I've been fighting the crud. Don't know where I got it, whom from, nor why, but I do - started as a sinus headache, which proceeded to days of constant sneezing, to a runny nose with stuffed up head and sinus headache and now has decided to have coughing jump on the band wagon -
Normally, crud is supposed to "run its course" as my Mom used to say and that when it traveled from one place to another that was a good thing. So, if it's "spreading" like a bad rash to all these places but NOT leaving the places previously occupied, I supposed that this could not be called a "good thing".
I'm sick of it already and it started last Thursday night with the headache. Today is Wednesday - ENUF already... and to top it all off, Bill has his company Christmas dinner this Friday night. Now, it's a small affair as there are only like a dozen people in his office - so if everyone brought a spouse or so, there would be 24 (if my brain is computing math correctly)
It will be the first time meeting all of these people, and I'm going to be looking like Rudolph with a big, red, bulb nose, that's PEELING from being SO dry (even though I have used a box of Puff Plus with the lotion on top of putting on lotion a gazillion times a day) and then as I shake their hands be hacking all over them, with watery, bloodshot eyes that will have them gossiping for weeks as to what drugs I might be imbibing and let's not talk about the voice...
Fun, huh? Just about as fun as washing my damn glasses off after everytime I blow my nose as the lotion from the puffs plus smears on them and trying to actually "see" out of them is an impossibility.
The only thing I have to say is NUF - which my Mom used to say as it is FUN spelled backwards and she would say that when we had to quit playing. I'm done playing with this.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Knitting as promised!
I finally took pictures of "most" (not all yet) of FINISHED OBJECTS - yippee!
The first (by age) is the Sunburst Sling Purse that Bree selected. While visiting my parents in August, we stopped in a very nice yarn shop in Paducah, KY called With Ewe in Mind. (Very nice shop and the owner was great too!)
Bree wanted a RAINBOW purse and she got a RAINBOW purse from picking out Lorna's Lace Chunky Swirl yarn. The purse was knit to pattern -
Then we have a pair of the Peekaboo Mittens (free pattern here: http://www.magknits.com/Feb07/patterns/peekaboo.htm ) These are made from Cascade 220 Quatro in Pink and I used size 7 needles and followed the cast on of "40" and followed that pattern size (using the larger needle). These are a Christmas gift for a friend of Bree's.
I also finished my MOST FAVORITE sock pattern in the world (ok, so at least so far as I've knit) - I LOVE these.... The girls had fun chuckling at me because I kept saying that the entire time I was knitting them and they didn't believe me. BELIEVE ME! I LOVE these socks (did I say that already?) They are made with scrumptious Koigu in rich green jewel tones (I guess that's a good description) and they are soft and fit nicely and I LOVE them...
Also, shown (barely) is the CHERRY wood sock blocker my Dad made me - He has oak, birch and cherry in his woods and I told him I wanted one, so he cut down the cherry tree (makes us giggle as this reminds me of the George Washington ditty about cutting down the cherry tree) and made one up - I showed them around and people have ORDERED them - so, like an Elf - he's busy in his woodshop making some more up! Go DAD!
I followed the pattern and used size 1 needles.
At the end of October and first week in November, I took at class at Peggy's Strands of Heaven in Plainfield, IL ( http://www.strandsofheaven.com/ ) for this beaded ornament class - Now, I'm hooked. I've completed 4 and am working on the 5th (Great Teacher gifts) - Here are pictures of two of the 4 - (I told you in the beginning I have more pictures to take). They are knit with Plymouth Gold Rush and size 6 seed beads on a size 4 - 40" needle using the Magic Loop lesson (which we learned during the class and isn't nearly as daunting as I thought it was) - These are FUN to do. You knit them, slide them over a glass ornie then "close" them up! Fun, Fun, Fun - Bree loves to pick the colors and beads, too!
So, I'll be taking more pictures of the other finished objects and am knitting my fingers to the bone working on additional Christmas gifts.. So, off the puter I go to knit (ok, to get Bree ready for school THEN knit)
The first (by age) is the Sunburst Sling Purse that Bree selected. While visiting my parents in August, we stopped in a very nice yarn shop in Paducah, KY called With Ewe in Mind. (Very nice shop and the owner was great too!)
Bree wanted a RAINBOW purse and she got a RAINBOW purse from picking out Lorna's Lace Chunky Swirl yarn. The purse was knit to pattern -
Then we have a pair of the Peekaboo Mittens (free pattern here: http://www.magknits.com/Feb07/patterns/peekaboo.htm ) These are made from Cascade 220 Quatro in Pink and I used size 7 needles and followed the cast on of "40" and followed that pattern size (using the larger needle). These are a Christmas gift for a friend of Bree's.
I also finished my MOST FAVORITE sock pattern in the world (ok, so at least so far as I've knit) - I LOVE these.... The girls had fun chuckling at me because I kept saying that the entire time I was knitting them and they didn't believe me. BELIEVE ME! I LOVE these socks (did I say that already?) They are made with scrumptious Koigu in rich green jewel tones (I guess that's a good description) and they are soft and fit nicely and I LOVE them...
Also, shown (barely) is the CHERRY wood sock blocker my Dad made me - He has oak, birch and cherry in his woods and I told him I wanted one, so he cut down the cherry tree (makes us giggle as this reminds me of the George Washington ditty about cutting down the cherry tree) and made one up - I showed them around and people have ORDERED them - so, like an Elf - he's busy in his woodshop making some more up! Go DAD!
I followed the pattern and used size 1 needles.
At the end of October and first week in November, I took at class at Peggy's Strands of Heaven in Plainfield, IL ( http://www.strandsofheaven.com/ ) for this beaded ornament class - Now, I'm hooked. I've completed 4 and am working on the 5th (Great Teacher gifts) - Here are pictures of two of the 4 - (I told you in the beginning I have more pictures to take). They are knit with Plymouth Gold Rush and size 6 seed beads on a size 4 - 40" needle using the Magic Loop lesson (which we learned during the class and isn't nearly as daunting as I thought it was) - These are FUN to do. You knit them, slide them over a glass ornie then "close" them up! Fun, Fun, Fun - Bree loves to pick the colors and beads, too!
So, I'll be taking more pictures of the other finished objects and am knitting my fingers to the bone working on additional Christmas gifts.. So, off the puter I go to knit (ok, to get Bree ready for school THEN knit)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
What we did on our Thanksgiving Vacation....
Does it remind you of your first day at school when you had to write what you did over your summer vacation?
