Butterfly Day

Today was a special day.  A day to spend with wonderful friends to celebrate all things butterfly and all that represents for us.  Four years ago today I lost a great friend to cancer. 

Every August 14th friends and family gather at his parents house for a "celebration".  It is exactly the kind of thing he would love.  After his death, his young daughters declared that he was now a butterfly. That idea has stuck with all of us.    Butterfly everything has been exchanged back and forth.  

A few months ago, for my birthday, I received the most special gift.  It was a butterfly house for my yard.

What made it more special was that it was a "true family" gift.  This house was given to me by Tim's sister, constructed by Tim's father and painted by his mother.    I just simply love it and all that it represents.



Delicate little forget-me-nots painted along the sides.

A resident of the house perhaps.....

I love sitting out on the back deck and looking at this house. 

As each year passes we share more laughs than tears on August 14th.  We sat around in the sun, and watched the children in the pool, while the adults had a few refreshments.  Even Sasha the dog got worn out from all the people.

The good old days??

Well girls and boys, I am officially on a 5 day stay-cation.  I practically sprinted out of the office at 4pm. 

I went out to the store after supper and this little excursion spawned this post.  Remember the good old days before we were controlled by technology?  There were no cell phones.  How did we stand it when we couldn't make or receive a phone call anywhere??  And worse, if you are like me and have a smart phone, how did we cope when we couldn't read an email on our phone or (gasp) check out what is happening on facebook from anywhere??  Or the worst....not know immediately when someone has commented on our blogs!   The horror!!!!   Worse thought, before there was internet and blogs.........Can you imagine the sadness in a blog-free world?  (Too terrible to think about)

And remember when we had to carry a large enough quantity of cash to purchase what you need.  There were no debit cards or cash machines open 24 hours a day and on every corner.  We had to get ourselves to the actual bank, before 3pm when they used to close, and withdraw enough cash to survive until the next time you were forced to stand in a line.....to get your own money!

I rarely have more than $40 cash in my purse.  Tonight I had $20.  I went to Walmart to buy dog treats.  That's all.  Well, I walked in and cases of pop were on sale.  Hmmm, I should pick some up since I'm here.  Then I took a short cut through the cereal aisle on my way to the dog treat destination.  That is when things really started to unravel.  I saw a box of Captain Crunch.  Mmmm, that would be good.  I wanted it.  And then my friend Kim (Farm Girl's) last comment came into my mind.  She told me I should eat whatever I wanted on vacation.   So I grabbed the Captain Crunch, all the while very pleased with myself.  

Slippery slope ladies.  Then I spied those yummy sugar waffle cones for ice cream and some caramel sundae syrup.....Grabbed that too.  Salt and Vinegar potato chips.......Yep!  Eventually got to the dog treats but by then I was too far gone on the "spoil myself binge".   Wandered down another aisle and spied these cute little pink and brown leopard print undies.   Well, had to have those!   Oh, and last week I bought a bottle of Oil of Olay face cream but Auntie stole it, so I had to get another (to keep my girly complexion in tact)

When I finally got to the cashier we got into this discussion about how bad it was in the good old days when you needed a wallet full of cash to shop.  I told her I had just come in for dog treats!   She looked at my 4 bags full of stuff and burst out laughing!

So the point of all this is it is Farm Girl's fault but I am happily listening to my friend and eating whatever I want on vacation!! 

Tomorrow I am going to take a quick trip to Moncton to look at crafty supplies and go have lunch.  It will be my little me-time break.   Maybe I might find an idea for a soon to be announced giveaway......

Pillow talk

I got cracking first thing this morning and started sewing the back on the pillow.  Martie from Taos Sunflower  asked me how I finished the backing.  I did take a couple of not great pics while I was working.

First I did a double zigzag with the sewing machine close to the hooked edge.  Then I layed the pillow front on the backing and secured with some pins.

I trimmed the excess from the backing and then began to fold the fabrics under and do a simple, discreet whip stitch along the edge.

