I'm BAAAAAACK!!!!

I'm back from vacation just a couple of hours ago. I haven't even gone through my mail yet so if yinz sent me something, I haven't opened it yet. I haven't even unpacked. There was a little drama with the dogs, mainly from me, as they had a dogsitter come in for the first time....a little messy here and there when the sitter wasn't looking but all is fine and everything is cleaned up...ugh! Anyway, the vacation pics will come a little later in the week but for a teaser I thought I would show you how well loved I am by my OLDER brother and sister.....I say it is simple sibling jealousy cause I'm so young and cute....

And yinz guys wonder why I am the way I am. This pic was from my brother's son's wedding (aka nephew). We had a great time and it was an absolutely beautiful day for the wedding. I did manage to give my sister's daughter (aka niece) her little bib for the baby that she will be having in November. She loves penquins...
After this, we were off to Michigan for a wonderful vacation. So stay tuned...once I get back in the swing of things, pics will follow.
So, till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Photo Hunters....SWEET!

Photo Hunters word for the week is "SWEET" and though I know many of you have seen this before....but how SWEET is that face!!! Oh, if only they stayed that little!!!!


I now I'm off on VACATION....WOO-HOO!!! Have a great 4th of July.....I'll leave you with a few words from my favorite gal, Maxine.......



See ya after vacation!!!! Till next time, yinz crazy guys......

Photo Hunters...SHINY!

When I think of "Shiny", this week's Photo Hunters word, I immediately think of jewelry...in my case..rings. The first pic is my engagement ring from the Sweetie Man. He had it specially made for me (his own design) when he was in a country were emeralds are abundant. I wear this ring all the time so it doesn't look quite as shiny as the second picture of the matching wedding bands that he also designed for us. Unfortunately, the wedding band won't be officially on my finger till hopefully next summer.......the way things work out, sometimes you just need to wait for what you want....and, of course, anything worth having is worth waiting for!

As for projects, sorry to tell you that I'm still working on the wedding cross stitch, for the wedding that is this Saturday (obviously, it will be late!).....Click on it for an INSANE close up of the detail...what the heck was I thinking when I picked this pattern (and I haven't even added the beads yet!)

I'm ready to do the words and then finish off the swan area. The Sweetie Man bought me these nifty magnifying glasses which are a 4.0 magnification. OH...yinz guys look SO BIG!!!! Just Kidding!

They make me look like a bug....but they are really great as long as you have the needlework closer up to your face than you might normally have. (not the greatest pic of my eyes...I look a little cross-eyed)I really don't care for the magnifying things that hang around your neck. I love working on the higher count linens but I just can't see the darn things. I've also ordered a pair of these in 1.5 magnification for when I need just a little help.

Oh, and I've organized my craft space a little more with this shelf thingy.

This is my sewing area....(aka my little corner of the world)
It's really helped alot. I get soooooo frustrated when I can't find things or have to dig for them. I just have to remember where I moved everything!
And here is a pic of some swap items I recently made that have been received...so it's safe to show them. First off...crocheted bookmarks for the The Great Bookmark Exchange....
These I made for Netter for a Spring Swap. Some crocheted dishclothes that I love to make and use....
And this cool couch tissue box cover. I'm thinking of selling these as I can do them quickly and with a fat quarter of material. Aren't they adorable?

Speaking of getting things in the mail, I got this cool stuff from Wendi in Hawaii. Check out her blog Yarn Porn Hawaii (great name!) Love that Crab Bookmark. She has a great Esty Shop too.....


And I won this from the Needle & I....
The tree cross stitch is a complete kit and Ranae threw in some extras too....how sweet was that?
Other than that, not much else happening. Dogs are doing good but it's so hot they can't spend all that much time outside. We actually have sitters coming to take care of them when we go away on vacation...I've been sorta introducting the sitters to the "family" a little at a time.....I didn't realize I have them on such a schedule until I started making a list for the sitters to follow. I used to just board my older dog but she always came back home a little wacky for some reason...I've read that it's better to keep them in their environment if possible and have someone come to them. Anyway, our car isn't quite big enough to load Eros in to take anywhere....sheez!!! You don't think of these things when you see that adorable little puppy who grows into to be the biggest dog on the planet!!

Well, that's it for now.....enjoy your lazy hazy crazy days of Summer....so,till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Is it Lunch yet????

You Are a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

You live your life in a free form, artistic style. You are incredibly creative and at times, quite messy. Deep down, you are a kid at heart. And you aren't afraid to express it. Your best friend: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Club Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Got this quiz from Samplings from a Crazy Stitcher! I loved this quiz but I hate lunch...I really never know what to eat. I'd rather eat a huge mid-morning breakfast and skip lunch all together. I guess if I have to be a sandwich tho, this one is me.

