It said: “For you. Come get it.”  and it had an attached picture of some roadside garbage.  Luckily for me I’m in with The Devil and when I asked her to load up the garbage in her car and bring it over, she gladly obliged.

It needed a lot of sanding, a lot of wood filler and an enormous amount of love. But hey, FREE is my price these days.

And just so you can see just how much work this dresser needed, here is close up of the drawers.

I’ll take solid wood stickered-up, roadside garbage over brand new laminate particle board any day. I’m classy like that.

The quest to recycle furniture continues.  Roo and I found this pair of dirty bass boat chairs/bar stools while we were out thrift store shopping.  Only $25 for the pair – a little spray paint, a screwdriver and some elbow grease and they look like clean bass boat chairs/bar stools.  Who knew I’d be able to fish right at my very own kitchen counter top?

If you’ve been following me on facebook you know I’ve been in a bit of a makeover mood.  My most recent makeover is a pair of chairs I purchased for $50 each from a thrift store in Denton, TX that benefits Habitat for Humanity.  I really intended to reupholster them myself, but ummmm, I’m not that good – so, I had them recovered by Jay’s Upholstery, also in Denton.  They did a fantastic job.

Although, fantastic job on reupholstery = not so dirt cheap. But I’m happy with the results AND my purchase benefits a good cause. AND no one else has chairs like mine. AND I’m going attempt to reupholster an ottoman with a hot pink basket weave fabric to match. AND as a special bonus, I can’t currently look at the chairs because an itty bitty kitty is currently trying to shred them, so I have them covered with blankets. Not sure how long that will last, but at least I know they are cute on the inside.

Like last year, Kenza and I met with my sister and her family in Florida for spring break. This year instead of Disney, it was Universal and the beach. It was a much needed break and the fresh ocean breeze, sunshine and family company were comforting and appreciated.

These two beauties were hanging out in the gully that passes through my friend Michelle’s backyard. An odd couple but they seen pretty happy. I wished it wasn’t 20 degrees outside so I could have stayed longer to get a better picture, but this will do.

The Swan Totem: Grace, Beauty, Power of Self

The Swan is one of the most powerful 
and ancient of totems. As you begin to realize your own true beauty, 
you unfold the ability to bridge new realms and new powers.
 Swan can show you how to access the inner beauty
 within yourself and in others.

The Heron Totem

Heron’s slow, deliberate manner produces a ceremonial aura and displays the harmonious natural flow of being ourselves. Heron teaches us how to become comfortable in uncertain situations where we need to watch for an opportunity to arise and quickly grasp it. It calls us to take courage and follow our true path, which will be discovered through exploring our inner selves, and finding what draws us to action.

This is wrong on so many levels. We love you, Josh!

Me wants dancing lessons.

The plants are confused – they think it is spring. I don’t mind a bit.

There is just no other way to say it – everyone loved Rowdy. His given name was “Rowdy Little Romeo” and that pretty much sums up our little guy. He was as small dog with a fearless heart and a spectacular will to live and love. I want to say more, but the words just won’t flow right now. Rest in peace, Old Friend.

I ran my 41st half marathon last weekend, the Dallas 13.1 Series. Pretty cool to have run as many as I am old. It’s been a crazy week or I would have posted about it sooner, but Peggy and I had a blast not sweating like pigs because it is 112 degrees outside. The run was good too . . . I didn’t start to even feel it until mile ten. Baby steps, Internet People, baby steps.

After the half, I jumped in the shower and headed north to play with my Martini Twin. But this time playtime was called paint the former bedroom and currently new wine room the color of Cabernet Franc. So, not only did I get lower body workout, my arms and shoulders got a workout too. We did pretty awesome if I do say so myself! Daisy approves, it is her new favorite room.

And now that I am finally rid of my gross bacteria, I have e.coli. [Insert big sigh here] [And big glass of wine here]

Cross-posting from TXsharon and Rancho Los Malulos. Hats off to you, Mrs Burns! She received her first federal subpoena for telling the truth on her site.  Why not share the love – so below are the videos Chevron doesn’t like:

Me thinks. So chime in if you know for sure.

Ever look at your wedding picture and think “Wow, was I ever that young and thin? And when did I get all the grey hairs?”

The cooler temperatures and the bit of rain has made for a wonderful display of color. I only wish it smelled as delicious as it looks.

I think a female Blue-Throated . . . but if you know for sure, please let me know.