Best/Worse/??learnt today...Pt34 A visit with friends...

Betty,

You have such insight in people! Talking here about your story about your "grandmother".....I know all this reminiscing may not interest everyone on this Post, but I sure need to do this--sometimes.....
My Aunt, Elma, was my Mother's sister. How different they were! My Mom was sad, remorseful, unloving and always grieving her lost Fatherland which we were forced to leave to escape the imminent Soviet occupation in 1944. For the next 7 years of our lives, we were all refugees bouncing around post-War Germany, wherever they put us, until we emigrated to the USA in 1951. All this was so very hard on my Mom, as she was the caretaker of a family of five--(Her Mom, and 3 kids--ages 5-7-and 9) and there was NO man to help her. She was widowed at the young age of 33. Her husband died at 36 of Lymphoma cancer. I was 2 1/2 yrs old and have absolutely NO memory of him. How I wished that my Mom would have told me something about him. When I asked her--she would just shrug it off and say, "What's there to tell?"....I think my Mom never got over that loss either.

My Aunt, Elma, was the most positive soul I have ever known. Even in her later years, struggling with her jealous, needy, controlling, sick husband--she never lost that cheer.
I used to drop by her house regularly, as she lived on the way home from my work- -only 3mi. away. I even used to ride my bike over to her house sometimes just to be with her. NO announcements needed--I just came by.
Sometimes we had a glass of wine and chatted. I hated her husband for the way he was towards her--even though a lot of it was as a result of his sickness and medications--as I cared so much about her! I think what HE really hated was that he had become so dependent on her. And--she NEVER complained! Even as I saw her starting to wither away with stress, emotional abuse and lack of sleep, she was always the same upbeat person she had been. After his death, she really recovered to her old self. Regained a lot of weight. Had that "spark" in her life again.

At the age of 75, or something, she had taken up oil painting at the local Senior Center. Here was this woman--who had NEVER painted in her life--and she was coming up with these amazing paintings! Now--you know I have done a "few"--but I was blown away! One of her most beautiful paintings was one of the skyline of Riga (Latvia's Capital--where she lived. YES! She was the fashionable City Girl!) from across the water. This skyline has always been domminated by the spires of the 5 churches--all older than the hills. Everyone from Latvia is familiar with them! They are always on postcards. SO beautiful!

She died about a year and a half after her husband did, at age 83. She got hit by a car crossing the street (where she should not have) on a dark, rainy evening in a hurry to get home from the Grocery Store. They took her to the Hospital, but 3 days later her kids all agreed that there was no hope and gave the OK to "pull the plug". I always felt that even in his death--HE could not live without her and "took her" to be with him. A crazy outlook--but so many spouses die within months or a year of each other. How do you explain that???

At her viewing, the Family had several of her paintings displayed around her coffin. I just cried and cried......I had lost a friend.
Much like you, Betty, and your Aunt, My Aunt and I were kindred Souls.....the two most upbeat people in either family.

I asked my cousin last night if any of HIS kids are interested in all this Family Tree stuff. He said, "No!". I told him that they will be sorry some day, as they need to gather all this information while their elders are alive. Here he was--at the age of 67, trying to find all the "loose ends".

The kids DO NOT know NOW how much they will have lost by not doing it NOW! Something happens when your parents die. All of a sudden, all kinds of things you never paid attention to, become the most precious things. Down to the knick-knacks and the S&P shakers your Mom collected. And all the doilies and dishes and glasses.
PLEASE!!!!!!! OH, PLEASE!!!!!!! Those of you who have kids now that seem to not be interested at this time--MAKE them interested while you can! Tell your stories and share the past! WHO gave you this and that. WHERE you bought this tea cup or that blouse or that particular piece of jewelery. WHERE your parents lived--moved to--and why.
I could go on and on---but you all know what I mean! Getting too carried away here.....

I am a pack rat--I know it. So do my daughters. I try my darndest to get them interested NOW in things I own, but, usually--the response is "Not now". I want to pass things on while they are still young enough to enjoy some of these things, but---"Not now, Mom!".
I try to tell them where all the important documents are--to make things easier when.....That is MY burden to take care of while I am alive....