Well, since we had our Thanksgiving dinner 2 weeks previous when my Mom and Dad were in town, with Turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings, there was no cooking that HAD to be done on Thanksgiving - leaving the time to do all sorts of other things.
So, Bree and I baked some cookies. We took down the Thanksgiving decorations (scarecrows, pumpkins, etc..) On Friday, while I worked at my Friend's Yarn Store (http://www.strandsofheaven.com), Bill and Bree worked on setting up the Christmas Tree. (It's a 10 foot tree!) We finished putting ornies on Sat morning, then went to a craft sale, then started the village. In between all of the above, we worked on the rest of the inside of the house. Well, here are the results of our efforts - I took these pictures at night - hoping the lights would show up:
The window shelf over the kitchen sink - the center is a "miniature" tree with all the Hallmark mini ornaments that my Mom has collected for Bree and I over the years - it's so cute. To the left of the tree is a "fiber optic" village and the colors change - it's pretty mesmerizing to watch:
Above the cabinets. When we were house/builder shopping, I saw in a model home, where instead of a soffit above their kitchen cabinets they left it open and had electricity run up there with a light switch in the kitchen in order to put village houses up there.. Thus our area above the cabinets. The evergreens in the background are the limbs from the Christmas tree we don't use.. Works perfect!
I will never own a house again without a fireplace... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our fireplace, love fires! We will use it from October thru May! My Dad cuts down the wood (oak, birch and cherry) for us from his woods and splits it up and when it burns it smells SO good - So, have to decorate it nice too!
And then the "biggie" - we have 26 Village houses and are to the point where you just can't fit them all under the tree (thus the ones above my cabinets, and now we even have them under the "small" tree in the front of the house - including the train!). So this is the MAIN town... but the others are the "unicorporated" area - haha
And this is the security company we hired to protect our village... (some help they are - infact the "bigger-but younger" one in the picture decided it was "deer" season and has chosen a ceramic deer to destroy.. She's in the dog house these days!
I just realized I need to take photos of the front living room and foyer of the house for the rest of the decorations... Well,I guess I will do that today!
Well, since we had our Thanksgiving dinner 2 weeks previous when my Mom and Dad were in town, with Turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings, there was no cooking that HAD to be done on Thanksgiving - leaving the time to do all sorts of other things.
So, Bree and I baked some cookies. We took down the Thanksgiving decorations (scarecrows, pumpkins, etc..) On Friday, while I worked at my Friend's Yarn Store (http://www.strandsofheaven.com), Bill and Bree worked on setting up the Christmas Tree. (It's a 10 foot tree!) We finished putting ornies on Sat morning, then went to a craft sale, then started the village. In between all of the above, we worked on the rest of the inside of the house. Well, here are the results of our efforts - I took these pictures at night - hoping the lights would show up:
The window shelf over the kitchen sink - the center is a "miniature" tree with all the Hallmark mini ornaments that my Mom has collected for Bree and I over the years - it's so cute. To the left of the tree is a "fiber optic" village and the colors change - it's pretty mesmerizing to watch:
Above the cabinets. When we were house/builder shopping, I saw in a model home, where instead of a soffit above their kitchen cabinets they left it open and had electricity run up there with a light switch in the kitchen in order to put village houses up there.. Thus our area above the cabinets. The evergreens in the background are the limbs from the Christmas tree we don't use.. Works perfect!
I will never own a house again without a fireplace... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our fireplace, love fires! We will use it from October thru May! My Dad cuts down the wood (oak, birch and cherry) for us from his woods and splits it up and when it burns it smells SO good - So, have to decorate it nice too!
And then the "biggie" - we have 26 Village houses and are to the point where you just can't fit them all under the tree (thus the ones above my cabinets, and now we even have them under the "small" tree in the front of the house - including the train!). So this is the MAIN town... but the others are the "unicorporated" area - haha
And this is the security company we hired to protect our village... (some help they are - infact the "bigger-but younger" one in the picture decided it was "deer" season and has chosen a ceramic deer to destroy.. She's in the dog house these days!
I just realized I need to take photos of the front living room and foyer of the house for the rest of the decorations... Well,I guess I will do that today!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The "Beer Bottle - Puzzle" Song...
Everyone sing along...
1000 pieces of puzzle on the table,
1000 pieces of puzzle,
Pick one up, find where it goes
999 pieces of puzzle on the table....
--Now don't hate me because you that song stuck in your head...
Here's what it looks like with all 1000 pieces finished....
I love doing puzzles. I got on a kick recently (started on Halloween) and I was in Hobby Lobby one day and they had them on sale - so, I bought a cute Lab Puppy one that was 500 pieces. Well, that took me like 2 days to finish. So, I bought another 550 of an old fashioned looking Santa and that took maybe a week.
So, I figured this is going to cost a fortune so, I upped them to the 1000 piece one with "like" colors so it will slow me down.. It did some - but, this one is now done and I just broke open a new one last night.
There's just something about totally focusing and blocking out everything else that is relaxing to me. Kind of like my knitting. Speaking of knitting, I have a bunch of stuff to put up - but, of course, I have to take pics first and download them and edit them... So, I promise to have a knitting post this week!
In the meantime, I'm off to focus and relax and find one piece that fits...
1000 pieces of puzzle on the table,
1000 pieces of puzzle,
Pick one up, find where it goes
999 pieces of puzzle on the table....
--Now don't hate me because you that song stuck in your head...
Here's what it looks like with all 1000 pieces finished....
I love doing puzzles. I got on a kick recently (started on Halloween) and I was in Hobby Lobby one day and they had them on sale - so, I bought a cute Lab Puppy one that was 500 pieces. Well, that took me like 2 days to finish. So, I bought another 550 of an old fashioned looking Santa and that took maybe a week.
So, I figured this is going to cost a fortune so, I upped them to the 1000 piece one with "like" colors so it will slow me down.. It did some - but, this one is now done and I just broke open a new one last night.
There's just something about totally focusing and blocking out everything else that is relaxing to me. Kind of like my knitting. Speaking of knitting, I have a bunch of stuff to put up - but, of course, I have to take pics first and download them and edit them... So, I promise to have a knitting post this week!
In the meantime, I'm off to focus and relax and find one piece that fits...
Monday, November 26, 2007
My Junior Photographer...
This past year, I purchased a new digital camera and Bree begged for my old one. Well, after I figured out how to use the new one (well, almost), I gave her the old one and she takes a TON of pictures!