Hey, thanks for all the Birthday wishes for my son. He did read them believe it or not. He said he had a great birthday even tho he was supposed to go to a water park with his sweetie and some friends...it got rained out. They decided to save that for another day. They opted for a Japenese Steakhouse instead. He got some great gifts including a new camera from the Sweetie Man and I. Now this is the kid that used to get on me for taking so many pictures of him.....how the tables have turned. He's taking pictures of everything!!!! Guess he's growing up!

Okay, enough for today....I'm still struggling away at my cross stitch for the wedding so I've really nothing to show you. Once my swap partners get their packages, I will post those, so stay tuned. Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

To this handsome guy who turns TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY, June 19!

He is truly my pride and joy! I don't want to brag here but I truly never had any trouble with him whatsoever. He's always made the right decisions in his life and has a good head on his shoulders. He's been there for me when I needed him most and kept me sane. Even through a divorce, he never took sides and loved both parents and stood up for that fact. He loves me, his dad, his grandma and welcomed and loved the Sweetie Man when he entered our lives. Oh, he drives us a little crazy sometimes as I'm sure we do him, but it always works out in the end. I would never change anything in my past life because then I wouldn't have my wonderful son in it! God loaned him to me to raise then I'm to send him off on his own to create a life for himself.....he's found a wonderful young lady to share it with and I'm so very very proud of him! Thank you, for being everything I hoped for and wanted in a son, Glenn.....Happy Happy Birthday and many many more! Love you always, "Tiger"....... Mom!

Happy Father's Day....

Sorry for the delay in blogging but I was busy this weekend spoiling this guy...

We had an AWESOME weekend just hanging out together doing fun things....hope you spoiled your "sweeties" too.

Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Too Tongue Tied Today....

.....to Toast....ah, I mean Post! Click below and read Sweetie Man's story and you'll know why! (you may not understand it but it's fun to read anyway!) By the way, "Tom Foolery" is Sweetie Man's "Spoof Identity".

SWEETIE MAN'S STORY IN THE SPOOF

Till next time, yinz crazy guys...

Cruisin' on a Sunday Afternoon!

And what a beautiful Sunday morning and afternoon it was!! We had a fabulous time at our new church The River and the 2nd Annual Car Cruise! The pics here are in no particular order but I will let you know what they are.
First off, the band. Every Sunday, Pastor Dean has some sort of music going on. Most of the time it is a small band. The music is very upbeat and everyone usually ends up clapping or tapping their foot...it is definately very joyful at The River...

The day was absolutely fabulous. Temps in the 70's and a crystal clear sky. The cars were beautiful. I think all in all there were probably at least 50...
This was the area ready for the Sunday Worship. It was BYOC also...Bring Your Own Chair and alot of people did as well as laid out their blankets under the shade of these gorgeous trees....
More awesome cars....
This was part of the kids area in the back. My son and his gal pal also worked doing some monitoring of this inflatable castle...
Sweetie Man's area!!! He dished out his famous guacamole and salsa as well as chili con queso....
This was the sign I made him for his "zone"....not too bad, eh?
That's me helping a young lady make a button at my table. My son's gal pal (with the hat on) was my assistant....
These were some of the buttons Sweetie Man and I made for his table. The green ones say "Cruise by Ed's Hot Zone" and the red ones say, "I survived a cruise by Ed's Hot Zone at the River's Car Cruise" or something like that....
My array of buttons that I wore....

And yet more cars...
Oh, you'll love this one. Sweetie Man made "Hot" fudge with cayenne pepper. Very interesting to say the least. Let me know if you want the recipe....

Pastor Dean made it a point to call up the Sweetie Man during the service, believe it or not, for a little info about his area. He also asked him why he enjoys The River. He was a natural in front of the congregation and guests with the mike, don't ya think?
Ah, and of course, we can't forget Pastor Dean with one of his famous sermons! This time he used one of his old beat up trucks to talk about "reconstructing ourselves" and how we can start. His sermons are the BEST!!
I loved these cars with the retractable tops...
Lots of motorcycles were on hand too. It was really cool watching them all hop on their bikes and drive away at once. The bikers really enjoyed the day from the feedback we are hearing...one guy was even giving out a free copy of the Biker's Bible for the taking...
There were alot of pics that people sent me also of the inside of the building where there was so so much food. Last week, Pastor Dean, as well as his wife, were a little concerned, being that everything was Free, that there would not be enough food to go around. But it was incredible the outpouring of food that came in....we all were taking food and desserts home at the end!

