Best/Worse & What did I learn today..visit with friends!

here is the guest room

PS-the guest room now haw grapevine garland twined around the window tops...

Here is the master bedroom-the drapes are the green color and the there ios some of the green in the art around the room

The other rooms are not done-we have most of the stuff for the downstairs bath, but still need the paint and the fixtures for the sink....so no more pics;)

Just love getting a glimpse of your homes..see that my bedroom is ready for my visit Stacey..yours here has undergone quite a transformation..from patio door to new breakfast deck and lower decking, lots of place to put a crib..lol

Stacey, what color will the nursery be?

Friend of mine used to purchase a few bristleboards and paint them, put on the wall and live with it a few days..either you get a feel for it or NOT...

Did get off at 1:00 and by 1:40 I was home, came in just long enough to change ..got all the decks washed off, gardens trimmed and did a lot of weeding..tomorrow's another day, hot bath for me..calling for a hot one tomorrow so I'll be up at the crack of dawn and will pressure wash the house and do the windows and if I get that done well I'll be pleased with my endeavors...

We're all in a painting, decorating and tidying up the gardens mood aren't we..now how come we didn't do this in the spring, we'd be relaxing now.

Was working in the garden, telephone rang, was my insurance agent, wanted to give me heads up that my policy was going into the mail and it went up 26% , almost stopped breathing, omg talk about a rise..then we got talking about this new auto insurance that started Sept.1, where we got 100K for health benefits it's now down to 50K and if you want to upgrade what WAS all inclusive about another 18%..sure wish pensions and wages went up that high..when I asked why so much she said that policy is replacement actual cost..so if house did burn, they'd rebuild without penalty..for some that's not a problem, for me with my cooking and burning food I'd better be well insured, so ask me if it was a good way to start my weekend..she could have waited until Monday!!!

On my way home though, did stop at a garage sale at a farm, they had a little stove, it does work, I'll put a candle in it and place it in my garden; they wanted $40.00 but I gave them $30.00...

Linda Kay they also had a beautiful book on North American birds, of course I thought of your dad and bought it, next time I cross the border I'll mail it out (not before looking through it though) lol

Also had a wood chandelier, my metal one in the hidden garden didn't fare well this past winter so bought it, going to paint the wood green and sand to match the potting bench that's in same area ... thought I might get that done tonight but I'm exhausted...

See the little stove..put it temp. near the back shed, it will be in a garden once I get some digging and planting done.

Pleased that I got all the back deck washed and scrubbed..that was a chore!

Imagine, 7pm and I'm yawning and ready for bed!

Stacey can't get all the rooms done all at once, that would be no fun, then you'd not have anything to fuss with..lol

Thought your hubby was going to do the washroom shortly after you returned home from your visit with me?

Susan, 2 Bob's, now that tells me you'll have an easy time camping, you'll have 2 for price of one and you can put your feet up and just enjoy..maybe you should bring a bell with you and ring it when you want service, after all, you deserve to be waited on! Do you think you'd get away with it? lol

Smart thinking getting the tent up before you go, nothing worse that trying and gettting frustrated and night is near. You'll have so much fun with the extra days.

Betty-the nursery will be turquoise and a deep chocolate brown. HOLY crap on the insurance-that is quite a hike!!

Goodnight-as soon as my grouchy hubby fixes dinner I am headed to bed to eat and watch TV and let him have his space....

Betty-things didn't work out that way-LOL

Morning sleepyheads..lol..kidding, I'm the only nutzo one that's up doing laundry, painting a wooden chandelier that I got at the garage sale and doing 'tunes' as I do it..lordy Judy is contagious!!!

Because they are calling for such a lovely weekend I want to spend time in the gardens, won't be that many more..

Barb, Ann was over last night to pick up her birdbath, she was in good spirits, she wasn't totally sure of exactly what the doctor had to say, they are confused with the type of cancer, actually even the pathologist was shaking his head, don't remember all the terminology but the final is 'go enjoy what makes you laugh, do what you feel you are up to doing, enjoy life and keep a well balanced diet' so, that's what they are up to..they've decided to visit friends for a few days up in the Owen Sound area who have a resort and have a cabin for them so that will be fun! Before leaving she shrugged her 'shoulders' and said 'life continues' and that it does!