She took some of Marigold (who went to her new home this week - see my friend's Sarah's blog - link over on the right) and I wanted to see them, so I downloaded her memory card.
I hadn't realized there were some on the card from our trip to the American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio back in October..
So, I'm just going to do a "photo" collage of some of the neat photos she's taken! I think she should learn more about photography as with her "artistic" ability, she has a great EYE!
Here's some of the photos I just think are awesome...
Our dogs...
Miss Marigold:
Her other pet... (she gets her "sick" sense of humor from her Dad - just ask Paige)
These are of Stacy Westfall riding BAREBACK and BRIDLESS doing a complete reining routine WHILE speaking (via microphone) to the crowd.. Phenom...
Then she brings in a youngster (3 year old) and has trained this horse to perform the same reining routine in sync with her on the other horse - only using the little tap stick you see to cue the horse - (think sychronized swimming). It was truly a "treat" to see - and again, she continued to talk her way thru it to the crowd - amazing!
Then, Bree took these great photos of the girl who won the freestyle reining (which is costumes, free flow pattern and set to music) - think choregraphed horse dancing.. This girl rode to Phantom of the Opera (notice the horse's costume) and she rode the horse thru the entire pattern with a tie-halter on.. She was wonderful and Bree thinks doing a phantom of the opera costume for the 4H Fair next year would be cool!
All these photos were taken with my 4 or 5 year old little sony digital camera - I think she should use the good camera and I'll go back to the "old" one - she obviously has fun and can take super photos!
She took some of Marigold (who went to her new home this week - see my friend's Sarah's blog - link over on the right) and I wanted to see them, so I downloaded her memory card.
I hadn't realized there were some on the card from our trip to the American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio back in October..
So, I'm just going to do a "photo" collage of some of the neat photos she's taken! I think she should learn more about photography as with her "artistic" ability, she has a great EYE!
Here's some of the photos I just think are awesome...
Our dogs...
Miss Marigold:
Her other pet... (she gets her "sick" sense of humor from her Dad - just ask Paige)
These are of Stacy Westfall riding BAREBACK and BRIDLESS doing a complete reining routine WHILE speaking (via microphone) to the crowd.. Phenom...
Then she brings in a youngster (3 year old) and has trained this horse to perform the same reining routine in sync with her on the other horse - only using the little tap stick you see to cue the horse - (think sychronized swimming). It was truly a "treat" to see - and again, she continued to talk her way thru it to the crowd - amazing!
Then, Bree took these great photos of the girl who won the freestyle reining (which is costumes, free flow pattern and set to music) - think choregraphed horse dancing.. This girl rode to Phantom of the Opera (notice the horse's costume) and she rode the horse thru the entire pattern with a tie-halter on.. She was wonderful and Bree thinks doing a phantom of the opera costume for the 4H Fair next year would be cool!
All these photos were taken with my 4 or 5 year old little sony digital camera - I think she should use the good camera and I'll go back to the "old" one - she obviously has fun and can take super photos!
Basketball season continues...
It's amazing as the girls have played 3 games now and how much Bree has improved (read more aggressive) in her play.
I think Bill got her motivated (well, I KNOW, Bill got her motivated) as he instituted a "reward" system.
Starting with the 2nd game of the season (which they lost by ONE point in the last minute of the game - after losing a 7 point lead) - he told her for every rebound or steal she got, he would give her $1 that she could spend anyway she liked.
I think she was trying hard as my Mom and Dad were in town from Tennessee and she was certainly trying to play well for her audience. She earned $5!!! She played much better! I love this "evil" eye look while defending her player..
Their third game (I forgot my camera as the game was at 8am on a Saturday morning and I hadn't had enough coffee yet) - She played PHENOMENAL!!!!! She made her FIRST basket! (had a HUGE grin on her face after that) - Had several rebounds, several steals and even slapped the ball away several times - So, Bill added knock aways for $.50 - She ended up with $10 for the day - (which she promptly spent on another webkinz) - LOL!
There was a particular play that both Bill and I were so proud at how TOUGH she is. There was a play where she stole the ball and was going on a fast break down the court - one of the other team's players in order to stop her - basically ran her over - she took a hard tumble. Now this week, they were playing at a school with one of those carpeted gym floors (how absolutely stupid, it is).. Anyway, she got up and continued on with the play for that quarter. The quarter buzzer sounded she went and sat down and grabbed her knee - now NONE OF US noticed it when she fell - but she totally and I mean, totally, tore up her entire knee - cross between a blister and a rug burn along with a goose egg knot - they called me over from the stands to help Dr her up and I was in AWE that she got up and kept playing and waited until there was a timeout to "hurt" -
Bill and I gave her an extra dollar for being tough!!! She was pretty dang sore for this entire past week and the swelling has gone down, but YEOUCH... The big old burn, scab looks nasty (even to me!)
They did win their game! Which was awesome!! So now, North Carolina Tar Heels are 2 and 1! Go TEAM! They play this Saturday at 10am - more to come - and since it is not so early, I'm guessing I'll have my camera along!
I think Bill got her motivated (well, I KNOW, Bill got her motivated) as he instituted a "reward" system.
Starting with the 2nd game of the season (which they lost by ONE point in the last minute of the game - after losing a 7 point lead) - he told her for every rebound or steal she got, he would give her $1 that she could spend anyway she liked.
I think she was trying hard as my Mom and Dad were in town from Tennessee and she was certainly trying to play well for her audience. She earned $5!!! She played much better! I love this "evil" eye look while defending her player..
Their third game (I forgot my camera as the game was at 8am on a Saturday morning and I hadn't had enough coffee yet) - She played PHENOMENAL!!!!! She made her FIRST basket! (had a HUGE grin on her face after that) - Had several rebounds, several steals and even slapped the ball away several times - So, Bill added knock aways for $.50 - She ended up with $10 for the day - (which she promptly spent on another webkinz) - LOL!
There was a particular play that both Bill and I were so proud at how TOUGH she is. There was a play where she stole the ball and was going on a fast break down the court - one of the other team's players in order to stop her - basically ran her over - she took a hard tumble. Now this week, they were playing at a school with one of those carpeted gym floors (how absolutely stupid, it is).. Anyway, she got up and continued on with the play for that quarter. The quarter buzzer sounded she went and sat down and grabbed her knee - now NONE OF US noticed it when she fell - but she totally and I mean, totally, tore up her entire knee - cross between a blister and a rug burn along with a goose egg knot - they called me over from the stands to help Dr her up and I was in AWE that she got up and kept playing and waited until there was a timeout to "hurt" -
Bill and I gave her an extra dollar for being tough!!! She was pretty dang sore for this entire past week and the swelling has gone down, but YEOUCH... The big old burn, scab looks nasty (even to me!)
