------------So Many Years------------

Trip To Savannah, Georgia

2012-01-18T14:21:00.001-05:00

Our yearly jaunt with 5 other couples just ended this week.
We all rented a house on Tybee Island outside of Savannah for four days.
The house was built the end of the 1900 century around 1893 and owned now by a family who uses it to hold reunions and parties. We rented it from them.
It was amazing to go into this home with all these large floor to ceiling rooms. I am showing you a photo of what was told to us to be a water heated radiator that kept the food warm in the dining room.
We would walk to the beach about a block away but the weather was cold so jackets or coats was the fashion of the day.
Some of us went to the Island to do some boutique style stores, while others went to a Fort or to the Lighthouse. Had dinner one night at Uncle Bubba's (Paula Deen's brothers resturant) and since Shrimp and Grits is one of their special meals, I tried it. It was so rich and creamy, not at all what I have had before, and I got sick that night. Too rich for my taste.
This home is near the lighthouse and a fort so the homes were built to house the military genteel.They called it Officers Row and ours was Number 9.
I always wanted to buy an old home like that, maybe a bit smaller but on the same design. Heat rises you know, that heater was going like crazy. I can imagine the electric bill. It was obvious that maintenance on it was a big job. Even the clawfoot bathtub, that I always loved, was hard to get in and out of. So any thoughts of doing that went flying out the painted shut windows. Give me a one story home now. Oh! Thats what I got.

The home was haunted. I have a picture of the staircase that went up three floors and you can see a shadow of a figure. Heard footsteps when everyone was asleep Yes we did, my girlfriend and I. Fun, really. Thinking of maybe doing a story about ghosts now.

Happy New Year Bloggers!

2012-01-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

Resolutions? I have done many, without success, over the many years that I know about resolutions for the new year. This year I will only say that I am going to take better care of my health. I don't know to what extent that will be as I hate exercise, any exercise. Eating well, well let me tell you about that.
I feel I have always fed my body well, I am overweight! I know if I stopped with the glass of wine everyday and stopped my pasta cravings. Paula Deen's recipes with BUTTER stopped, what kind of taste do you get if you eliminate butter in recipes. That fresh baked Panera bread with butter again, cassoroles that are so easy to make for dinner, relinquish. Never! I am too old now to try to look like I was 40. So weight loss may be at a minium this year. But, I do know that I would be able to stop all the meds I take if I just lose 20 lbs. Hum!!! that might be a slight incentive.
So, my husband loves me the way I am. I sure hope my children do. Yeah! they do.
So, here is my health resolution. Eat smaller portions of what I like and walk to the mailbox everyday.
That shouldn't be to hard to do.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T12:03:00.000-05:00

Back from our Christmas in Florida to visit daughter. While there my daughter from D.C. came and gave me this ornament. She knows I love anything to do with Boston Terriers. Besides, she gave me get a Boston Terrier Tshirt and Boston Terrier Slippers, this ornament was so cute. However being sent via mail it got broken a bit.

Ironically I have a real Boston Terrier with a cigar in his mouth photo taken last summer. Just had to share this on my blog. DH cut a cigar and inserted it into the ornament and saved the day. It now stands with my collection. Too cute not to share. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL YOU BLOGGERS! and FRIENDS!

2011-12-08T15:02:00.000-05:00

There is a small old building that houses a store called Benton's about 25 miles south of us, worth the ride. It has been there for years sells all kinds of Country Ham, Bacon, Regular Ham, Smoked Ham in all sizes. You walk in and you get filled with this wonderful ham and smoke fragrance. You tell the man what you want in weight of one and he will tell you how much it will cost you. Then he goes into the back to pick out that ham, cuts it up anyway you want it, wraps it and it is yours for a price of course. I took a couple of pictures of the inside of it.
Benton's is pretty well known throughout the country as they do a lot of shipping also. There was a long line of people ordering like crazy, as were we, for Christmas gifts.

Doors. doors. doors!

2011-12-05T14:23:00.000-05:00

As my Dh and I travelled around different states I was always looking at homes we would past by.
The first is a door on an old building that is used as a Community Theatre in Savannah or Charleston.

This is the door for the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

This door is in Maryland

The old homes were my favorite along with those that people restored. No telling how many people past through these doors and when. There is always a story. I have seen some marvelous old doors on other blogs so I thought I would also show mine from time to time. Maybe I should do another blog with just photos as is done in a blog called Picayune Photos by Barbara. Her photos are really fantastic to look at and what I say is "she certainly has the eye". Gave me the incentive to look.
.