Last thing I want to say is this...sometimes we search all of our lives for something or someone. You just feel that something isn't right, or something is missing. When I met the Sweetie Man alot of that feeling went away and I just knew we belonged together...we just fit. Now him and I together have found something else that we were both searching for....a church where we would both fit! The River is that place...in such a short time we've met so many people who are just like us...lost souls....no church really fit us. We have this new "family" who are there for us...they don't push us into doing anything and welcome us with open arms. People talk about the importance of having a church to go to that is meaningful..worshiping together as a group. We never really thought we needed it...until now....and now, we can't imagine our lives without it!

So, with that said, hope you all enjoyed the Sunday Cruise....till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Stay tuned...

Our Church Car Cruise was a sucess beyond belief! Weather was PERFECT! We had enough Food for EVERYONE believe it or not (sorta like the "loaves and fishes" story)....even took food home! EVERYTHING WAS FREE...people just couldn't believe it! We had a blast!!!! I'll be downloading my pics a little later today and posting them for yinz guys, so stay tuned! Till later, yinz crazy guys....

7 MORE!!!

Okay...Court (aka LG) tagged me a few days ago on the 7 Meme. I'm running out of things to tell you but here goes...

1. My son has me wrapped around his finger. PERIOD!
2. I am a "worker bee"...not a "queen bee"...don't want to be a "queen bee". I have a real difficult time telling anyone to do anything. I cannot be the boss of anyone which is the reason for Item #1.
3. I could eat pizza every day!
4. I love to go out for breakfast....purposely eat a big one if I eat out so I don't have to eat lunch. I HATE TO HAVE TO EAT LUNCH! Too difficult to figure out something to eat.
5. I didn't used to be a dog lover until I got three of them at one time...always loved cats.
6. I must have a cup (mug) of coffee twice a day. (morning and evening) If I'm cranky anytime, the Sweetie Man will ask me if I had my coffee yet.
7. I can only drink water that is room temp....hate it cold! Freezes my throat..UGH! (sorta like a brain freeze but in your throat)

Okay, there you have it...7 more weird things about me!!

Hey, and while your on the computer anyway, check out the site www.scrapblog.com. Saw this over at Jewels blog. Really cool and easy to use! Check it out and have some fun with your pictures.

Well, off to make more buttons.....till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Dear God....

Dear God...
Please do not let my dog EROS grow up to be this big. Please do not give him a 38 inch neck and weight in at 282 (like the above 3 year old mastif). I do not think that Petsmart makes collars that big and remember he is part LAB.
Also, I would truly appreciate if his paws are NOT the size of softballs as the size they are now at 10 months is enough to cause pain when he steps on my foot.
Please do not make me have to purchase a bushel basket for a food dish as I think that food is only packaged in bushel basket sizes meaning that I would have to buy a bag a day at $20 bucks a pop....unless you have plans for me to hit the lottery in the near future.
Most important, please keep his poop the same size....my pooper-scooper works fine and I'm not really good with large shovels.
Oh, one more thing.....keep him as loveable and huggable as he is right now! He's the BEST!
Thank you!
Lucy
P.S.......By the way, ARE there any plans for me to hit the Lottery?
AMEN!

What..me..under pressure??

Okay, yinz guys...I have a decision to make here. Do I try to finish this wedding x-stitch for a june 30 wedding for my nephew or do I blow it off? So far this is my progress...


I think what I'm actually going to do is work on it without stitching in the names and then see where I am by the end of the month. With all the work I put into this, I may just keep it for my own wedding in whatever year that happens to be!!! (hopefully 1-2 years depending on my son's college progression) My problem is actually going to be that bottom swan part...that's the killer. Plus there are seed and petite beads all over this thing. But sometimes I work good under pressure. I did that with my niece's wedding ring quilt and it turned out fabulous! I'll keep you posted.

Now for your pleasure and enjoyment...here are some pics of our camping trip two weekends ago. Just sit back and enjoy the peaceful scenery...no explanations needed!

Till next time, yinz crazy guys....

Don't give up on me...

Honestly...I'm still alive!!! Between car cruises and button making, (quit laughing, Tangles) wedding gift cross stitch, (as well as certain people in my house HOGGING THE COMPUTER!!!...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) and the ever popular swaps, I haven't been able to get my cabin pics posted....but I will...I promise! Just bear with me until I get organized(which could be anywhere from 5 hours to 5 years) Anyone up to folding some socks?....till next time, yinz crazy guys!

I LOVE CAMPING!!!!