They did win their game! Which was awesome!! So now, North Carolina Tar Heels are 2 and 1! Go TEAM! They play this Saturday at 10am - more to come - and since it is not so early, I'm guessing I'll have my camera along!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
She can't be 10 - that makes ME old...
Bree turned 10 on October 30 - OY.. She just simply CANNOT be this old, because then this means I'm older.. Nope, not double digits - why is it that when she was "single" digits she seemed SO much younger?
She had a great kids birthday party at a local shop called "Paint it Yours" where all the kids were given a "blank" T-Shirt and they got to decorate with fabric paint, stencils, "bling" - just for Paige - and all sorts of goodies - they were ALL so creative - it was amazing to see how different everyone's shirts looked!
They had cake and Bree opened her presents - she got FOUR (yes, FOUR, more Webkinz which put her up to 21!!!) - I told Bill, we missed the boat on buying stock on this company!!!
Here are some photos of the group - and also, as a gift to the birthday girl - the store takes a picture of the "group" and scans it onto a separate shirt and then all sign it and decorate it - it was so much fun.
Bree being excited about basketball was creating her very own North Carolina basketball shirt!
The group shirt being decorated:
And the group:
What a great bunch of friends!!!
She had a great kids birthday party at a local shop called "Paint it Yours" where all the kids were given a "blank" T-Shirt and they got to decorate with fabric paint, stencils, "bling" - just for Paige - and all sorts of goodies - they were ALL so creative - it was amazing to see how different everyone's shirts looked!
They had cake and Bree opened her presents - she got FOUR (yes, FOUR, more Webkinz which put her up to 21!!!) - I told Bill, we missed the boat on buying stock on this company!!!
Here are some photos of the group - and also, as a gift to the birthday girl - the store takes a picture of the "group" and scans it onto a separate shirt and then all sign it and decorate it - it was so much fun.
Bree being excited about basketball was creating her very own North Carolina basketball shirt!
The group shirt being decorated:
And the group:
What a great bunch of friends!!!
The next Michael Jordan??? Just having fun!
This year, Bree has decided to play basketball thru our local athletic organization (kind of like a park district league). What makes it really fun is that her team is girls she hangs out with and from our subdivision.
She has always liked to "shoot hoops" with Bill and we've been encouraging her to "do" one thing outside of the horses to stay 'balanced' and so basketball was her choice.
The Coaches and Families are great and the Dad's have fun at the practices (The Coaches rope the Dad's in liking making deals with the girls that if they hit "their" shot then ALL the Dad's have to run a lap in the gym...) hahahah - It's amazing how GOOD the girls get with their shooting with a little motivation - Last week the Dad's ran 4 laps (there are 9 girls on the team). The teams are named after colleges and her team is North Carolina and is all 4th Graders.
They've played 2 games (Saturday mornings) and are 1 and 1 - the loss was a HEARTBREAKER!!! They lost by ONE point in the last 30 seconds...
They play 4 - 8 minute quarters!
Here are a few pictures of Bree and her team from the first game:
Bree is the second girl in line closest to you
She has always liked to "shoot hoops" with Bill and we've been encouraging her to "do" one thing outside of the horses to stay 'balanced' and so basketball was her choice.
The Coaches and Families are great and the Dad's have fun at the practices (The Coaches rope the Dad's in liking making deals with the girls that if they hit "their" shot then ALL the Dad's have to run a lap in the gym...) hahahah - It's amazing how GOOD the girls get with their shooting with a little motivation - Last week the Dad's ran 4 laps (there are 9 girls on the team). The teams are named after colleges and her team is North Carolina and is all 4th Graders.
They've played 2 games (Saturday mornings) and are 1 and 1 - the loss was a HEARTBREAKER!!! They lost by ONE point in the last 30 seconds...
They play 4 - 8 minute quarters!
Here are a few pictures of Bree and her team from the first game:
Bree is the second girl in line closest to you
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Deja' Vu - Same Yarn FO Bree's Backpack..
While utilizing Miss Sarah's advice on the yarn for Paige, I spied the same yarn in a colorway that I knew Bree would just love - so, yeup, bought it too. And again, it was tucked away for her NOT to find (keep the "not" in your mind)
I began a quest for a pattern I thought she would like and that would be fun and good to use with this yarn. Well, I found a great backpack pattern - Cabin Fever's "Easy Felt Pack #704. So, when Bree started back to school, I started secretly knitting this (thus, the before mentioned secret projects in my blog posts - ie - Paige's Sheep Tote and Bree's backpack)
The intention was to have it ready for a birthday present (Bree's birthday is Oct 30). (note the word "intention").
I finished knitting it and had felted it and had it drying out in the sun on the patio one day, while I went about my wifely/motherly housekeeping duties. Then I went and picked Bree up from school, all the while FORGETTING that it was outside on the patio table drying.
We got home from school and Bree was getting a snack and she asked "what was out on the table" - OOPS... I said NOTHING she needed to be concerned about. She went upstairs to change out of her school clothes - so, being the great sneak I am, I grabbed it off the patio table and stuffed it into a cabinet I know she doesn't go into.
2 weeks later.. We're cleaning bunny cages (right before last weekend's trip to Ohio for the Quarter Horse Congress - another birthday present for her) and I asked her to go get some "bags" for garbage. She comes back with an ear to ear grin letting me know she found ONE of her birthday presents.. I laughed. My "sneakiness" and life got past me and I completely forgot I had stuffed the backpack into the cabinet 2 weeks earlier...
So, I told her she could have it as an early present - and she just LOVES it! I am so tickled that she thinks it is rather cool - as it is difficult with a soon turning 10 year old to figure out what she thinks is cool these days... (I'm not looking forward to those teenage years). She liked it so well, she decided NOT to take her regular jeans' purse to Congress, but to take her backpack instead and she took it EVERYWHERE with her!
So, here are some pictures!
This was made with the Queensland Collection Big Wave yarn 90% wool, 10% Cashmere - following the pattern mentioned above
I began a quest for a pattern I thought she would like and that would be fun and good to use with this yarn. Well, I found a great backpack pattern - Cabin Fever's "Easy Felt Pack #704. So, when Bree started back to school, I started secretly knitting this (thus, the before mentioned secret projects in my blog posts - ie - Paige's Sheep Tote and Bree's backpack)
The intention was to have it ready for a birthday present (Bree's birthday is Oct 30). (note the word "intention").
