Diane Cayton-Hakey

Alice In Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Sat, 25 May 2013 10:34:00 +0000

For some reason this photo reminds me of Alice in Wonderland going down the rabbit hole.

It's sort of a hole or window through our little stand of cedar trees to the neighbor's property just beyond ours,

and there is a small view of the blue sky beyond.

I stood on the front porch this morning as I let the pups out for their morning ritual and happy dance of bouncing around and chewing one one another.

I imagine a bear peering through at me some day and me going shrieking into the house for safety.

Oh don't look at me that way....

it COULD happen ya know.

Double Oh Seven

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:28:00 +0000

What a neat idea for a pool! Of course you would have to have the 007 theme song playing every time you were using it. LOL

Everyone have a fab Friday!! Hey, it's Memorial Week-end for heaven sakes.
Enjoy!!

And check out my tee-shirt giveaway for heaven sakes!

Exclamation point Exclamation point Exclamation point

Tee Giveaway From Loft

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:29:00 +0000

This giveaway is for a size

XL tee shirt in a light gray color from Loft...

I lied in my last post. The photo I gave was of a vee neck, but mine as well as the one I am giving away has a more rounded neckline.

*I am a size 38 and the XL is more than generous in size*

It's a 60-40 blend which you can read about here.

60% cotton, 40% modal. Whatever modal is.

I have to say that this is THE nicest tee I have ever had. It's well constructed, light weight, and almost has a silky feel to it. Because it is light weight you can tuck it in nicely without adding lots of extra bulk inside your jeans. Don't you totally dislike tees that add ten pounds of 'look' to you when you tuck them in? We all have that muffin top at ~~our~~ my age and just don't need anymore bulk around the top than we I already own.

*image source Loft dot com*

If gray is not your color, visit Loft online or at your favorite location to purchase one for the sale price of $8.00.

I am not sure how long their sale lasts, but lots of colors are gone or limited from what I clicked on at their online store.

To win:

1.Be a follower of this blog (this will be checked)

2.Leave a message saying you want to win it.

3.Make sure you can be contacted because I don't track people down.

Good luck!

I'll draw a name in a few days.

*Loft has not paid me for this post with money or product*

Easy Wear Anywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:38:00 +0000

This is my latest 'go to' anywhere outfit. I purchased a plain gray v-neck tee from The Loft on sale for $8.00, and the latest mid-rise boot cut jeans from AE. The gold hoop earrings have been a part of my wardrobe for 20 years; added a gold Michael Kors watch and some brown strappy sandals. This outfit gets me to the store, to visit friends, or simply when staying at home... Easy to wear.

Do you have a 'go to' outfit?

A Day In Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:07:00 +0000

How many of you know Rebecca of Shenandoah Gateway Farm blog? Well, I can now say that I know her in person and paid a visit to their home yesterday just a quick 30 minute drive from our humble abode.

Check Out That View!

*photos do not do justice to the breathtaking views*

That drive up above leads the way, on a mule ride down through this pasture where sits the barn and then on where it follows a railroad track and a stream.

Can you say grankids' paradise?

What fun it would be to spend a few days here in the bed and breakfast that Rebecca and her husband plan to open in the not too distant future.

Then off into the woods we go! Here you will find people made of metal who beg for you to use them as target practice... go ahead... shoot them... they want you to.

He'd scare the dickens out of me at night on the trail, but during the day???

a bit of a hunky Rambo-ish perhaps?

Bring it on, jungle Rambo!

You can be my target any day of the week. *wink wink*

And don't worry about losing your way.

RJ the pup will see to it that you are on course in finding your way back home....

TO THIS!

OMG.

The views are killer, the baked goods DIVINE, by the hands of Rebecca, and the conversation keeps you never wanting to leave.

I can't wait to visit again and help pick berries.

Thank you thank you thank you, for having me come for a visit, for the excellent opportunity of meeting the two of you, and for not sending me home with those baked yummies which I would have eaten before getting them home to my husband.

Next time I'll bring him along.

Stay tuned for the opening of their bed and breakfast in the near future and don't forget to book a stay.

Awesome!

Here's a sneak peek video of Shenandoah Gateway Farm property!
Truly paradise....

A Mask Perhaps

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

April showers means....

well, this year it means that actually the rain fell in May, and yesterday it let up and gave us fog instead.... at the crack of dawn.