It didn't take nearly as long as I thought and it wasn't nearly as painful a chore as I anticipated :)
The finished result ........

Earlier today I got some bad news.  My neighbor at the cottage passed away.  Our cottages were built the same year, so we have been neighbors forever.  Before Mom got so sick, I used to move out to the beach all summer.  Every weekend morning we would each go out on our respective decks, in our jammies and bathrobes, turn our chairs to face each other and have our morning coffee talk together.   Mary Louise loved flowers so this flower is for her.  She will be missed.

Grateful

I can't begin to express how much all your sweet comments meant to me regarding my last post.   It was a long stressful week but, as usual, my blog buddies have lifted my spirits.   And yes Julia, you were right - each comment had that effect!

Mom is doing much better today and (knock on wood) we have been "accident" free for the past 24 hours.  That in itself is something to be grateful for.  I am hopeful that if we are careful in the next few days that we can get her system back to normal.

I have had a few new followers recently - - Welcome!  I am so pleased that people read this stuff and comment and come back to visit often.  This little blog has given me more than I could ever imagine.
AND I just realized as I was typing this that I think I missed my blogiversary......yup it was 2 days ago.  Duh!!   I guess I will have to announce a giveaway soon.  (not today, but soon)  Only 4 more followers to get to 175!  Anybody know 4 people??  Lol  - kidding

I am also grateful for my friends outside blog-ville.  This afternoon I met up with 2 great gals for some chatter and a "special" coffee.  Another friend suggested we meet tonight at the local pub for a beer.  It sounded very tempting but I was so hot and tired from the week, that the thought of putting a bra on was too much to bear!  I sent her a text message saying I looked like I fell off a turnip truck.  Attractive, right?  Lol

And the other big "grateful" moment today was selling another rug.  Yes, the red rug has sold before I have even finished binding it.

Wouldn't it be great if they all sold that easily?   Oh and I almost forgot - I won a fabulous giveaway this week from Cobblestone Corner and Grandma's Biscuits blog.  I can't wait to show you when it arrives.  Jody had a very generous giveaway and has a very sweet blog. It was perfect timing too - made me smile.  I hope you all have a happy weekend and stop to remember to be grateful for something each day.

PS - Don't forget to visit Patrice at Everyday Ruralty.  Her Anniversary party continues!!

Christmas in July

It was almost as great as Christmas in July.  The other day I was at work when I got a call from home that a package had been delivered.

I asked who it was from and she said it was from California.  Well, could I wait 3 hours until lunch time to find out what goodies were inside??

Hahaha Not likely.  I couldn't stand it so I ran home on my break and grabbed the box.  It was a late birthday box from my friend Kim, the sweet blogger over at My Field of Dreams.

I ripped that bad boy open and just as I started to rifle through it I thought I should take a picture.  (Isn't it funny the way we are always thinking about pictures for our blogs now?)  So before I had unwrapped anything I gently placed things back in the box and snapped this.

It was stuffed full of goodies.  Kim and I sometimes will each get a coffee while we are chatting together on the computer, so she punched me this sweet little mug.

There was also a jar of California sunshine (also known as Kim's own apricot jam).  I have been having it on my breakfast toast.  

 It is so good that I had it hidden way in the back of the refrigerator behind some tall bottles so no one else will eat it.  Isn't that terrible! 

The box also contain several (yes, several) other hand crafted items from Kim.  I will show you those in another post.  She is such a sweet thoughtful person and her kindness has brightened my week!

Doing stuff

A day off.  A big yellow sun shining in the sky.  A cup of coffee on the deck.  All good things for me today.

That is how my first day off began.  I went downtown and stopped in to visit a few friends, got my 2nd coffee fix from Flow Lifestyle Boutique, then grabbed a great Hummus and Chicken Toastie sandwich from the Art of Eating Deli, and retired to the deck again.

I had a nice cold Bud Light (just in case I got dehydrated ya know) and my Kindle for an afternoon of reading and relaxing.  Hmmm, battery low on the Kindle.  Well, I had no choice but to fully recline on the zero gravity chair and have a nap.  A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!!