I finished knitting it and had felted it and had it drying out in the sun on the patio one day, while I went about my wifely/motherly housekeeping duties. Then I went and picked Bree up from school, all the while FORGETTING that it was outside on the patio table drying.
We got home from school and Bree was getting a snack and she asked "what was out on the table" - OOPS... I said NOTHING she needed to be concerned about. She went upstairs to change out of her school clothes - so, being the great sneak I am, I grabbed it off the patio table and stuffed it into a cabinet I know she doesn't go into.
2 weeks later.. We're cleaning bunny cages (right before last weekend's trip to Ohio for the Quarter Horse Congress - another birthday present for her) and I asked her to go get some "bags" for garbage. She comes back with an ear to ear grin letting me know she found ONE of her birthday presents.. I laughed. My "sneakiness" and life got past me and I completely forgot I had stuffed the backpack into the cabinet 2 weeks earlier...
So, I told her she could have it as an early present - and she just LOVES it! I am so tickled that she thinks it is rather cool - as it is difficult with a soon turning 10 year old to figure out what she thinks is cool these days... (I'm not looking forward to those teenage years). She liked it so well, she decided NOT to take her regular jeans' purse to Congress, but to take her backpack instead and she took it EVERYWHERE with her!
So, here are some pictures!
This was made with the Queensland Collection Big Wave yarn 90% wool, 10% Cashmere - following the pattern mentioned above
Deja' Vu? Another FO Sheep Tote...
During the same outing to Sheep's Clothing, Miss Sarah had convinced me to purchase some yarn that was being discontinued by the manufacturer (what a shame, it is awesome stuff)
Well, the color is the most perfect, exact, favorite of my friend, Paige - so, I just had to purchase it not having a CLUE what I was going to do make with it for her - so.. it sat (we went to Sheep's Clothing I think back in May?)
After completing my Sheep Tote and seeing how cool it is and knowing how Miss Paige chides me about my organizational obsession (even though she says she's impressed with it), I thought how perfect for her to have something to always remind her of my organizational mindset.. (ha, ha)
So, off to work I went and made up this for her, of course I had to add some "bling" to it with the button covering the snap closure - which I think will inspire her to whip out her "Bedazzler" and do her thing with it!
And here's a closeup of the "bling" button/closure.. Plus this picture greatly shows the vibrant orange/red/yellow color of the yarn -
The yarn is from Queensland Collection, called "Big Wave" and is a thick and thin 90%Wool, 10% Cashmere and is wonderful to work with and felt with - I am saddened they are/have discontinued it...
Well, the color is the most perfect, exact, favorite of my friend, Paige - so, I just had to purchase it not having a CLUE what I was going to do make with it for her - so.. it sat (we went to Sheep's Clothing I think back in May?)
After completing my Sheep Tote and seeing how cool it is and knowing how Miss Paige chides me about my organizational obsession (even though she says she's impressed with it), I thought how perfect for her to have something to always remind her of my organizational mindset.. (ha, ha)
So, off to work I went and made up this for her, of course I had to add some "bling" to it with the button covering the snap closure - which I think will inspire her to whip out her "Bedazzler" and do her thing with it!
And here's a closeup of the "bling" button/closure.. Plus this picture greatly shows the vibrant orange/red/yellow color of the yarn -
The yarn is from Queensland Collection, called "Big Wave" and is a thick and thin 90%Wool, 10% Cashmere and is wonderful to work with and felt with - I am saddened they are/have discontinued it...
Finished Object (FO) Purple/Red Sheep Tote
As promised, I do have a few finished objects...
My first "real" project (supervised by Miss Kate) was the "Fabulous Felted Tote" by Fiber Trends - and though I love it - it is so DEEP - so, when Miss Kate made herself a Fiber Trends Sheep Tote - I started "jonesing" as it was rectangular and short and had pockets for organization (and you all know how organization is one of my most coveted words).
So, during our outing to Indiana to Sheep's Clothing, I purchased the pattern and yarn (Cascade Quatro in the Red Stripe and Cascade 220 in a purple) and finally made up my very own.
I SO wanted to make it like Miss Kate's (I LOVE the Malabrigo Chunky varigated she used) but, since every LYS I've been to does NOT carry it - and I take this PERSONALLY, I had to substitute. Just for the record - I like mine (although it is quite plain) but still LOVE Miss Kate's.
So, I've been toying with perhaps doing a needle felted "something" on it - but, nothing has hit my fancy as of yet - Maybe I should send it down to my "bedazzler" queen friend, Paige, for some bling?
Anyway, here is a picture - I followed the pattern as is - and used 2 strands of the Cascade yarns mentioned above.
My first "real" project (supervised by Miss Kate) was the "Fabulous Felted Tote" by Fiber Trends - and though I love it - it is so DEEP - so, when Miss Kate made herself a Fiber Trends Sheep Tote - I started "jonesing" as it was rectangular and short and had pockets for organization (and you all know how organization is one of my most coveted words).
So, during our outing to Indiana to Sheep's Clothing, I purchased the pattern and yarn (Cascade Quatro in the Red Stripe and Cascade 220 in a purple) and finally made up my very own.
I SO wanted to make it like Miss Kate's (I LOVE the Malabrigo Chunky varigated she used) but, since every LYS I've been to does NOT carry it - and I take this PERSONALLY, I had to substitute. Just for the record - I like mine (although it is quite plain) but still LOVE Miss Kate's.
So, I've been toying with perhaps doing a needle felted "something" on it - but, nothing has hit my fancy as of yet - Maybe I should send it down to my "bedazzler" queen friend, Paige, for some bling?
Anyway, here is a picture - I followed the pattern as is - and used 2 strands of the Cascade yarns mentioned above.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
I've been a bit consumed... Poor little kids...
I got home Sunday evening from Ohio and saw a note my friend posted about an animal confiscation - so, I called her and oh my - I've been a bit consumed ever since.
A 65 year old woman who received some money via an inheritance became an animal "hoarder" - which got way out of control (probably over a couple of years)
Things finally came to a head and animal control and Tails Humane Society ( http://www.tailshumanesociety.org )went in and confiscated over 100 dogs and over 130 cats. Unfortunately, that's not the worst of it. There were over 200 dead animals in the HOUSE. The lady had put them EVERYWHERE (freezer, containers, cabinets, etc.) The lady's first court date was yesterday and the hope was that she would sign over the rights to all the confiscated animals so, the next steps thru the humane society could be taken - but NO, believe it or not (and I still don't) she pleaded NOT-GUILTY to animal cruelty (is being held on 35,000 bond) and would NOT sign over the animals.