Off and running!

Sure wish I could capture how pretty this hidden garden is..I was worried about the amber globes, in the photo you can't even see them and in the garden, they blend so nicely...now I have to go find candles, not that I'll light them but you never know, one evening I'll just want to relax..

Darlene has better come soon this morning for her birdbath that I made for her otherwise Missy has claimed it as her watering dish..lol

Not only can she drink but it's large enough for her to bath in...

Good morning Betty! Wow, you are up early! Love your garden table and chandelier! That is so pertty, and you got a great price on the stove also! It looks nice! I have seen them in gardens with a pretty vine, or bushy flower growing from them!

Stacey, love your house! Nice and big, and very inviting! Love the colors!

Still no pictures of the little one, but they will be going home Monday! She said everyone is doing well. She is still upset about having the c section, but she knows it was better for everyone that way!
I think she said that Xavier Amadeus weighed 8.9, and was 21 inches long.

Off to go watch the hummers before it gets too hot.
Later

That's Xavier was a big baby, can't wait to see photo's...

I'm on the fly, was outside since early morning, just in for a clean-up, had done my hair early this morning but lordy that pressure washer sends out a fine mist and I had more water on me than on the house..but I'm so pleased, everything outside has been done, little more weeding but an hour here and there, everything 'dustless' lol don't you just feel good inside when you accomplish what you set your mind to doing so now it's do my hair again, get dressed, I'll be late but late is better than a no show..

Had lots of company so far today and calls, that put me behind as well, was tlalking to Darlene and Danie, pressure wand in hand, Greg passed by and gave a quick wave, we all started to laugh, I said he's on a mission and if he stops he'll feel obligated to say 'let me do it'...so no stop!!!

Got to run, gab later, not staying late/late ..
Hope you are enjoying your day as well!

Sounds like a full day for you Betty. We had one too. We bought a freezer the other day and today we shopped to fill it. $400.00 later on mostly meats we should be good for a long time!!!! Plus Norm bought one of those food saver machines that vacumns out the air and seals the package. We bought meats in quantity and repackaged them. So we are good to go. Our leaves are turning quickly, the birds are stuffing themselves at the feeder. The squirrels and chipmunks are hoarding And some of the rhododendron leaves are starting to curl. I think it's going to be a long winter....
Off to make some dinner - have a great evening everyone.

Surely was a fall day Barb..you'll be all set should storms prevent you from taking snowy/icy roads..

Tonight after supper you could hear the Canada Geese quacking, guess they are doing practice runs, shortly time to head south..

Got to tell you, lots of Monarch Butterflies snacking on the butterfly bushes, and bees, been many years since I've seen so many..

Does that call for a hard winter, a long winter???


On my way to Suzanne's firetrucks/emergency rescue vehicles were coming into town just a few miles from me, sky was black, guess they were Betty cooking! All kidding aside, sure do hope no one was hurt.

As I came down my street you can see so many neighbors with bonfires, if I wasn't so tired I'd go out and light one but my bed is looking so inviting..

Hope you all enjoyed your day,
Good Lord willing we'll gab tomorrow!

Betty - laughed out loud when you mentioned the "bell" so of course DH had to know why. He laughed too! Guess that means it's a no-go on the bell LOL
I'm busy eating Clementines to dry the peels and use 'em for firestarters! They're so fragrant, I hear.
Been a busy day yesterday, and today.
Picked up the projector for last night's Movie Night at the church. Movie Night starts at 7pm for the viewers, and 6pm for the "setting up". It was a good movie - Juno.

Today we had a Choir Meeting at the church - boy did I get angry, too! Our out-going president (after only a term of 3 months!!) voiced the thought that we maybe shouldn't have a choir!! THAT went over like a lead balloon, I'm sure you can imagine... I'm glad she's leaving, actually. She's been a thorn in a whole bunch of people's side since she started. It sounds like she's going to be happy back at the church she came from, in their choir! I know it sounds un-Christian-like, but she's very dogmatic and "knows the right way to do everything". Ah well, we can't all be perfect, right? I know I'm not....
I had such a headache after the meeting.