Merry Christmas - A Simple One

2011-12-01T17:45:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of an old barn in the woods in Tennessee that I drove by and noticed the wreath on the side. I guess it doesn't matter how old or forgotten a place can be, someone wanted to dress up this

old barn for the holidays.

My Front Porch

2011-11-29T14:07:00.001-05:00

Even though I probably won't be home for Christmas I wanted to share a little bit of Christmas
with my neighbors. I started to decorate the day after Thanksgiving and behold, my two neighbors started in to decorate too. We are in a small neighborhood of about 13 homes but I know only three

Still have to add an iceskater or two to this scene, maybe a santa too.

that started to decorate. I put lights on a cherry tree this year as I like to add a little something extra each year. I have them on a timer along with the other lights so they go on at 5P.M. and off at 10P.m. even when I am elsewhere.
Now the second photo is my Christmas tree - Easy Peasy this year.
Third photo is my Fireplace - Should have lit the fire though. Will do that again.

I am also in a swap in a group called "The Front Porch" so I thought it would be a cute idea
to make a photo postcard or a heading on some stationery of their front porch. I think maybe
this one will be my swap. If any one has not joined in Swap-bot they are missing out on some
great crafting in every type of crafting etc. and it is a great way to meet other crafters whether
it be your interest in quilting, photography, writing, pen paling or just hashing over things with
someone you probably won't ever meet in person, then again you may.

I Just Love A Red Fire Truck

2011-11-22T15:09:00.001-05:00

A month or so ago we went on an RV trip to Georgia. Fort Mountain there is a lovely place. We
had a site right on the lake. I may have added that to my blog before. Well, on one of our picnicing
trips we went on this bumpy, one car road where I thought it would land us to nowhere. However, through the dirt roads that were narrow and through woods of trees we came across this old, old, fire truck. It was parked on the side of the road and a homestead just a few steps behind it. Sure needed a wash.

It seems that cars, trains and firetrucks back in the days of yore (thats how I call it) things of transportation were made to last. We do see many of that in the car shows and some museums with big trains in them, but a firetruck I never saw one this old before. Well, maybe in a local parade along with old tractors. That will be another photo I will take of a lineup of old tractors rusting away. To be continued......

Tried a New Craft - -

2011-11-19T10:23:00.001-05:00

I have knitted scarves before just knitting and purling but this was kind of unique and I
thought I would give it a try.
The yarn is Rozetti Marina and all you do is knit the whole ball of yarn and this is how it turns out, in a Ruffle. My friend in Florida referred this to me and I also found the blog www.nobleknits.com
to buy it from.
It is rather autumy looking too and will look good with my brown coat this winter. It is something
I may try to do once or maybe twice but although it is easy it is a concentration study to say the

least. Looks like something to eat at Thanksgiving doesn't it?

Deer Me!

2011-11-12T12:22:00.001-05:00

It is that time of year again and the deer are grazing in my backyard. This is a photo DH took of

a young Buck this morning and notice in one of the photos on top of a birdhouse is a bird just watching this deer. Surprised to see it all alone as last year there were about 20 of them grazing there. If you click on the photo you can see the bird better and the antlers beginning to grow on this buck.

Talented American Indians

2011-11-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

When I passed through on my way home to Tennessee from Asheville, N.C. we decided to go over the mountains and through Cherokee, N. C. I have been there many times and although it is really being built up it still remains a tourist area, complete with Casino that is run by the Cherokee Indians. A beautiful building.

Big hotels are going up but it still looks shabby to me. Indians are performing on little outside stages while tourist pay or give them a tip to sit in one and watch them dance. It kind of sadden me.
The museum there is very lovely showing all the wares of original indians who lived in N.C.
However, I did notice these bears that were throughout the area of Cherokee, each one painted different. This one I took a picture of because it was so American Indian.

A Very Large Mail Box

2011-11-01T17:37:00.000-04:00

I just had to post this. This is a mail box, somewhere in there. It is in front of a farm I pass by everyday and it amazes me. There is a stone jutting out on the right that looks like an animal. I have to control myself not to slip over there some night and paint it black with glowing eyes on it. Do you see that?
The machine is an old road grader with piles of rocks around it. This gentlemen farmer must have been in road construction at one time as I have seen several of his heavy equipment up for sale on his farm. The mail box is just under that blue sign with an address on it.