For you "young'uns" out there---I know this must seem like someone talking Chinese to you.
Oh, Yeah? THINK! If your Mom and Dad died tomorrow---what would you regret NOT knowing??????????

For you "Older ones"---what are you doing to make all the transition easier for your kids after you are gone???? It is never too early to take care of all these matters. The time is NOW!!!!
OK! I am resting my case and getting off of my Soap Box.
***************************************************
OK! Back to the Present. Betty, M.A.F. means-----Mid- Atlantic Forum. My "hometown" now...

I know I have, probably cross-posted with a bunch of people as this took a while to write, correct, re-read, add to and delete some things.
Everyone always seems to always be apologizing for cross-posting. Should we? We all are at the mercy of the internet........

Best to you--all my friends and compatriots....Please don't mind that I seem to "march to a different drummer" on some of my Posts. It comes under --"insight"....

Gita

lol...your story was very interesting Gita..I love to hear stories of 'old' it's certainly amazing how when some post, it might be a sentence, a word but old memories come to the surface and I just gab/gab...

Your story as was Shar was so interesting..gives one insight!

Guess the apologizing isn't really an apology, it's more "d&*n, just missed your lovely post" not necessary but nice when it's acknowledge..

Don't you think we all march to a different 'drummer'...I certainly do! mine usually on a fast beat..can hear you say 'I'll say!" but that's ok..

Another 1 1/2 and hometime..although they are calling for snow tomorrow it will not arrive here in the city until after we leave for home, so will be celebrating our '1st full day of work' shouldn't that get us the morning off..lol

good morning,

feeling better today.
thanks for thinking of me and your support. i always feel better when i read the posts.
ha! i wore the top betty sent me all day, kinda like being wrapped in a hug all day!
worked things out with my DH and upped the meds.....

hope today is better....

OK, I've got pictures.....

Here is DD's quilt...

Very pretty Jeannine! Love the colors!

Laura glad you worked it out with DH and you are feeling better!

Thanks Ves.

Here's the stitching (not done by me!)

OK, here's the entrance to my garden and the cobble stone walkway I have to finish...

My fenced in flowerbed

Spawn of the devil himself.... LOL! Running around with stuff I deadheaded from the garden...

And in "angel" mode....

Here's an old boy we're watching while our friend is out of town. His name is Madison and he's 11 and a half years old and has no tolerance for the young whippersnapper living in our house!

And finally, here is the spot that I will be building a new raised bed for my tomatoes - between the shed and the fence.

This message was edited Feb 28, 2008 4:53 PM

Very nice Jeannine! Wish I could see my yard! LOL

Wish I could see mine as well...love the quilt, she must feel cozy and loved...love the walkway, yep think I'll pick up that mold at Rona or Home Depot this spring..might be easier to work with and of course if I follow your instructions...love the yard...

Laura, glad today is a better day for you..who knows, let's hope there is a package at the post for you..might bring a smile..

Just got home, decided to do some shopping in Barrie, thinking of Jeannine and her quilts I found tucked away at walmart a nice quilt which is reversable in very soft color and I couldn't believe it was $24.99 will have to take photo to show you, I'll put it in the back bedroom..quite a size really so of course can't resist a bargoooon as I say it with a smile..picked up a few more little things for my 'easter swap' that is going out tomorrow..if I soon don't mail I'll yet have another to keep..

So, off to make a hot chocolate, hot cinnamon roll and a bath..will check in later if I don't fall asleep..

It's so cold out there..wow, you freeze up the house just opening the door..must get Sailor back in before she freezes and put away the groceries..

p.s. almost bought a lovely pot of spring flowers and there was a gorgeous orchid..hymed and hawed, but thought better..you know me and indoor plants..they'd not make it to Easter...

Just in case..

Best thing..headache subsided, must me all the meds I took..
Worse thing..can't find anything today
What did I learn...shouldn't stop to shop in Barrie...easy to spend money..did learn though that I can come home with some as long as I by-pass Michaels as I did tonight..

I've got such a great idea for my next 'pal swap' here..can't wait to get my new name...

Talking about quilts...........................

My IKEA here is changing their quilts line and the "old line" is clearanced at cheap--cheap!