So, Monday morning I went out to the airport hanger (temporary shelter) to help do whatever, not knowing what to expect.. It just breaks your heart. The lady had to spend over 50,000 dollars on PUREBRED dogs, numerous breeds, nice animals - Corgi's, Great Pyrenese, Burmese Mtn Dogs, English Bulldogs, Beagles, Bassets, Cocker Spaniels, St Bernards, Huskies, Aussies, Pugs, a couple of Labs, Mastiff, Pekingese, Dachsunds, and the list continues.
They need to be fed, walked, cages cleaned, bathed, nails clipped - you name it they need it - and most of all LOVE and the understanding of life. Many never saw outside - don't know what concrete is let alone grass. Sad doesn't even begin to touch it.
I've spending as much time as possible - time permitting helping do whatever I can - I'm not doing anything special that anyone else who had time would do -
I haven't even had a chance to really see the cats, but they have Hims, Persians, Rag Dolls, Siamese, you name the high level breed, its there.
So many people have donated, come out and dropped supplies off - the overwhelming outpouring of humanity feels good. The media has been everywhere and infact, today, the story made the front page of the Chicago Tribune.
Here are some links: Of the dogs: http://www.thestitchincorral.com/indiancreek.htm
Links to news reports:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-animals_weboct16,0,39260.story
Photo gallery: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-071015animals-photogallery,1,1008614.photogallery?ctrack=4&cset=true
Bree is quite adamant about helping out too and since she only has a 1/2 day at school tomorrow, we will be heading out then.
We are also signed up to "foster" a little Corgi girl named "Marigold" - she's as sweet as can be - and her little ears don't even stand up - here's a few pics of her - this will only happen if the animals are turned over or the court rules this way -
As a last note, I do have 3 finished objects (knitting) to post - that is when I have time...
Hug your pets tonight!
A 65 year old woman who received some money via an inheritance became an animal "hoarder" - which got way out of control (probably over a couple of years)
Things finally came to a head and animal control and Tails Humane Society ( http://www.tailshumanesociety.org )went in and confiscated over 100 dogs and over 130 cats. Unfortunately, that's not the worst of it. There were over 200 dead animals in the HOUSE. The lady had put them EVERYWHERE (freezer, containers, cabinets, etc.) The lady's first court date was yesterday and the hope was that she would sign over the rights to all the confiscated animals so, the next steps thru the humane society could be taken - but NO, believe it or not (and I still don't) she pleaded NOT-GUILTY to animal cruelty (is being held on 35,000 bond) and would NOT sign over the animals.
So, Monday morning I went out to the airport hanger (temporary shelter) to help do whatever, not knowing what to expect.. It just breaks your heart. The lady had to spend over 50,000 dollars on PUREBRED dogs, numerous breeds, nice animals - Corgi's, Great Pyrenese, Burmese Mtn Dogs, English Bulldogs, Beagles, Bassets, Cocker Spaniels, St Bernards, Huskies, Aussies, Pugs, a couple of Labs, Mastiff, Pekingese, Dachsunds, and the list continues.
They need to be fed, walked, cages cleaned, bathed, nails clipped - you name it they need it - and most of all LOVE and the understanding of life. Many never saw outside - don't know what concrete is let alone grass. Sad doesn't even begin to touch it.
I've spending as much time as possible - time permitting helping do whatever I can - I'm not doing anything special that anyone else who had time would do -
I haven't even had a chance to really see the cats, but they have Hims, Persians, Rag Dolls, Siamese, you name the high level breed, its there.
So many people have donated, come out and dropped supplies off - the overwhelming outpouring of humanity feels good. The media has been everywhere and infact, today, the story made the front page of the Chicago Tribune.
Here are some links: Of the dogs: http://www.thestitchincorral.com/indiancreek.htm
Links to news reports:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-animals_weboct16,0,39260.story
Photo gallery: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-071015animals-photogallery,1,1008614.photogallery?ctrack=4&cset=true
Bree is quite adamant about helping out too and since she only has a 1/2 day at school tomorrow, we will be heading out then.
We are also signed up to "foster" a little Corgi girl named "Marigold" - she's as sweet as can be - and her little ears don't even stand up - here's a few pics of her - this will only happen if the animals are turned over or the court rules this way -
As a last note, I do have 3 finished objects (knitting) to post - that is when I have time...
Hug your pets tonight!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
New things around the house...
It's starting off to be a good month. I FINALLY after 2 years and 1 month, persuaded Bill (my dear husband) to get a NEW tv for our bedroom. Now, I say FINALLY in big, bold capital letters because I actually tried to buy him one for our 10th wedding anniversary (which was just about 2 years and 1 month ago).
He just cracks me up. Thank you ENTOURAGE - the HBO or Showtime (whichever one it is) series that he likes to watch that is on when Bree likes to watch one of her shows - so he used to go up in our bedroom to watch (plus, not a show she should be watching anyhow). Well, to date the tv in our bedroom - it was my Grandmothers then I took it to college with me. I graduated from college in 1985 (you do the math) - but, for sake of an argument - it's at least 22 years old. YIKES.. And it still worked, but, the picture was getting a little fuzzy, yada, yada, yada - and over the past 2 years it was getting more and more fuzzy - So, when he was relegated to watching Entourage upstairs - and I happened to hear him mutter about the picture I though "AH HA!" So, this time, I passed it off as a birthday gift (his is the 17th of this month) - and off we went to Best Buy.
Now, this is an experience in and of itself with my hubby who returns just about anything I've ever bought him because he doesn't "need" it. So, we started looking at the 26" LCD tv's. Then he thought wow, that's alot of money, so we walked around the other side of the wall to look at the traditional tv's, which by the way, are few and far between even Best Buy is discontinuing carrying an old-fashioned tv. There was one (but it was a floor model) that had him kind of iffy - I said NO. Then there was one a bit less than the LCD but bigger screen - when he tried to lift the box (70 pounds) vs (24 on the LCD) I laughed. (Like weight makes a tv better or worse????? - must be a guy thing)
So, he went back to the LCD's - now there was a 26" and a 32" the 32" was only 200 more - NO BRAINER for me... As I hate to shop anyhow - Well, after what seemed an eternity, he did the RIGHT thing and got the 32". Carried it out, brought it home, hooked it up, laid on the bed and promptly fell asleep - (again must be a guy thing)
Then, because he likes to watch 2-1/2 men, which he somehow, someway always seems to be doing something and misses 1/2 of it - I mentioned a DVR to him - hmmm.. he says - after talking with the Best Buy sales guy (who actually knew his stuff and lost a sale for being honest) we decided instead of purchasing a Tivo, that our cable company (for less money per month plus don't have to buy any equipment - thus the lost sale) was the way to go. Bill liked this idea - Huh.. Wonder what this is all about. So, on Thursday morning, the cable guy (cracks me up to say that in my head) will be here to hook up the DVR, etc.. Should be fun.