It is in a precarious location too, as it it on a curve. I just can imagine on a dark night without lights around it some person driving under the influence misses the curve. Just want to share that with you.

Fall Visit to Asheville, N.C.

2011-10-28T14:23:00.002-04:00

Even though N.C. and especially Asheville is just a drive over the mountains, I only get to go there twice a year, but after this past week I might make it more like once a month.

Besides the beautiful weather and the fall color it has so much talent there. Artist are presenting their
wares in all the shops. I stayed at Black Mountain and their little shopping area is so cool. I did manage to buy a couple of things and being with my daughter I was a recepient of a few more items via her
generousity. We went to the Farmers Market which is open every day and it was amazing to see
all the fruits, vegggies and handmade items for sale. I even commented to one of the suppliers there how beautiful and fresh everything looked. Prices were not bad at all either and I managed to purchase a few items. Then we went to Wayneville, N.C. just a 10 minute drive and walked their little town. Once again amazed at all the talent there. I bought a beautiful necklace (yes, for me).

We took our little boston terrier Katie with us and since she was a little cold we put on h er sweater. I noticed though that you can tell dog lovers from non-dog lovers. How? Well those that looked and
smiled at Katie in her kelly green sweater and did a few ah!'s to those who just walked on by, nose in
air.

Farmers Market - Asheville, N.C.

Miss Katie with her master.

Sun Flowers of course.

I think I will put a picture of her with my dear husband for you who are dog people. Ah!!!

Bird Bath - Pondering should I or shouldn't I

2011-10-22T10:52:00.000-04:00

I took this photo and made a few postcards of it for a swap. The more I looked at it the
more it looked like the bird was also made of stone as is the birdbath. It just came out
this way and was not photoshopped at all. Sometimes you can really get surprised
with what you as a novice photographer can get. This has become one of my second
favorite photo (outside of family photos of course.)

Pretty Amazing Animals

2011-10-16T10:17:00.000-04:00

Going through a town recently I checked the side mirror and saw what I thought was
motorcycle rider with packages in the front and back. Very dangerous I thought but
unique. However, when she/he got alongside of me I realized they were dogs, little
guys, not packages. He/She had dressed them accordingly for the ride. It looks as
if maybe a little bid of hairdye too.
Hope you enjoy seeing this as much as I did. I only wish I had it on video instead

of just a shot. You may have to click on the picture to see these adorable pups closer.
One in front of rider and a brown one on the back. They do not seem to be tethered
either. Amazing.

It is My Favorite time of Year -

2011-10-13T15:45:00.000-04:00

I probably won't be home for Halloween, doesn't matter much as I don't get many (4)
trick or treat kids each year, but I had to decorate for that and for the season gloriously
delicious Fall.
With the holiday, the cooler weather, the color in the trees I see from my porch looking
up into the mountains, the soups I will make to keep that tummy full and warm along
with hot chocolate and a beautiful fire glowing in the living room, what more can I
ask for.

I just wanted to share a couple of photos of my decorations.
Do you see that little black and white face in the doorway?

Really Ugly! But colorful!

2011-10-11T14:35:00.001-04:00

I hope it doesn't make you cringe as much as I did but this was the first time I have ever
seen this type of caterpillar and would love to know what it turned into but alas it is gone
forever. Have any of you seen anything like this. I believe it is called a Saddleback" and
found in Georgia in the mountains. How it got here in Tennessee is a wonder. Its a four

hour drive from there to here. Do not click on photo as it is creepy enough this size.

Yup! It's Fall in Tennessee

2011-10-08T11:05:00.001-04:00

The towns in East Tennesse, and I am sure others are the same, Fall is such a celebration. I think this year since our Summer was so hot it is a blessing to cool down. It has just begun and some days the weather can't make up its mind. Mornings are 40 and after noons 60's then it goes to 80 degrees. I am thankful for that of course because I just know Winter will be very, very cold. I saw a wooley worm!

DH and I, along with Katie, the dog drove into the artistic village of Townsend, Tn. which is really only a short drive from home, to get our middle of the week slaw-chili dog at the town gas station. While sitting by the road at a rest area there munching away, yum!, I noticed this decoration smiling at us from across the street. I just had to share it with fellow bloggers. If you click on picture you
can see more detail.