May means both the birth and the demise of flowering bushes also. The azaleas in the yard are falling fast to the ground and if I were short enough I too, like the gnome, would stand beneath and let them pummel me with their scent.

Wouldn't that be nice? To simply stand beneath the flowers, feel them on your head and watch as they gather at your feet?

I love fog and the mysterious feel it gives to everything.

Sometimes I think the deer, raccoons and creatures of the forest are standing within it and peeking out at us. I would totally do that if'n I was a forest creature.

And today?

Today I'll be toddling off through the forest in my trusty SUV to meet and enjoy the company of another blogger.

And when I get home I am going to

laugh at myself as I attempt to work a bit of my muffin top off with the assistance of my mighty, new-fangled exercise equipment, known to some as a hoola hoop.

Oh yes I am.

Video to follow?

Erm.

That could be embarrassing.

Oh to have the svelt build of a deer or the mask of a raccoon.

What's The Use Of Getting Up

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:53:00 +0000

I'm not sure why I should even get up this morning.

I mean....

If I can't have this every morning for breakfast.....

then what is the use of getting up?

Sunday morning and as you can see, Hubby was at it in the kitchen again. It's the only reason I married him.

I'M JUST KIDDING!

I also married him for his homemade red sauce.

And his chocolate chip cookies.

LOL

How's you week going so far?

Table With A View

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:20:00 +0000

In general when eating out at a finer restaurant, one atop a mountain or next to a lake or ocean, the management will ask if you would 'like a table with a view?'. It's been a very long time since we have eaten in such an establishment, but of course we say YES! Although I love my husband, I enjoy dining where there is something else to look at other than him or the menu or other patrons around us.

That's not so wrong, is it?

When eating at home, we now have a bit of a view out through the screened in porch, out towards the mountains, and if we choose to sit on the porch while we eat, the view is somewhat finer.

Other than that, the best 'out the window' view from our house at this time is what you are seeing above, and I shot these through the screen so they are not perfect by any means.

Any ideas where this view is? Where do you suppose I was standing inside our house when I took these?

These were taken from the laundry room window looking out to the front yard to where the rhododendron bushes are now in full bloom.

It's the area of the laundry room where Rowy and Izzy's feeding tables are.

The area where they do their fine dining,

at their 'tables with a view'.

Heads down in bowls chomping away...

like they give a hoot about the view.

This isn't right.

It's just not right.

Rhubarb, Marigolds and Michelob

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:19:00 +0000

We haven't done much at our house this week-end. It felt hot and sticky on Friday and I couldn't seem to kick the hot flashes that need to just go away. I don't think they ever do, do you? We didn't sit on the back patio until Saturday afternoon when it was a bit cooler and the sprinkles began to fall. The pups were happy just to lie near us and give a tiny 'boof' from time to time when they thought some scary creature had crossed into our backyard.

They were mistaken. No one crossed into our yard.

It was nice. Hubby had Saturday off from having to work, only because of a goof by the company he is contracted to this month. We simply sat for an hour or two and enjoyed the view of our garden and these azalea bushes that bloomed much later than those at the front of the house.

It's not often we find the time to just sit together and chat about things we want to do, like adding a covered area over the basement walkout door,

what recipe to use for the rhubarb we found growing in the backyard,

where we should plant more flowers,

and maybe we should buy two more Adirondack chairs for the patio. Just the ho hum things that couples talk about.

Hubby is not a fan of iced coffee, but it cooled me to sip a bit.

I should have gotten him some Michelob Ultra but forgot when I slipped off to the grocery store for other items.

Shame on me!

I expect that today may be just as quiet around the home front and the weather looks as though the next 5-10 days will be providing more of the same cloudy times with bouts of thunderstorms here and there throughout our days and nights.

A simple, rather hush hush week-end.

Planted sunflowers.

Planted hot peppers.

Planted marigolds to keep the bugs away from the garden.

And I still need to plant a few more flowers.

Anything should grow in THIS weather!

Fonts And Weeds

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:27:00 +0000

Not to name any names, because I would never consider doing that in the blogging world, it's not a dis mind you, just a reference to her thoughts about fonts.

There is indeed at least one blogger who's vision of the perfect blog is to use only Helvetica Font.

BORING!

boring boring boring boring boring

SNoooze Fest... BORING!

Now mind you, it's a perfectly good font, strong, upright, easily read, and so what's not to love about Helvetica Font? Well, absolutely nothing.