Later this afternoon, I thought I should do at least one chore so I replaced the door knob and lock on one of the doors.   Since our beloved handyman Clayton passed away a few months ago, I don't have someone to do all those little chores.   I'm actually quite handy, but if you can get someone else to do that stuff - why do it yourself?

I have tools and I know how to use them BUT I pick and choose the types of chores or fix-it tasks I will admit to being able to do.  Basically if I have to get dirty to do it - forget it. 

No crafting today.  It was just too nice outside.   I hope Day Off #2 is just as good as today.



Weekend Update

It has been another busy weekend.  Friday evening was our town's Relay for Life event.  A few friends and I went down for a couple of hours to join in the festivities.  It is always a wonderful event full of laughter and tears.  I have yet to watch the Cancer Survivors walk their victory lap without tears streaming down my face. It is such a moving sight. 

Our little community has a lot of spirit.  Relay teams fund raise and hold events for months leading up to the night.  I am proud to say that $184,000 was raised for Cancer reasearch and support!

Saturday I decided I should finish up some UFO's.  I have several rugs that have been hooked for a long time, waiting to be bound.  Why is it so torturous to complete that task??  This particular rug has been hooked for over a year or so.  (Shameful, I know)

She is a Deanne Fitzpatrick design and is currently for sale in my Etsy shop. 

This only rug has been hooked for a couple of months (see, this one didn't take years to bind) and is also listed on Etsy. 

Since I was on a roll, getting jobs done I have been putting off - I also updated my iPod playlists.  I was getting bored with what was on there.  Plus it's summer and you need some fun driving tunes.  An eclectic mix including lots of classic rock with the Eagles, Queen etc.   You know, the kind of tunes that make in easy to get a speeding ticket.

What is it about classic rock tunes that makes your gas pedal foot heavy?  Or is it just me?

The finshed result

Well, I have finshed up the little projects I showed you last post.  I think I may have over-hyped the project!  The little snaps I collaged were actually not part of a single rug.  They are little hooked mini-pillows filled with dried lavendar buds.

A local business downtown (owned by my friend Stephanie) had offered to sell some in her Boutique.  So I gave her a few a while back, thinking she was just being polite and never expecting them to sell.  Well, who would have guessed it but she sold some!!

And then......asked for more.......YIPPEE!   So yesterday I delivered some more and re-filled her little display.

So, the next time you are in Downtown Amherst, stop into to Flow Lifestyle Boutique and grab one (or two).  :)

Now that those are finished I am wondering - What is my next project?

Blooming

The love and laughter has continued throughout the weekend.  I think that the concept of celebrating your birthday over several days should catch on - it is so much more fun that way!

I did go out to dinner with some girlfriends last night.  We did "howl" a little - well.....howl with laughter!  The food was great, the drinks were flowing and the company was excellent.   I think we need to do that more often. 

The thunderstorm that threatened all day never materialized so late in the afternoon I grabbed the camera to capture a few backyard images. 

The lilac tree is just ready to burst with blooms.  This is the best this tree has blossomed in years.  It suffered some ice damage a few years back and looks like it is recovering nicely.   I just love the smell of lilacs.

Can't you just smell them?

You know I hate to garden but I am actually considering planting a few flowers this year.  I have a bed in the back yard that is a mess of ugly perennials.  I wish the Garden Fairy would come over and dig it all out so I could start over.  (Do you think that might actually happen?  Probably not eh!)

Since there is still potentially one frost left, I will wait another week and then see how I feel about digging in the mud. (Blahh)  So, in the meantime, here are some "voluntary" flowers.

I think I have the only camera shy birds in town.  The yard is always full of birds - - until I take out my camera.  Seriously, as soon as I bring out the camera they just scatter. 





There was a bird in front of this birdhouse when I snapped this picture.  I swear!!   Stupid birds.

