they do consume is probably genetically altered. And you as a consumer will not know that because the stores don't have to divulge any of that info. Just the fat contents.

Check out this video,

http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/10/news/economy/farmers-cows-candy-feed/index.html

So we went local and started buying beef from a farmer that only raises his cattle on grass and nothing else. They are Scottish Highland cattle and are so darn cute with all that hair. We have seen his farm and have been very happy with the meat. It's so delicious, the grand kids demand the burgers. We call them "hairy cow" burgers.

This is his bull. I never thought to get his name but he was magnificent! He's ten years old and soon to retire.

These youngsters were up having some salt. They don't know it yet, but they are the next batch of burgers.

I could never raise them for meat, I become too attached.

There is another attraction in this area,

these are EVERYWHERE! They are even in the pastures. Awesome and a little spooky.

We actually were right underneath this one. They are so silent and eerie. I wonder what these guys think of them?

Miles and miles of them.

This picture was taken two weeks ago on a ride out to Morrisville. Beautiful sunny day.

Most of the leaves were gone already but it still was a pretty ride.

So this was a post about a little venting, and a nice ride in the country. Not to mention a great dinner!

Thanks for dropping by.

White

2012-10-26T07:33:00.002-04:00

About a month ago, I found a $10 coffee table at an antique sale. It wasn't an antique, but I loved the size, the design, and the price! It's not all made of real wood, either, but I thought after a coat of paint, it would work out fine.

I can't seem to find a before picture because my computer crashed twice on me. I don't have everything back to normal yet.

The coffee table was a yucky brown stain and the top is kinda bubbled up in spots. It must be a cheap veneer.

I love the chunkiness of it plus the curves. Now it looks shabby chic.

It also has the iron scrolling under the glass which makes it unique.

All I did was sand, paint with some oops paint I have laying around, sanded in certain areas to distress a little and now I have to seal.

Not bad for $10?

Slowly but surely the living room is going white. I have been buying up all the lace table cloths I can find and I think the most I paid for one is $11. I use them to cover stuff, and they make great curtains.

I love those curtain clippy things, you can hang anything, now. I need to change out the rods, though.

I cover lamp shades, which soften the light.

Then I have some solid table cloths which I used to cover an ottoman,

I found this ottoman in the trash.

This chair and a half was on Craigs List. Another one of my favorite go to places.

Here is some more trash,

The shutters behind the wood stove. I found 6 sets and they were already white.

This was my favorite find of all times! This down filled sofa with pillows was out for the trash! Jacquard print and nothing wrong with it except a few grease marks. I washed the cushion covers and pillows in Oxy clean and they came out perfect. It's so comfy, you just sink into it and fall asleep!

There's a dog wrapped up in that throw.

This little chest of drawers was found at a yard sale, it's so cute and little, it made a perfect end table.

Another yard sale item.

I've become a QVC addict. I purchased this lantern with the fake flickering flame. (say that 5 times!)

Disney invented this feature for the Pirates of the Caribbean.

I tried to get a better pic of the flame, it is so COOL!

It runs on batteries and has a timer. Perfect!

I have a few Halloween decorations out, not going crazy this year.

Last year we only had one trick or treater!

So one bag of candy seems too much! Maybe a large candy bar.

I do NOT want any left over! Unless it's dark chocolate, which children do not like.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Some LOL's for you.

I'll be at these partays;

Flaunt it Fri.Farmgirl bloghop

Inspiration Friday BNOTP

Eeeewwuuuuue......

2012-10-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

Now, I had seen this cute little guy on Pinterest the other day and LMAO! So I pinned it and sent it around to friends and family. We all had a good laugh. Can you see where I'm goin' with this.....? Karma has a way of showing up when you least expect it!

This was in my tub yesterday morning as I was getting ready to go out. Now, I didn't see it right away until it started crawling around. And I noticed it out of the corner of my eye! OMG! It was BIG, and I can't squish something that big! Spray, what to spray with that will instantly slow it down?

Good ol' bleach! Took quite a lot but it worked! And he's clean to boot!

Just thought I would share this with you, and to make you think .......

before you mock......

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Christmas already?!