Tomorrow I finally do my solo - Whispering Hope.
Really looking forward to it, and a bit nervous at the same time lol
ah well, here goes!!

SUSAN ! You will be AWESOME ! ♪♫♪♫ Just picture the WHOLE THING the way you want it to progress BEFORE you go out there... you will make it work the way you want it to....

((HUGS)) Hope we get to hear it too...

Mary

Betty - The Private little garden alcove is precious! Does the china stay out all the time by itself? I suppose it would be okay... just never occurred to me to decorate like that!
Hugs,
Mary

The way Betty has her gardens set up to me is like she is waiting for Better Homes and Gardens to come take a pic for their cover;) And they are certainly pretty enough for it too...

SUSAN-I am thinking of you an hope your solo goes great today!!

Barb-I have the foodsaver machine and love it even if the bag rolls are a bit expensive....

Morning, yikes you guys are up early, oops no, you are the late nighters right?

Susan, I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience doing your 'solo' today...are you nervous in any way? About the taping, what method did you finally decide on? Know our thoughts are with you! enjoy the experience.

Mary, the chine does stay out, I take it in from time to time and put it in the dishwasher..because that area is covered in trees not much of the rain/wind get's to it..infact, the arch is so covered with hops and the shrubs I had to decorate the entrance have now grown to such a size you really can't see it's beauty except for early spring..my thoughts are to purchase woods chips and cover the entire hidden area.

Stacey, have to apologize, can't remember if the baby shower was yesterday or today? I'm thinking today..what fun you'll have..anything special you are hoping to get? won't be long especially if you might be further along..are you hoping you are? Soon that little one will be in your arms, what an exciting time for you both.

As I was an eager beaver on Friday and all day Saturday with cleaning there is nothing except to dust downstairs, I've had my coffee out on the back deck, such a nice time of year so my thoughts were to invite Greg and family for supper tonight and then I remembered that the boys have been at camp and have to be picked up (out of town) by 4pm so I'll ask them over another time.

So that leaves me with what to do/what to do..I have made those 5 birdhouses to make a condo like setting, they need sanding and painted white, going to put on grubby clothes, get a table set up and here and there I'll paint them, well that's my plan anyway!


Tubby, you o.k. sorry I didn't do the word of the day, got to try again to see how I can use it...

What are you all up to today?

Betty-the shower was yesterday, I need to get pics of everything to show and will tell everyone a bit about it when I get that taken care of:)

Morning everyone!
Barb, sure hope you don't have a power outage and lose all the meat! Hope you have a generator for back up? We did that a few years ago, went out, bought a freezer, and filled it up, then we had a bad storm,and no power for 4 days, and we lost it all! Pretty sad!

Susan, good luck on your solo, I know you will do very well!

Double protection Linda - a generator and an insurance plan!!!

Good for you!

Susan, what is Clementines?

Clementines are tangerines I think...

BARB-WE LOVED THE DIAPER BAG!!!!!!!!!!!! So did everyone at the shower!!

Had my baby shower yesterday (well, the 2nd one) and it was fun. Only had my, DH, DH's 2 bros, SIL, MIL, MIL's friend, 2 gals from work and 1 other friend (so 5 of the 35 we invited), but we had a good time. The weather was nice and the food was good. We played a few games and had fun-DH won 2 of them!!LOL

Here is a link to the goodies-I think about the last 10 pics or so....
http://picasaweb.google.com/Fairy1004/BabyStuff?feat=directlink

Loved all the photo's, lordy Jonathan sure will be the best dressed man in town..stylish, didn't have that when I had my babes... now those that did not make it Stacey, did they send gifts? Hard in summer months, everyones schedules are so busy, perhaps you should have waited till after the birth..everyone wants to see the baby then..lol

Was just getting the birdhouses out, took a photo of the raw wood and what I was about to paint and all of a sudden I saw a bike, hmmm a bike could only mean one thing..because I was in the back yard far end I went into the house to look to see who was visiting, no answer, waited a few minutes and here Kyle comes sauntering over from the variety store, had gone to purchase telephone time! Nice to see him and as always he had a zillion things to tell me.