Just perfect

That just about describes my day.  Today was my birthday!!  And I couldn't have had a better day if I tried.  Yep, I'm 39......again (well a few times over if the truth be told)

I woke up to find birthday presents on the kitchen table, then I arrived at work and was delivered a muffin with a candle in it and a coffee.  (and several minutes later I spilled half that coffee all over my white silk shirt and had to go home and change)  And even THAT didn't dampen my mood.  The sun was shining and all was good!

There were multiple deliveries of other treats throughout the workday, lots of calls and emails, a birthday cake from the staff.  I did miss one special call, but did get the voicemail.  You know who you are - you made my day!  A couple of dear friends took me out and treated me to lunch.

The afternoon was much of the same.  Isn't it great to have a day that is all about you......LOL

This is one of the cards I received today and just had to share it with you.  It's perfect and just cracked me up.  The sender of this card knows me well ;)

   And it is even better when you can stretch out the fun for more than just one day.  Tomorrow night I am going out to dinner with a group of girlfriends.  It's our turn to Howl!    Look out Downtown - middle aged women on the loose!!

The Plan must go on

You take a Type A personality and a Plan and that can be a tricky situation.  Especially when something has the potential to threaten the plan. 

I am on Day 1 of my 4 days off.  I have plans for all 4 days.  Sounds perfect, right?   Well what happens when you wake up this morning with a headache?  Day 3 of the same headache, I might add.  But I would not relent with the Plan.  I wanted to go for a drive to Parrsboro.  Our little beach front restaurant re-opened last weekend.  They are only open in the summer.  The best scallop burgers, and I have been dreaming of having one all winter.

I felt like crap when I got up.  I immediate took a couple of pills.  I'm not sure if I actually looked green, but I certainly felt green.  My stomach was not good at all.  Instead of thinking of changing the plan, I instead thought of places along the road where I might have to throw up.  (I know, Type A - crazy)  Auntie came downstairs and looked at me and said "Maybe we should go another day"  (so apparently I did look green)   No, I said we were going - I would be fine soon.  I said just wait a half hour, I will have a cup of tea.   See, if you are from Nova Scotia, the cure-all for everything is a good strong cuppa tea.   Well, the tea plus a couple of digestive cookies and I did start to feel better. 

We headed out as planned.  It was a gorgeous sunny day and the drive was lovely. We arrived at the restaurant, me in total anticipation of the scallop burger.  I scan the menu 3 times.  Its not there......  I ask the waitress and she says its off the menu.  Huh?   My response - you have scallops, you have burger buns......can't you just slap them together??   Well, apparently not.  I feel my day circling the drain again.  Hrmmph,  WHATEVER.   We did stay for lunch, however disappointing as it was.   (Note to self: need to find new restaurant)

Next stop was the lovely Sweet Briar Boutique.  We did manage to pick up a few little treats there.  A cute little summery necklace and a few little goodies for a birthday gift for a friend.   The retail therapy helped brighten my mood :)

Once we got back home and I dropped off the Golden Girls, I went to have a coffee and visit with my friend who owns a downtown boutique.  She says, I owe you money.  YAY!  She sold some of my little hooked pieces.   Nothing puts the hooking mojo back in your spirit like money in your pocket!

So tonight I picked up my hook for the first time in several weeks.  I didn't realize how much I missed it until I pulled those first few loops.    The day ended with hot fudge sundaes at 9:30pm.   You need to be little decadent on vacation days :)

Let your hair down

Everyone needs to let their hair down every once in awhile.  Getting together with friends, old and new, is good for the soul.  Letting go of all the stresses of life for a few hours and just having fun.

The monthly Friday Night Ladies Dinner Club was last night.  An assortment of different women, different backgrounds and lifestyles, various ages, all having bonded over the winter.

There is no shortage of laughter, fellowship or great food which is thoughtfully presented.

Conversation spans from the serious to the downright silly.  None of us take ourselves too seriously.   We are not a high-falutin group.  A discussion of books and book clubs quickly declines into giggles about being a member of a book club where you are expected to actually read the whole book.   (Can you imagine!!  Lol)

We are honest.  We are real.  We are sometimes silly.   We are fun.