2012-10-15T08:57:00.000-04:00

Seems I was just floating in my little pool to get away from the 85 degrees! Now we are planning our Christmas'! Is it true, the older we get, the faster times fly? It is for me.
Dana over at the Crafted Niche is hosting an ornament exchange.
Pop on over and sign up. I already have and have my idea of what I am making. It sounds like so much fun. I'm excited about Christmas but so not loving the cold.
I can't wait to see all the different handmade treasures. What will you craft?

Bottlemania

2012-10-04T07:48:00.000-04:00

I love Pinterest! Of course I'm sure you all do, too. I found a beautiful bottle transformation on Pinterest at Turnstyle Vogue. I just had to do one for myself.

Now we are not a drinkers so this bottle of Crown Royal is about 20 years old! I had to empty the rest of the bottle in order to redo it. (no..not in my mouth!)
Here's how I began.

I painted over the detailing with some acrylic paint in gray.

Then used Annie Sloan Chalk paint in Duck Egg Blue. I just love this paint, I only used one coat! It has fantastic coverage.

Next, chalk board paint in black on the clear label area.

I then used a fine grit sandpaper to rough up the detailed parts.

I thought I was finished but it just didn't look complete. I thought of adding my own label then I decided to do this....

I think it's ok, I might change it if I stare at it too long!!

For now, it's cute.

Please visit Turnstyle Vogue and see how Sherri transformed her bottle.

And for goodness sakes, check out Pinterest if you haven't already!

Linking up with these partays;

href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.c
POWW 109

OMG!!!

2012-09-27T20:04:00.000-04:00

This is my $35 Craigs List day bed. Picture from last X-mas. It has been up in our loft bedroom for a while. Well, I had a brain storm......bring it down to the living room for extra seating. When we took it up it was apart and I thought it would be easy enough to take apart again. WRONG!

Hubby must of torqued them nuts on pretty good, because I could NOT get them off! So the next idea was take it as is down the stairs. Bad idea.

Now, I wanted to do this with out getting hubby involved because then it turns into a whole fiasco and would take forever! So last resort, lower through the loft hole!

Now, I wish I had a video camera to document this moment for prosperity!

I had to look prosperity up to make sure I had the right meaning, I think I do, in a way.

So, I stripped the bed, took the mattress off and proceeded to figure out HOW THE HELL to hold it and lower it at the same time! Plus miss my chandelier I refurbished.

before refurb shot

in process of painting white

Here is the opening to the bed room and the finished chandy.

I also needed a rope which I couldn't find. So I used my hubby's belts hooked together.

OMG! I think I strained everything I own!

But I made it with out hitting anything!

Fast forward to the finished bed.

You can see my favorite show is on, QVC, yaaaaaay!

I bought different lights, though, 17' battery operated rice lights. Clear.

I also found a use for the corbels I bought 3 years ago. Hang them on the wall and put a shutter on top for a shelf.

And in order to do all this, I had to move the tv to the corner and put it on a shelf. It's temporary till hubby makes a better shelf.

It's kind of a pain having a small living room. I have to cram everything I want into a room with one and a half walls!

I'm done now. I have to lay down!

Linking to these partays;

My entry into Make it Pretty Monday's link party is sponsored byAppliances Online.

New kitty bed.

2012-09-22T09:29:00.000-04:00

I picked up this suitcase at a garage sale for $5 a month
ago and finely got around to finishing the project.

It is in excellent condition!

So it was a toss up between putting tall legs on it for a table or short legs for a kitty bed. Kitty bed won. All I used were old finials from our old picket fence. Then stuffed a pillow in it. Voila!

My model had to check it out.

Fluffer had her face buried in the cushion, since I smooshed catnip all over it!

Now she's getting into it!!!

I think she likes it.

Linking up to these partays;

/>
POWW108 TWEAK IT TUESDAY

WHO DOES THIS?????

2012-09-18T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hello, I'm Pattie, and I'm a magazine hoarder.

Is there a help group for this? It wasn't till I cleaned my living room did I realize, "I have a problem!".

When these have to be moved, it's a problem.

But I can't throw them out! I have a Country Living magazine from 1996!