Greg was golfing yesterday so Melanie and her mom went to pick them up, I thought it was today but nope, was yesterday..on the way home from the camp Melanie's mom was having chest pains so off to the hospital they went, they did a lot of testing, came back and told her the blood test showed she has cancer..was no surprise because the blood disorder (cancer) had been checked but weeks before and in the past 2 months had increased by 40%..Kyle was upset with this..Melanie stayed with her mom and only got home this morning..so family was waiting for more tests to come in so they can find out if she can come home today. Betty (Mel's mom) and her hubby are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 3 weeks, am sure all are hoping she'll be well for it...asked Kyle what was planned for today, normally not a weekend day goes by that something isn't going on..Kyle said Melanie showed him an article in the paper about a young child whose parents thought he had the flue but found out he is terminal have friends/family who have organized a big event to day for fundraising, mom had to take a leave and the extra costs are a lot so Greg and family will go to that, I'll give a donation but won't go..

LindaKay, must take a photo of the lovely book I got your dad..lots of good info and colored photographs....did you ever telll me when you are picking him up, old age here, can't remember a lot..lol

Clementines are oranges and yes Susan heard that if you use the dried pealings you'll get a great odor..I bought pkgs. of something, lol, not sure what they are, but when put on the fire it makes the fire turn color and gives you pine-needle aroma..so much the same..what time do you sing?

Finished watching Creflo Dollar and Joel Olsteen ministries, visited with Kyle and now it's time to get to work...

Betty-in theory having a shower after the baby is born is fine, but there are a lot of things we need B4 that;) Only 1 person that was invited and didn't come sent something....

I understand that some of the people you invite can't make it, but is sure doesn't give you a good feeling when only 5 out of 35 show up....oh well, what can you do....

Stacey I know that feeling very well. in Modesto when I was 22 or 23, I had a Partylite party, invited probably 20 knowing that only about half, if lucky, is going to show for those types of parties, everyone said they would show and the only two people who showed were my Godsisters who lived across the street from my mom, my best friend who wanted me to have the party in the first place (we were both hostesses) didn't even show up. I had another Tupperware Party a few years after that, had a complete different group of friends, the same thing happened. I know that it's not like having a baby shower, as those are so much more important to say your going to be there and then don't, but you feel the same nevertheless. At work I'm always buying my co-worker's kids fundraiser stuff to support them even though I don't have kids, I laid out Partylite stuff as my dad's girlfriend sells it, not one person bought anything.

Stacey - That was my thought exactly - Better HOmes & Gardens could show up and take pictures :)
Glad you had a good time at the shower! Who was your host?

LK - DH is trying your suggestion... Orange Juice and Red Pepper. He just did a Teriyaki pineapple that is addictive ! (Beef Jerky)

Kyle never ceases to amaze me. If he lived in the US... I would hope I would have opportunity to vote for him for something one day. :)

Kids at work/visiting cousins. DH & I are finding ourselves looking for stuff to do on our own...but don't want to leave Puppy LOL.

DH TODAY SAYS: Puppy's name is ..............(drum roll please)....................




Belle :)


(Yes Betty - that is a Disney Princess so he knows that will make me happy )

Hugs,
Mary

Oh, I like the name Belle! So sweet!

Betty, I will probably get Dad back here early November.

Belle....lol Love it....now you can have "Beauty" and the beast!

BAD BAD...sorry...my bad.

Belle, it is, actually it's adorable..finally, puppy with a name..

Oh my, twists and turns of a weekend, got my paint out , painted house #1 white, June dropped in..she just finished a round bedtopper for end of bed..lots of knitting there...

How do you like this little visitor, can you see him?

OHHH Betty, he is adorable! A jumbo dumbo rat? We had one, and she was the sweetest thing ever....cleaner than any of our cats, and so loving.

Ashamed they only live 2 to 3 years tops.

As it happens, the youngster that who is at Sick Children's hospital - 10 years old, is the son of a friend of Greg's..I know both parents and their parents..George is same age as Greg, they went to school together, Tammy is the daughter of an old friend. Both these young parents would come to many of the events that I put on in Port Severn/Honey Harbour..this couple have 3 daughters older than this poor child..