Hey, yinz guys...I'm out here in the wilderness (okay so i have a laptop with me...but only to keep in touch with the outside world) and having a GREAT time!! I love camping...so so peaceful!!! The Sweetie Man is the BEST camp cook EVER!!! BBQ chicken last night and steak tonight!!! Taking lots of pics to show you when we return. We'll be coming back in August again for a pig roast at the campground! We had rain yesterday but still had a good time. Sunday is AWESOME weather!! Well, back to relaxing under the shady trees. Have a great weekend....till next time, yinz crazy guys.....(P.S. thanks for all the compliments on the Sweetie Man's poem and thanks to Michelle for the "how-to's" on the pudding cake....I'll let him know!)

PHOTO HUNTERS....

I keep forgetting about Photo Hunters!!! (must be old age!!!) Anyway, this week's theme is "Cooked/ing" so of course you know that I'm going to post a Sweetie Man selection...excepted it wasn't cooked it was baked (same thing I guess) It was the first thing that came to mind for me anyway. Last week I made one of those Jello Cakes (the ones where you poke the holes in and pour the jello in the holes in the cake?). It turned out fabulous and everyone just ate it up. The Sweetie Man loves to take things ONE STEP FURTHER (aka "Kick it up a Notch")..."if we can do this, THEN how 'bout we try THIS!" Ya know what I mean? So he took the jello cake recipe and made a pudding cake recipe...using pudding in place of jello. He bought a pastry bag and the everything....he was excited about this. Unfortunately, it didn't work up quite as he had planned......

Where's the pudding? We couldn't figure that one out other than he just didn't make big enough holes and get enough pudding in there. You could taste a little bit of the pudding but that was about it. Either way...it was a delicious cake!!! I personally get a thrill watching him working out one of his ideas!!! Oh, well!

In the craft department, not much to show yinz guys. Been working on this wedding thing and that's about all. Here is where I'm at on it now...


This is what it is supposed to look like when it's complete. Actually the outside borders are alot easier than they look believe it or not. The difficult part is the swan area.
I plan on taking it camping this weekend and working on it alot so I'll post my progress when I return on Monday. I'm trying to get all the outside work done by the end of May and work on the scene area (bottom half) through June. That's the part that is really difficult. I ordered these magnifying glasses to place on top of my glasses to help me with it. I currently have this thing that goes around my neck but at times it gets a bit cumbersome if you know what I mean. Just pray I can finish it in time for the wedding!

Well, now we are heading out camping for the weekend. It's a one room cabin (only beds). All cooking is done outside and such. Sorta like tenting except there's a small cabin instead of the tent. Can't wait!!!! Knowing how nervous I am about leaving the dogs in the care of my 19 year old...let alone the house for 4 days....the Sweetie Man came up with this little ditty of a poem. It definately made me laugh at how silly I am for being nervous! So enjoy, yinz guys, and have a great weekend...till next time....

LOG CABIN FEVER

We’re gonna go camping this weekend
It’s more than a bit overdue
And the thought of the solitude thrills us
Oh, we’re gonna have fun
That’s what we’re gonna do
No matter if doin’ it kills us

Three dogs and a cat and a turtle
We’re leaving behind in the dust
And we swear we won’t be lookin’ back
The son says he’s got the To-Do list
Domestically not one to trust
Here’s hoping he develops the knack

The weather appears to be iffy
But a roof we’ll enjoy overhead
Alone just us two’s all we’re asking
A cabin of logs ends our journey
No frills, just 4 walls and a bed
And with luck, maybe sun for the basking

A fridge filled with pizzas and cold cuts
And plenty of pop for the drinking
We ask ourselves “What could go wrong?”
A gal pal for those constant reminders
Who’s wondering “What are they thinking?”
Is 2 ½ days really that long?

Too FUNNY!!

I hope no one is offended by this....but a friend of mine sent this to me and I thought it was too good not to share with yinz guys....ENJOY!


WOMAN'S POEM
Before I lay me down to sleep,
I pray for a man, who's not a creep,
One who's handsome, smart and strong.
One who loves to listen long,
One who thinks before he speaks,
One who'll call, not wait for weeks.
I pray he's gainfully employed,
When I spend his cash, won't be annoyed.
Pulls out my chair and opens my door,
Massages my back and begs to do more.
Oh! Send me a man who'll make love to my mind,
Knows what to answer to "how big is my behind?"
I pray that this man will love me to no end,
And always be my very best friend.


MAN'S POEM
I pray for a deaf-mute nymphomaniac with huge boobs
who owns a liquor store and a golf course.
This doesn't rhyme and I don't give a sh-t.

Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Hey Kare...I'm weird too!!!