I however use many fonts, especially when it comes to my headers because in my mind that's where we as bloggers should be a bit creative or eye-catching. Or dammit, just for fun. Sure. If you want to always have the same look day after day, year after year, then I suppose that Helvetica Font is an okay way to go. I'm just not such a purist or prude or Helvetica Font Nazi to tell people that they ALWAYS should use nothing but, Helvetica Font.

Life is too short and blogging is too much fun not to play with fonts and let your personality shine through.

Here are some free fonts if you are a total freak about it like I am. FREE...

Here's a link to the blog inspiredRD with 10 free font links.

Five free fonts on Bettina's Blog.

25 MORE free fonts.

Not interested in fonts?

Okay... then just move along... move along....

It's a passion of mine and they make me smile.

Or maybe it's the weed.

Put down the weed, Rowdy. I'm tired of moving!

Jewelry Gift Certificate Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:19:00 +0000

So, I took this pretty little bowl,

and I plopped all these strips of paper inside

with your names on them,

and the winner of the Holly Lane Designs jewelry $30.00 e-gift-certificate is Jane of Blondie's Journal.

I know you will find a piece of jewelry that you love wearing, and congratulations on being the winner!

Wish you all could have won... I am rooting for each and every one of you the next giveaway I do.

XOX

Jiminy I'm Lucky

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:32:00 +0000

Last week I clicked on an entry that a fellow Facebook friend had on her page and it took me to this very nice and funny lady's page.

I Have Stuff To Tell People, and she had a video about how she had purchased and used a Cricut cutting machine for craft projects.

I watched it, I laughed, and I commented and guess what?

I won a Cricut Mini from her and it arrived today on my front porch.

Jealous much?

I have wanted one of these for a few years since seeing what my stepdaughter's Cricut did to had pzazz to home crafts and also to spruce up our grandsons' scrapbooks that their mama had put together for them. Memory books are what some like to call them.

It arrived today in a non-descript brown cardboard box just as 99% of shipments do, so I took out my favorite butcher knife and went to work opening it up and when I opened the box it was 'oh so pretty' with pink peanut packing and lovely white tulle tied in a bow.

Her sticker said, "Share The Happy".

Loooooook!

Bee yooo teee mus!

And having something wrapped so nicely just adds to the excitement!

Thank you so much,

IHAVESTUFFTOTELLPEOPLE

Now I have stuff to tell people too!

I cannot wait to try this out!!!!

Now, wait and see what I gave away today!

I too love to Share the Happy.

Random 5 Friday With Nancy

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Let's do a Random 5 Friday with Nancy.

mmmkay?

1. I like nearly any food group wrapped up in a tortilla, whether it be a plain flour tortilla or a pretty green spinach wrap tortilla. It just makes eating fun.

2. I can't get enough of floral photography in the springtime. Otherwise I'd have to call autumn my favorite season of the year.

3. Seeing anything slimy or sneaky in the yard, like a salamander that runs out from under a bush, makes me look like this.

4. I like peeking through the trees and seeing what the neighbors are doing. Call me Mrs. Kravitz, it's okay... my husband does.

5. Did I mention how much I love eating wrapped foods? Meat, cucumber, mayo, lettuce? It's all fair game for lunch if it finds its way into my wraps.

Enjoy your Friday and go visit Nancy and her friends, or join in the fun at A Rural Journal... that's Nancy's awesome blog!

Peta Peta Pumpkin Eata

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:29:00 +0000

I am so jealous!

Hubby's daughter had two new sofas delivered to her house yesterday and mine (you do remember when I was sofa shopping right?) was ordered eight weeks ago and I have yet to have mine delivered. It's coming from North Carolina but the leather has not yet arrived. It's sitting there waiting... frame work all done... just needs the leather so it will still be another two weeks.

I am crying on the inside.

That's the breaks when you live outside a large metropolitan area. She probably had hers with a few days,

but mine?

They are still waiting for the cow to grow up and donate it's hide I guess. Maybe not enough cows are checking that box on their driver's license that says

"Donor".

Oh shut up, PETA or animal rights groups and all you cow people; a girl can have a sense of humor!!

Choking

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:48:00 +0000

*image source Nordstrom*

So, did anyone else happen to see these cute slipper like shoes pop up on their Facebook page? I thought, "WOW, how super cute", and then clicked the link to see that these little shoes, my little Age of Aquarius shoobey doobey shoes are $695.00 a pair.