Find a group of people you enjoy spending time with, and let your hair down. I highly recommend it.

Still Relaxin'

So, it has been more of the same around here.  And by that I mean lovely, relaxing vacation days.  On Day 2 (Thursday) I dropped Mom off at the Alzheimers Day Care and Auntie and I went to a nearby City shopping.  We had a nice lunch together and we did buy a few little things - mostly new clothes for Mom.   We had a great day - just like old times.  We laughed and giggled as opposed to the caregivers stress fights we have been having lately.

Yesterday I made our traditional Good Friday brunch of Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon.  It is so good I didn't even care about the calorie or cholesterol count.  I could just eat that Hollandaise sauce with a spoon :)  Then the day was capped off with a little gathering of friends.  There were lots of laughs, a few inappropriate stories and a few beverages.  Perfect!

I am working on a few little projects using the bag of leftover wool strips.  It seems that bag of wool strips never goes down.  The strips multiply like rabbits (or Easter bunnies??)

The last thing I am going to share with you today is another milestone.  Miss Millie turns 10 years old today.  It seems like just yesterday she was a new puppy.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby!



Flip flops and frostbite

Ahhh, the sweet smell of vacation days!  I'm happy to report Day 1 was a great success (and that even includes having to go into the office for an hour to deal with something) 

I had booked myself an appointment at the Spa for a pedicure.  That meant wearing flip flops because as you know, the polish is never dry when you leave.  And who wants a smudge?

One little problem was that the warm temperatures of last week were gone and today it was a not so balmy 3 degrees above freezing.  But I would not be deterred.   I dug out those flip flops, rolled up my fabulous new yoga jeans and headed for the Spa. 

And instead of my usual safe choice of pale pink or nude..........Racy Red!

When I left the Spa I decided to stop and visit Stephanie at Flow Lifestyle Boutique for a coffee while my toes dried.  I'm sure I was a real hot sight strutting down the street in a wool winter coat, flip flops and jeans rolled up to my calves.   (any wonder why I'm single??)  Lol   But after a few minutes and the cold wind made my toes half numb, it wasn't too bad! 

There were a few other visits with friends and now I am relaxing with a coffee and a bar of chocolate with sea salt.  I never would have imagined that combo would work but Mmmmmmm

Can't wait to find out how Day 2 will compare.

Spring......

Spring has sprung

The grass has riz

My mood has riz

Cranky is gone.  Much of the credit goes to all the comments I received last night.  I couldn't help but laugh at them.  

Yesterday, at the end of the normal work day, I went into a 5 hour meeting.  It should have been over in 3 hrs but you know how it goes sometimes.  Add the fact the Dancing With The Stars was starting last night - - while I was still at work.  By the time I got home, I had missed the first hour and I was exhausted and crabby.

Then I popped onto facebook and saw a fellow hooker/blogger posting about DWTS.  As we chatted back and forth, giving out opinions on the dancers, it was almost like we were watching it together.  Thanks Alice.   That, plus the funny comments you left had me all cheered up by bedtime.

The first day of Spring here was perfect.  And it put me in the mood to have a little fun. Spring Fever makes us a little silly!  My friend Terri and I have been taking turns tormenting other over chocolate chai coffee.  The coffee bar is downtown, near my office but wayyyy across town from her office.  Last week she posted on my facebook a photo of her with 3 coffees --- None of which was for me.   So today I retalitated with a photo of her husband delivering me a coffee to my office!!  

I thank myself everyday for a friend like her, and a friend like her that is good natured.   Now I wait for the payback.........   Its the waiting that is the worst.   I wonder what her next move is??  And when will she strike?? LOL

Ahhhh, the joys of Spring Fever

What a difference a day makes.....

Well, this was a whole different kind of day.  Today is all about 2 mysteries.  At least I can say things are never dull around here. 