I kept this one because of the stuffing recipe for my turkey on Thanksgiving! Since I made it, my family insists I make it every year! Especially my son-in-law.

He loves to cook and I am surprised he hasn't asked for the recipe.

I love to go through all the magazines and put out the old ones for each holiday.

I think I have all the Country Home, Country Living, and Cottage Living that were published!

Do you have a particular problem like mine? Let me know, please.

Oh, yea, Fluffer doesn't like the rain so guess where she is today?

On her favorite ottoman in front of the wood stove "fake" fire.

I have not been compensated for this post by Country Living, Country Home, or Cottage Living.

A place for everything and everything in it's place.

2012-09-12T16:45:00.010-04:00

Went to a beautiful antique sale last Friday and wanted EVERYTHING!!! I hadn't seen one like this in a long time. I found a cute little blue shelf that I knew would be perfect to store my essential oils in.

I already started painting it white to match the kitchen before taking a picture of it while it was blue. So I stopped painting and took pics of the blue that was left.

Here is the shelf after.....

I have it upside down because I wanted it on the counter. Now I can see what I need without going through every bottle!

My grandkids call me "The Witch Doctor" ! I use them for everything.

Linking up to these partays:

/> no. 97
Link Party 73

Good score in the trash department!

2012-08-30T06:51:00.002-04:00

Look what was in the trash!!! Unbelievable!

It needs the top refinished and some cleaning but this table is HEAVY!

One of the chairs has a badly chewed stretcher. I might have to replace it.

I hate to say it, but my husband was in on this one. He was out early on Saturday and came home to tell me about the set. I was kinda skeptical but he came through on this one.

I also found this great copper outdoor lantern at a yard sale for $4! I would love to turn it into a lamp.

All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good Saturday!

Just a note to those who are being pummeled by Issac, our prayers are with you.

Partays I'm following;

"The Bewitching Home" Blog Party

2012-08-20T09:15:00.000-04:00

The Witch of Howling Creek is having a blog party, October 13th, 2012.
Stop on over and join in!

Treasures for the garden.

2012-07-23T07:23:00.031-04:00

I picked up a few things while out junking and sale-ing.

This is a dresser I picked from the trash. Tons of stickers on it but in very good shape. This is what it looks like now....

Added a mirror painted with chalk paint and then made it into a giant planter.

Picked up this set at a yard sale real cheap. Here they are in the process of being painted off white. They were also missing seats and backs, so my hubby cut them out of plywood and I painted them the same green as the dresser.

Here they are in my garden.

( excuse the hose, had to keep the garden alive!)

Also found this desk in the trash. The things people throw out!! This piece is in great shape! The veneer is peeling off, though.

We had a visitor to see my garden, Mighty Joe, a Bernese Mountain Dog. He is sooooo huge!

Then he noticed the cat.....things went south real quick! All's well, the cat survived.

Just a few blooms this month.

Not a bloom but colorful all the same.

It finely rained today. I think it was 11 drops. "Sigh"

Oh well, I'll be draggin' hose again.

Till next time.

I'll be partaying at these blogs;

PrimpYourStuffWed

MMM

I've been slipping!

2012-07-21T20:10:00.000-04:00

I have been absent a lot lately. I have been reading blogs but not posting. We just found out my beautiful Border Collie, Chumley, has cancer and I have been trying to re-adjust his diet and keep up with his meds, (along with my mom's and mine!). I was not happy with my current vets diagnosis so I switched to a new vet. He was so thorough and loving with Chum, it made all the difference in the world! He went for his second appt. for blood work and his blood counts were almost back to normal! I was ecstatic! He has to go back every month for blood work but we are very happy. He is 14 but looks and acts like 8!

We took him to an animal blessing and that was just 2 days before his appt. Maybe some one upstairs is looking out for him.

This is the minister that performed the blessing. She was great.

There were two more Borders there along with quite a few German Shepards.

All animals were well behaved.

This is Chum as he is being blessed.

You can see the tumor sticking out on his right side. The cancer is right behind it next to his heart and esophagus.

They were all beautiful. The next blessing is in August and we are taking all 3 dogs this time.