Does anyone else choke at this? I mean... we walk on the flipping things and get dirt and scuffs and to be honest they probably even pinch the toes and offer no support in the sole for we old ~~hags~~ women that would most likely be where the most interest would lie as far as age group. No?

Now... lets see what Target comes up with a year later in the way of a ~~CHEAP~~ affordable alternative. I'm hoping they do an orthopedic version so I can wear them without limping.

Smackalicious

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:37:00 +0000

I'm off having an oil change done on Hubby's vehicle while these two and the Hubs are home holding down the fort.

I'm sure they will get along fine without me for an hour or two. They seem to handle my absence quite well.

Until of course Izzy gets ideas,

and decides she wants to play and promptly smacks Rowdy across the face to challenge him to a game of 'chase me', which is exactly what she had done just before I snapped this photo.

*notice position of her front left paw*

He's not a smacker, but she has strong boxer boxing tendencies.

She did apologize after the smack,

but he's not buying those sweet whispers in his ear.

I'll be home soon, my little darlings.

Dress It Up

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:40:00 +0000

This scarf is the other item I purchased at Cracker Barrel in their gift shop. It's no wonder I love it; they said it is their best selling scarf.

It's not so heavy and hot around the neckline as so many scarves can be at our *ahem* age ~~of aquarius~~. You know what age I am talking about.

And stop looking at my boobs!

I can't help that the older I get the bigger they seem to get too.

It's getting to the point of irritating!!

There was a time in life I dreamed about having these; boobs like Barbie's, but not anymore.

Disgusting I tell ya... Disgusting.

Besides, this is about the scarf, and this one will dress up a t-shirt in a hurry if you're headed out the door and suddenly realize you need to spiff things up a bit.

Anyhoo.

Back to the scarf.

I went back today to see if I could get another one, but being their best selling scarf, they had all sold out.

The good news is that they hope to have another shipment of them on the way so I'll try to grab one when and if they arrive and do a nice giveaway.

Pay attention... it could happen soon!

Rho Do WHO

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:39:00 +0000

Why, Rhododendron, that's WHO!

Hubby and I have so enjoyed watching the spring blooms this year in our new yard, and all are plants that we did not have at our last home, so they are yummy eye candy and always a surprise when we notice them on a sunny morning.

Rhododendrons look exotic, almost like something you would see on a Hawaiian vacation, *although I have never been to Hawaii but want to go one day*, but their vividness just shouts

'take me to the islands'.

Are you listening Mr. Workaholic Hubby?

They look a bit like green pinecones prior to opening.

Just get a load of these little yummies in the morning light.

Squeeeeee.

Thanks for stopping by today and you know what?

I have decided that Friday will be the day I draw the winner of the Holly Lane Jewelry e-gift- certificate.

SO,

get on it....

Here is the link.

Ciao, Chicas, and Happy Hump Day!

All Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:48:00 +0000

So there it sat all alone on the table top for weeks.

No matter what I did it just wasn't going to work.

I tried this outlet and that outlet and blowing the dust from it's prongs and even resorted to speaking softly to it, begging it to work so that I could play with it.

The store with the answer was a three hour drive away, and with the cost of gas as well and the fact that I simply did not want to make the drive, well... it caused me to let Macbook Pro sit in silence and suffer without a charge;

relegated to spend hours alone as I played with her friend, iPad.

Finally we could take it no longer, the not playing with one another, so a call was placed to get help over the phone.

She came on the phone and said to 'plug it in'... the little L shaped charger.

And so I did.

And it worked.

And I felt like a fool.

And I paid them $20.00 for their expertise.

Don't you just love throwing money at the wall?

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:55:00 +0000

And so.... who's been lapping up your blog?

Ever wondered what percentage of people leave comments on your blog in comparison to the number of people who read your post?

Okay... so you don't care, but I'm going to tell you what the study says anyway.

So, don't feel disheartened if you are not receiving 50 comments per day. I certainly don't either, but you can look at your stats and with a bit of quick math get an idea of what your percentages are.

Or not.

Because probably most of you commenters are going to say you don't give a hoot anyway. You're just here for the fun of it, right?

Yep... so are we!

Tally Ho

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:43:00 +0000

It's always nice to spend time with a friend, and a few days ago I did just that and went to town with Anita of Blue Country Magic.

We made stops at a few stores around town and the last was a stop at a restaurant and gift shop.... Cracker Barrel.