It all started out fine.  A nice normal day.  I had a meeting at work first thing in the morning.  For some unexplainable reason I left my cell phone on my desk when I went down the hall.  I always have my phone with me.  I still don't know why I didn't take it to my meeting.   When we finished and I got back to my desk, I saw my house number as a missed call and a voicemail.  Instead of wasting time checking the message I just dialed home. 

In an eerily calm voice, Auntie asks if I can run home for a minute.  ??  Yes, I reply - but why?   Her eerily calm voice threw me a bit because you may have picked up from some of my posts, she is a tad bit high strung!  She says "Your mother has fallen and I can't lift her up"    I didn't even ask any questions, just hung up and raced home.  She was on the floor between the bed and the closet.  But before you think she just fell out of bed - She was backwards!  We still can't figure it out.   I checked her from head to toe - twice.  Not a mark or bruise on her and not one tender spot.  We have no idea when it happened, as Auntie found her that way this morning.  And she wasn't trying to get to the bathroom as there were no "accidents".  It is a complete mystery but she seems fine.

Mystery #2 - The dog seems to be crazy too. I may need the services of a dog psychic.  Princess Millie spends every meal time, on her special mat beside me at the table.  (Yes she gets table treats - don't judge)  However, since yesterday she is now "scared" of her mat.  She will not go there no matter what I put on the mat.  Not-even-cheese.......so you know its serious.  She now goes and stands beside the stove and barks and whines.   I have picked her up and put her on the mat and she runs back to the stove.   I have switched the mat for a different one.  Nope - runs back to the stove.

What in the beejeebers is that about??  Seriously, I cannot take another bit of crazy in this house.   I took the afternoon off work.  I met two friends for coffee.   I added some "special" to the coffee.  (Again, don't judge)  There was a flask involved - not mine.  Yes, I have those kinds of friends.  (Thank God!  Lol)

I think I pulled a muscle in my back while lifting Mom.  The "special" coffee tasted good.  I think this may be in my future later tonight........I heard Grey Goose can act like a muscle relaxant. Don't judge.  Its been a mysterious day

Just a small town kind of day

March snuck in today like a lamb.  It was a bright, sunny, cheerful kind of day.
 It was the kind of day where everything seemed to be OK in my little town. 

I have told you about our Town's Believe Campaign in support of a beloved citizen battling cancer.  The latest news is the surgery today was successful.  It was almost like you could hear a collective sigh of relief as news spread.

Mom was at day care so that meant Auntie and I could enjoy a rare treat - lunch out together.  We took a friend with us and had a great time at Bella's Cafe and Bistro.   We saw lots of people we knew and had a few laughs.   (photos borrowed from fb)

We all had something different and it all looked and tasted amazing.  But the best part was it was just a nice break.   After lunch I stopped in just next door to Flow Lifestyle Boutique where Stephanie has just started a new coffee/tea bar. 

She has me addicted to the Chocolate Chai organic coffee.  I grabbed one before returning to the office.  We had a great laugh on facebook yesterday at another friends expense.  (Just teasing of course)  Much to my pal Terri's chagrin, Steph had a coffee delivered to my office yesterday.  Naturally I rubbed it in to Terri who works waaaay on the other side of town.  (Yes, I am spoiled)   And Yes, I love it. 

So today as I picked up my coffee, I paid for an extra one.  So tomorrow when Terri makes her regular Friday afternoon visit to Flow - she will be surprised that her coffee is on me!

A rug update:   Thank you for all the suggestions.  I agree that the plain blue isn't exactly right.  I tried to think far outside the box last night with a burgundy plaid but after only adding 3 strips I quickly ripped it out.  I was almost paralyzed with where to go next. 

Then this afternoon at work (I really hesitate to admit this here but......) I looked through a bag of wool stash in my office.   Yes, I have a small stash of wool behind my desk.  Don't ask......     Well, deep in the bottom of the bag is a large piece of dark blue plaid wool.  Lighter than the outline wool and darker than the blue from the last post.  Yippee!!  I think this might work.  I hope to cut some of it tonight and try a small section.   Fingers crossed.  



I hope you all had a great day too.