I'm still in amazement and denial that he actually bought something for himself so to speak - although, Bree has been watching the new tv as much as Bill has - but, that's ok - it'll be there perhaps another 22 years?
He just cracks me up. Thank you ENTOURAGE - the HBO or Showtime (whichever one it is) series that he likes to watch that is on when Bree likes to watch one of her shows - so he used to go up in our bedroom to watch (plus, not a show she should be watching anyhow). Well, to date the tv in our bedroom - it was my Grandmothers then I took it to college with me. I graduated from college in 1985 (you do the math) - but, for sake of an argument - it's at least 22 years old. YIKES.. And it still worked, but, the picture was getting a little fuzzy, yada, yada, yada - and over the past 2 years it was getting more and more fuzzy - So, when he was relegated to watching Entourage upstairs - and I happened to hear him mutter about the picture I though "AH HA!" So, this time, I passed it off as a birthday gift (his is the 17th of this month) - and off we went to Best Buy.
Now, this is an experience in and of itself with my hubby who returns just about anything I've ever bought him because he doesn't "need" it. So, we started looking at the 26" LCD tv's. Then he thought wow, that's alot of money, so we walked around the other side of the wall to look at the traditional tv's, which by the way, are few and far between even Best Buy is discontinuing carrying an old-fashioned tv. There was one (but it was a floor model) that had him kind of iffy - I said NO. Then there was one a bit less than the LCD but bigger screen - when he tried to lift the box (70 pounds) vs (24 on the LCD) I laughed. (Like weight makes a tv better or worse????? - must be a guy thing)
So, he went back to the LCD's - now there was a 26" and a 32" the 32" was only 200 more - NO BRAINER for me... As I hate to shop anyhow - Well, after what seemed an eternity, he did the RIGHT thing and got the 32". Carried it out, brought it home, hooked it up, laid on the bed and promptly fell asleep - (again must be a guy thing)
Then, because he likes to watch 2-1/2 men, which he somehow, someway always seems to be doing something and misses 1/2 of it - I mentioned a DVR to him - hmmm.. he says - after talking with the Best Buy sales guy (who actually knew his stuff and lost a sale for being honest) we decided instead of purchasing a Tivo, that our cable company (for less money per month plus don't have to buy any equipment - thus the lost sale) was the way to go. Bill liked this idea - Huh.. Wonder what this is all about. So, on Thursday morning, the cable guy (cracks me up to say that in my head) will be here to hook up the DVR, etc.. Should be fun.
I'm still in amazement and denial that he actually bought something for himself so to speak - although, Bree has been watching the new tv as much as Bill has - but, that's ok - it'll be there perhaps another 22 years?
Friday, October 5, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Girls' Weekend at Indian Creek Ranch!!!
First, let me say, that I think I need lots more of these (preferably back to the same place it was that wonderful!) This was a trail riding, friend get together, relaxing weekend to be...
My friend, Cheri, who I met thru my horse forum lives in Missouri. Her parents have a place about 12 miles out of Sullivan, MO. It's a 2 mile track off the main road thru the wilderness (and I mean this literally) over little creeks, over cattle crossing gates/bridges (or whatever they are called) - reminds me of the song "thru the woods to Grandmother's house"! One lane and you better not be TOO wide!
We stop at the barn to off load the horses (thanks to my good friend, Paige, who has the "seasoned" trail horses) - and the barn and clearing looking out onto Cheri's parent's property is breathtaking... (these pictures just do NOT do it justice)
Then, because the terrain is SO steep, you have to leave the trailers down at the barn so we load our "stuff" into a "mini-truck" - it is SO cute!
And head up to the house (think of a straight up winding staircase). The house is a log cabin (huge) and the logs are from the trees on the property. Now, when I was invited, for some reason I thought the ranch was around 500 acres. Well, it is actually between 4 and 5 THOUSAND acres - so plenty of trees available for the building of the log cabin! This picture is taken from down by the barn looking up (and I mean UP even though the picture doesn't give you the "depth" of up)
We get settled in to the cabin and since I was not able to attend the gathering last year due to the collarbone injury, I think everyone was laughing at me (that happened all weekend) because I kept saying, "Oh my God", "wow", "amazing", "stunning" (you get the point) - and it was, for real. I think it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
We have a great dinner by JoD who made Pizza on the GRILL, yes, on the GRILL. It was just fabulous. JoD and her horse, Cash, are pictured here:
We hung around the campfire, the others imbibing in their favorite beverages and me with my water or soda - This is a picture of Cheri (our host) stoking the fire.
We rode on Saturday morning and this is kind of an milestone for me. I'm an "arena" rider - usually ride "enclosed" and for some reason that gives me a security blanket, plus this is my first ride out of my comfort zone since my injury back in the beginning of summer 2006 (and probably longer than that) and I was riding a horse I'd NEVER been on before.
We went up the steepest of hills, down the steepest of valleys, thru creeks, saw tons of wild life, Cheri and her Dad picked wild grapes, the whole nine yards. Even the most eloquent of writers would have difficulty describing the setting and beauty - so, please use your vivid imagination of a beautiful landscape! I was tense (to say the least) especially since when we went to the barn late Friday night to feed, I stepped in a foot deep Gopher hole and really did a number on my knee. It was swollen, stiff, sore (you get the idea). Paige did get a few pictures of me as PROOF that I did this (always got to have proof)!
I was riding Haidagirl who decided that she should be the LEADER and would not plod along like a mule no matter what. So, I rode up front with Gerald, Cheri's Dad and loved the stories and information he talked about. The creek is spring fed and clean and crystal clear that we could have drank out of it too!