We didn't eat there... the food is far too salty to be healthy eating for any living human, but I did enjoy the gift shop where I spotted this white smock top. They had a VERY nice selection of them in numerous styles so don't say I didn't tell you so and miss out on something really light and white for summertime wear.

I bought a pretty scarf on that particular day *which I'll show you another time* but I did return the next day to purchase this shirt which I've been enjoying wearing.

Since Hubby is now home to do the *letting the pups out* routine, I am hitching up the buckboard and headed to town for a few groceries. Come on along with me if you so choose... should be fun, and the weather will be warm and sunny... Must go find my sunglasses, so tally ho!

It Takes A Full Belly

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:03:00 +0000

The garden seems to have survived our two cold nights. It's still under wraps this morning but Hubby will take care of it as the sun rises a bit higher in the sky.

Oh, didn't I tell you he's home. YES! He arrived around the dinner hour yesterday evening and its' soooo nice to have the house filled with his presence once again.

So, what happens when he arrive home?

1. He booms a warm and happy 'Hello' as he comes in the door.

2. He greets the pups as they scramble with wiggles around his feet.

3. He brings in luggage and computers and cords.

4. He unpacks, sorts his dirty laundry and starts a load of wash.

* oh yes he does!*

5. We sit and chat about his time away from home.

6. He eats a huge bowl of the homemade chili I have had cooking for him all day.

7. He kisses me.

I know... I kind of fall last on the list.

It sometimes takes a man a full belly to notice his wife.

*LOL*

What It Takes To Capture It

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:27:00 +0000

Yes, there were 21 or 22 shots to get one that works... of the upper set of three, the bottom right hand photo was as close to perfect as we could get.

And really....pet shots don't have to be perfect. Just a fun shot is good enough!

Rowdy was a bit easier to manage, but little Miss Isabelle walked around in circles wiggling, nosing at Rowdy and then giving me kisses.

So, determined to capture a family (ha!) portrait, I set my camera on the timer option, the three shot timer option, and that way I only had to go back to the tripod and depress the shot button seven times.

If your camera has this option you may find it useful when taking family shots, pet shots and also small children shots.

Just a small pocket camera very likely has these settings. I used my Canon S95, so don't think that you have to have a big fancy camera to pull this off. You will also need to have a tri-pod and you can pick one of those up for peanuts on Amazon, Target or any store that carries camera equipment.

Don't forget the giveaway! See a bracelet, pendant or earrings you like? Just follow my blog and leave a comment on the post telling you all about it!

Don't Have To Tell Me

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:01:00 +0000

You can't see them here, and that's okay.

I already took a stick and flicked them off into the dirt.

And you don't have to tell me their benefits because I took science in 7th grade so I already know.

But can anyone tell me why all the worms in the world need to cross my sidewalk every morning making me tip toe between them?

I don't like gooshy slimy things on my sidewalk!

Sending them to YOUR house!!

And Don't forget about my Special Ladies Giveaway!

Boogie Man Night

noreply@blogger.com (Diane Cayton-Hakey) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:29:00 +0000

It was soooo cold last night, but it did provide for a nice glow behind the mountains at sunset.

I have to be on the screened in porch to capture these shots, so the screening rather dulls the impact.

The garden looks like this this morning, and I e-mailed a photo to Hubby who said that, "we are now officially rednecks".

Well, I don't know about that. Perhaps it could be due to the paint on the tarp looking a bit like blood stains?

Next time I shall have to color coordinate better or simply use white sheets.

I need to get out there this morning and take the wraps off the tomatoes and peppers. Poor things.

And as I said... it was brrrrr cold last night so this called for some chai latte with a splash of rum. Now THAT warmed my soul and put me directly to sleep so I didn't have to worry about the boogie man getting me after dark while Hubby was away.

Yes... kind of creeps me out a bit being alone, but he will be home today, my darling boogie man keeper away guy.

Why is it we ladies think having a husband at home will keep a boogie man away? Do husbands have a boogie man force field around them that repels creepy thoughts?

AND, check out this cutie pie *Blumenkind Doll* that I bought for my granddaughter, Malia! The gal that makes these is under the name Blumenkind on Facebook and her work is sold here in our area if you are interested. Just adorable!

Could not resist!

Now to find a box to mail her in and my day will be complete.

Have a good one!!

Don't forget about my Special Ladies Giveaway.... Hurry before you miss out!