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

2011-10-02T14:58:00.003-04:00

Just had to try out this website, however should have had a different color presenting
itself.
However, keep in mind that the oldest is 54 and the youngest, not Katie but Valerie is in her 30's.
DH and I are not that young either but they don't show aging people to pick from.
Hope this doesn't hurt your eyes as I can't correct the color now.

Stage 2 And final Deck

2011-09-30T14:36:00.000-04:00

We had our back top deck redone and just love it as it is now undercover and permanent.
Best time to sit there in the AM with coffee in hand especially now that

the weather has improved from being hot to cooler. Dinner in the evenings fantastic.

DH took down all the wooden rails on the deck and installed all the
white pvc that you see here. We did have the roof put on by professional
installers. I think my DH did a fantastic job. We now have two decks under
cover one above the other and then an extended part of the deck in case
someone (not me) wants to sunbath in the summer.

My 1600 inch strip Quilt top

2011-09-14T09:33:00.000-04:00

A new direction in quilting for me. Easy now, but frustrated me a little in the beginning.

My girlfriend told me to check out a video on a 1600 inch quilting site.

She said she did one of these tops at a retreat and did it in 35 minutes.

Well, right up my alley. So I checked it out.

Bought myself a 40 strip jellyroll and started. However, without going into

detail it took me 2 hrs. the first day, 2 hours the second day and 35 mins. the

third day but I completed a top. Not ironed as yet.

As I said before I consider myself to be a novice at quilting.I may, now that

I understand the idea better I may even try to do another.

These seem perfect for those that make quilts for different organizations to

give away or to raffle off.

Thank you Ramona! (I think) More to come!

Almost an Hitchcok movie!

2011-08-24T13:23:00.001-04:00

This reminded me, as I watched from my deck, starlings or blackbirds on a wire just like
the movie "The Birds". Just before I took this picture there were at least 2 dozen all in a line.
The movie was scarey happening in a small town when birds flocked by the millions onto homes, in attics and fireplaces, landing on all the lines from the telephone polls. They would attack people as they walked the streets. It brought to memory those Mockingbirds we see in videos pecking at peoples heads or diving into a cat or small dog. I still have problems with Mockingbirds, don't care for them as much.
See the movie is you haven't already. A lasting impression, "The Birds"

2011-08-20T17:03:00.000-04:00

This little hummer is resting in our tree just after finishing up her/his dinner.
The family of three are getting ready for their trip to South America.
I feel the mother and father are the same every year as they know I have their
feeders set up and ready for them in the spring. Always giving us plenty of
entertainment. So small, yet good things always seem to come in small packages.
God did good!

Great Finds

2011-08-08T16:24:00.011-04:00

The last two days I felt like shopping, antique shopping that is. Usually just to look around and see things my Mom had at one time. See a few that she had and didn't keep and now worth some money. There are more and more antique shops and thrifts going up everyday.

I guess I am becoming a quilt collector because my eyes caught these two quilts in two different stores and when I found out the price, I didn't care whether some might say they were made in China or not. They were handmade and machine and the blue one had doilles sewed on by hand.
They said they were twin size but these are shown on king size beds so they looked really nice.

Hope you think so too! Oh! I paid $40 for the maroon and white and the blue wedding ring was $21.00. Did I do good?

Next Size Up!

2011-07-21T15:53:00.003-04:00

I have been "quilting" for a short period of time. I am always reluctant to try anything too large in the sewing arena, I want to show you my latest.

I have done dotee dolls (seen on flickr account), fabric Artist Trading Cards and Fabric postcards and fabric journals. Then I got a little confident, not much but a little, and did a wall hanging for my grandaughter and lap quilts for my 4 grandsons. Now I have graduate to a little larger size and I don't know if you would call it a babyquilt or adult lap quilt. I have not perfected this to the extent I would like but I am trying. I try to do patterns that I like and most of them are easy to do as is this one. It is a quilt top from strips and sewed to gether. Now, I was in a swap for these blocks so there are a few of mine and a few done by others, then I did the backing which is black with tiny hearts of color over it. I also finished it in envelope style because I find that easy for me. Next time I will go up a level.

I am currently working on another top which will be very colorful, I do love color which I will show on my blog when finished.