Saw this one on Kare's Blog and I just had to do it!!! Who thinks up these quizzes anyway?.....Come on, what's next..."What Half of the Butt Cheek are YOU?" I shouldn't say anything since I get sucked up in these questions myself....so, till next time, yinz crazy guys......this is "little pinky" signing off!

You Are a Pinky

You are fiercely independent, and possibly downright weird. A great communicator, you can get along with almost anyone. You are kind and sympathetic. You support all your friends - and love them for who they are. You get along well with: The Ring Finger Stay away from: The Thumb

What Finger Are You?

Don't mean to talk politics....

But hey ladies......it's time for a WOMAN PRESIDENT!!!!

And who best to carry on that role than our very own outspoken........ lady among ladies (at least the ones over 50).......my candidate for PRESIDENT for the next election......the one...the only.........

MAXINE

Maxine on "Driver Safety" "I can't use the cell phone in the car. I have to keep my hands free for making gestures.".......

Maxine on "Housework" "I do my housework in the nude. It gives me an incentive to clean the mirrors as quickly as possible."

Maxine on "Lawn Care" "The key to a nice-looking lawn is a good mower. I recommend one who is muscular and shirtless."

Maxine on "The Perfect Man" "All I'm looking for is a guy who'll do what I want, when I want, for as long as I want, and then go away. Or wait nearby, like a Dust Buster, charged up and ready when needed."

Maxine on "Technology Revolution" "My idea of rebooting is kicking somebody in the butt twice."

Maxine on "Aging" "Take every birthday with a grain of salt. This works much better if the salt accompanies a Margarita."

.....and who would best serve the office of "Second in Command".......that loveable mutt of mutts........fighting for dogs everywhere......

FLOYD....the Wonder Dog!

Whadda think, ladies??? Are ya with me?????

MAXINE....MAXINE....SHE'S OUR GAL...IF SHE CAN'T DO IT.....ah.....(what rhymes with "gal" anyway?)

Okay....enough politics.....back to crafting! Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Okay...I've been tagged...

Before some of my blogger buddies disown me for not following through on my tag....here goes with 8 Things About Me:

1. I like spiders. I won’t kill them. If I think they are in a place that they will get injured, I will capture them and take them to a safer place.
2. I’ve always loved books. I read a lot but wish I had time to read more. I totally get lost with the characters of a book…almost as if I’m right there meeting them myself. I absolutely love the smell of a bookstore with coffee shops in them. I could sit there and explore all day long.
3. I get cranky if I can’t do some sort of craft at least once a day be it crocheting a few rows or cross stitching something….I must do something for only a few minutes at least.
4. I hate to cook….HATE IT!!! But I enjoy baking a lot.
5. I hate to fold socks…nothing more to say about that!
6. I’m a redder-upper….everything must be neat….if there is a pile of something, I must put it in order. I hate things on tables unless they are supposed to be there like a centerpiece or something.
7. I love late 50’s/early 60’s music…I was only around 5 years old then but I just could sing that music all day long!
8. I’m a Court TV fanatic….I love court shows, Cops, America’s Most Wanted, etc….

I'm sure there are alot more things about me that are not the norm, but I was only required to do eight! I think this Meme has been around the block (or is that blog) a few times, so if you haven't done it...TAG, YOU'RE IT!
Till next time, yinz crazy guys.....

Mamas, don't let your babies...

...grow up to be cowboys.....

....or GANGSTERS??????
That's what happens when you let your kid decide for himself what he's going to give you for Mother's Day! Okay...you know it's cute and I bet a good percentage of yinz guys took a pic like this on the boardwalk too...I know I did! The first pic is my boy when he was quite a bit younger....ah, I remember those days well! Now....he's all grown up!!!!

Anyways, I had an awesome Mom's Day. The Sweetie Man let me rest all day and while I was taking a little snooze on the front porch swing, (after reading and crafting a bit) he cooked up this magnificent meal.....
And the shrimp was as delicious as it looks. He then proceeded to let me win by an incredible amount in Scrabble...tho he'll deny he "let" me win.

The flowers in my last post were given to all the ladies at my new Church along with this great basket of goodies. How nice was that!!!

My family is really enjoying this new Church. It really was a great Sunday from beginning till end!!!!

I also keep forgetting to show yinz guys the nice package I received from Joanne in the Bookmark Exchange Swap.
The envelope which the beautiful crocheted bookmark is lying on top of is a lavender sachet that smells so incredible....I gotta find just the right place for it!!! Thanks Joanne!
That's it for now. I had the day off today for election day (yes, I voted) and I did a little bit of everything. A very enjoyable day even if I was alone without the Sweetie Man....that would have made it a fantastic day! Gonna go finish up some laundry and hit the hay......so, till next time, yinz crazy guys.....