Saturday, before dinner, we went to the pasture to see, Samson, the Camel. Cheri's Dad purchased Samson for their Church's live Nativity scene. He is just so SWEET. He gave us all kisses and loved the attention. Here's a few pics
And Samson giving Paige a big ole kiss:
This year as a gift to Cheri's parents for opening up their home and their generosity we gave them a digital picture frame which I had loaded some pictures that Cheri had sent me ahead of time. They LOVED it and I showed Cheri's Mom (Carmen) how to change the pictures and she went right to town and added a bunch more, organized them and was pleased as punch. Her smile was heartwarming!
Here's a picture of Carmen:
Now, the decor of the cabin could "scare" some folk, but, coming from a hunting family (certainly not to this degree), I found it simply fascintating. A museum like quality. Cheri's Dad (in my opinion as I don't know for sure) is a World Class Hunter and Fisherman and along with his 3 kids and Grandkids have bow hunted and shot just about any animal imaginable. Cheri's Dad, Gerald, is also a taxidermist thus their "Trophy Room" - I have over 20 pictures of the Trophy Room and the entire cabin (every room) houses some of these "taxidermed" animals. Some might find it unnerving, not me, I couldn't get enough of it. Here are some of the pictures:
There are a TON more pictures that can be viewed on a website page I created at http://www.thestitchincorral.com/indiancreek.htm
Gerald, Cason's Dad was a phenomenal tour guide and even got Paige (who has definite food likes and dislikes) to try a wild grape - that didn't go over that well - she equated it to wallpaper paste - but, I'm quite curious as to how she knows what that tastes likes... Here's a picture of Gerald and Cheri picking wild grapes as they say they make the BEST jam.
In the mornings, as we were up early - the sunrise was gorgeous and view as I've said more than just breathtaking. I'll leave you with one last photo of the scenery standing out the back porch door looking out at the landscape - as far and hilly as you can see is their property. Talk about looking out at a dream. I felt like I won the Powerball lottery to be invited to experience such beauty, family, friends and be able to treasure these memories forever.
My friend, Cheri, who I met thru my horse forum lives in Missouri. Her parents have a place about 12 miles out of Sullivan, MO. It's a 2 mile track off the main road thru the wilderness (and I mean this literally) over little creeks, over cattle crossing gates/bridges (or whatever they are called) - reminds me of the song "thru the woods to Grandmother's house"! One lane and you better not be TOO wide!
We stop at the barn to off load the horses (thanks to my good friend, Paige, who has the "seasoned" trail horses) - and the barn and clearing looking out onto Cheri's parent's property is breathtaking... (these pictures just do NOT do it justice)
Then, because the terrain is SO steep, you have to leave the trailers down at the barn so we load our "stuff" into a "mini-truck" - it is SO cute!
And head up to the house (think of a straight up winding staircase). The house is a log cabin (huge) and the logs are from the trees on the property. Now, when I was invited, for some reason I thought the ranch was around 500 acres. Well, it is actually between 4 and 5 THOUSAND acres - so plenty of trees available for the building of the log cabin! This picture is taken from down by the barn looking up (and I mean UP even though the picture doesn't give you the "depth" of up)
We get settled in to the cabin and since I was not able to attend the gathering last year due to the collarbone injury, I think everyone was laughing at me (that happened all weekend) because I kept saying, "Oh my God", "wow", "amazing", "stunning" (you get the point) - and it was, for real. I think it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
We have a great dinner by JoD who made Pizza on the GRILL, yes, on the GRILL. It was just fabulous. JoD and her horse, Cash, are pictured here:
We hung around the campfire, the others imbibing in their favorite beverages and me with my water or soda - This is a picture of Cheri (our host) stoking the fire.
We rode on Saturday morning and this is kind of an milestone for me. I'm an "arena" rider - usually ride "enclosed" and for some reason that gives me a security blanket, plus this is my first ride out of my comfort zone since my injury back in the beginning of summer 2006 (and probably longer than that) and I was riding a horse I'd NEVER been on before.
We went up the steepest of hills, down the steepest of valleys, thru creeks, saw tons of wild life, Cheri and her Dad picked wild grapes, the whole nine yards. Even the most eloquent of writers would have difficulty describing the setting and beauty - so, please use your vivid imagination of a beautiful landscape! I was tense (to say the least) especially since when we went to the barn late Friday night to feed, I stepped in a foot deep Gopher hole and really did a number on my knee. It was swollen, stiff, sore (you get the idea). Paige did get a few pictures of me as PROOF that I did this (always got to have proof)!
I was riding Haidagirl who decided that she should be the LEADER and would not plod along like a mule no matter what. So, I rode up front with Gerald, Cheri's Dad and loved the stories and information he talked about. The creek is spring fed and clean and crystal clear that we could have drank out of it too!
Saturday, before dinner, we went to the pasture to see, Samson, the Camel. Cheri's Dad purchased Samson for their Church's live Nativity scene. He is just so SWEET. He gave us all kisses and loved the attention. Here's a few pics
And Samson giving Paige a big ole kiss:
This year as a gift to Cheri's parents for opening up their home and their generosity we gave them a digital picture frame which I had loaded some pictures that Cheri had sent me ahead of time. They LOVED it and I showed Cheri's Mom (Carmen) how to change the pictures and she went right to town and added a bunch more, organized them and was pleased as punch. Her smile was heartwarming!
Here's a picture of Carmen:
Now, the decor of the cabin could "scare" some folk, but, coming from a hunting family (certainly not to this degree), I found it simply fascintating. A museum like quality. Cheri's Dad (in my opinion as I don't know for sure) is a World Class Hunter and Fisherman and along with his 3 kids and Grandkids have bow hunted and shot just about any animal imaginable. Cheri's Dad, Gerald, is also a taxidermist thus their "Trophy Room" - I have over 20 pictures of the Trophy Room and the entire cabin (every room) houses some of these "taxidermed" animals. Some might find it unnerving, not me, I couldn't get enough of it. Here are some of the pictures:
There are a TON more pictures that can be viewed on a website page I created at http://www.thestitchincorral.com/indiancreek.htm
Gerald, Cason's Dad was a phenomenal tour guide and even got Paige (who has definite food likes and dislikes) to try a wild grape - that didn't go over that well - she equated it to wallpaper paste - but, I'm quite curious as to how she knows what that tastes likes... Here's a picture of Gerald and Cheri picking wild grapes as they say they make the BEST jam.
In the mornings, as we were up early - the sunrise was gorgeous and view as I've said more than just breathtaking. I'll leave you with one last photo of the scenery standing out the back porch door looking out at the landscape - as far and hilly as you can see is their property. Talk about looking out at a dream. I felt like I won the Powerball lottery to be invited to experience such beauty, family, friends and be able to treasure these memories forever.
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