Tammy who is a realtor and works for her father has had to stay at Sick Kids while George who is a marine mechanic stays with the girls..hard for the family...bit of history, George has had a lot to contend with, wasn't many years ago his dad worked for a firm who was dredging the river on the trent to allow wider passage, the pontoon boat which took away the rock hit the ledge, it turned over and he drowned.. my heart goes out to them..

Greg wasn't sure of their schedule today with Noah trying out for his hockey goalie position, then the fund-raiser and Mel's mom so I said play it by ear..if they get to come over for supper there is a new diner just about 1 mile from here that opened Friday, I'll take them there..

So once, the visits were over I realized I didn't have lunch so made a sandwhich, thought I'd rest a moment and I ended up sleeping for 1 hour. .. I'll have to puch myself to get back outside painting..lol

Stacey, I feel your disappointment, sorry more didn't make it but maybe you had the cream of the crop show up, sometimes that's what sets some friends higher than others..

Mary as I thought, mine is in the cupboard downstairs not likely to be used this year..I will get it out though come spring when flowers start to bloom... speaking of blooms, one of my plants has blooms, they are more bud like than anything else..Darlene reminded me that I planted turtle head plants, guess they look like the heads..hmmm wonder if they will become flowers or stay as is..will have to go take a photo

Mary, I'm sure it's nice just you and hubby, are there stores close by you could take Belle for a walk and both have ice-crean cones? Might be fun..

I've watched Trina, have you seen it Mary..it's a documentation on Katrina on the rebuilding i.e. MardiGras..excellent show..it's been on twice this week...someone at the door..


OK LEFT THIS POST TO ANSWER DOOR, lordy how things change in 1/2 hr. lol

Debbie, Danie said he's 5 years old, the shoulder bag is his travelling home..I managed to pet him, he is loveable..

OK, went up to see who was at the door, heard a 'hello' and there was Ann..in her hands 2 pkgs. of flowers for ME..imagine..said it was a thank you for being a good friend..just made my day..

Had a lovely visit with her, talked over a few projects we want to do together then off she went, going in the paddle boat with Mike for tour along the shoreline of their beach..

Me, I'm getting out a nice vase so I can enjoy my flowers...

I walked Ann to the car and as we gabbed a young oriental girl, pretties little thing, came and asked if I had any idea who might have a room for let..she has 4 months of employment with the Municipality which is only 2 blocks away, she doesn't drive????

Welcome to your new home..lol..her mom and dad came in, showed them the back bedroom with the patio set/decking, friendly landlady..lol..

Her concern was she didn't have many $$$, she's on co-op, parents would pick her up for most weekends so guess I have a houseguest till Christmas. We settled for $300. month, know it's hardly anything but I could see parents were worried as to where she would be, I've lots of room so why not..

She will arrive next Sunday or Monday morning which means the closet I've been storing all the Christmas gifts in will have to find a new home..have to pick up more boxes and perhaps bring them into the laundry room.

You just never know what a day will bring, see what happens in less than an hour in my neck of the woods..lol

LindaKay, I'll have his birdbook there before he gets home.

Here's the write up about the little fellow fighting cancer..

Good for you, Betty! I'm sure she's very happy with her new, friendly, landlady! And I'm sure her parents are feeling relieved, too!!

WELL......... I'm back from my solo - singing went well (although my legs were like Rubber!) Afterwards my previous boss took my voice coach, my DH, and I out for lunch. It was very nice.
One....... disappointing part of the singing.....
I had someone use my camera (she'd used it before) and well, I read the scriptures today, then she shut off the camera to let the congregation sing something. When she turned the camera back on for my solo, she forgot to press "Record", so I have a recording of my scripture reading, but Not the solo......
I spoke to the keyboardist, and she will play again for me on Tuesday @1pm, and get someone to record me then. I already called my mom and told her that the solo was missed, and that I will get it recorded again. It's not quite the same, though....
I Will Not tell the lady who was doing the recording, as I don't want her to feel badly, but I AM disappointed....... siiiiiigh........

I got so many people who were impressed with my singing, including our pastor, who said "Now that we know you can Sing like that...!!!" I had others say that they want me to sing again! :-)
As soon as I get it recorded, I will post it on a picture site, and send links to those that wish it. Just PLEASE do not post it on YouTube, k?