These are the fiber-filled quilts. Covered in the white fabric. You may want to make a quilt-cover for these if you get one. Just sew 2 sheets together leaving ne end open to insert the quilt.
The twin ones are going for $9.99 (re. $39.99) and the Full/Queen ones (Reg. $49.99) for $11.99. Nice weight too!

These have been on sale for almost a month now. Don't know if this is Company wide or just Regional???
If you have an IKEA near you, and if you could use a quilt/comforter of any kind--please go check.

Gita

Thanks Gita, will do..one just a few miles from work..

Sharron, Dear Sister, just called..will meet me in Barrie on Monday night to take me out for supper..

Friday night it's with my family..taking me to a wonderful restaurant..personally I think it's a waste of money, I'd be more comfortable and content for them all to come here and order in pizza..tried to talk them into it, but doesn't look like I'm winning,

Sat. I've 2 girlfriends coming in for lunch, then another will spend the evening and have supper with me..

Sun. Suzanne and Rogers' other sister are going with me to Meaford for a day of shopping and fun..so, better get some rest as it looks as though I've a full weekend ahead..lol...

Just sooo much fun! (doubt any will compare to my Tuesday night surprise 60th though with all of you!)

Judy/Shar what's happening..haven't seen you around today..hope all is well...

Hi Betty and everyone!
Sorry...had two morning meetings, catch up on a couple of projects..LOL(really)!
Anyway, I am pouting, Breenie is sick,sick. So been reading, made couple posts, making sure she has all she needs. Dh telling lots.

Sooo, I will be back to chat with you all.

Got to say GG...you go girl!! Awsom. Loved the quilt for DD, looks warm too.
...Have been meaning to ask you, Is that Punch needle kit quilting, the needle looks awfully big, what do you do to make this, I mean what materials? Oh, yeah! You have done it big!! I now Have the bug....hahha, started writing this from work...then when I came home you had pictures!!! IOh my gosh, saw the rest of your garden...I'm jealous..your gardens are spektacular...murph'll catch on.

LOL, I'll keep chatting till DH Calls...shhhh.

Liz, LOL...I am so on pins and needles to know what happened.LOL I really hope that the issue can be put to rest...for all of you.

Oh My Gosh, Ves...the one day you can chat and I haven't been able to. Well, I just adore the photo of Ty!! He does look so like he needs a pal too. He looks like great company to me. Can I print that photo. Did you get to your nap? or just a little rest?
Vicky, sure hope You got the day your needed, you deserve a rest.

Laura, Sounds like you are doing great. You be proud of yourself, So glad you wore your hug all day. We all just keep the faith my girl.

Ruby, sounds like your visit with Darius was quick, however I am so glad you got to have a nice visit...sounds like the organising is going well...Are you having fun with it. hahah, sometime I get real caught up in everything and forget about what I am doing....gotta shake my head, just pitiful,LOLOL

Oh, yeah Liz...Such a fun and ohhhh halloween in February!!! I love it, your decorations a so much fun.

Hi Shar, you busy packing all your rufffled or uhh, silkey drawers for the beach? ROFL.
Don't forget your Jacket, ok? I hope that you will enjoy a stroll on the beach with Ethan at your heels, picking up shells and magical beach shells... Did you go to gallery today?

Gita, ohhh Gita, One of the best of all things, is We do March to a different drummer. LOL I think thats why we all get along so great!! Your history sounds like it was a pretty big challenge. You should tell the story, beleive me, someone will remember...Thanks for Ikea info, nice to know about sales. lol don't really pay attention.

Betty, Oh gosh...I am being called will be back soon...but I am so happy you got ideas and stuff you wanted, busy day...
Got to go....Hi everyone else for now LOL

evening all,

betty, pouring molds soon lol cool!!!!! oh boy your at the bargains again good for you always nice to find treasures, now did you go for your lunch today or is that what friday is going be? im just so tired guess things at work are getting to me but it will pass once they get her out of there.

judy, well the district mgr told my boss and myself to stop looking for a camera it makes us look suspicious,and to just let things run their corse well we are thinking they must have the place wired to catch her steeling so i know she got written up for being late i guess we just have to wait and see, so fustrating but im ok how are things with you, wasnt that so cool halloween:)

jeannine, love the quilt, and the yard,oh i just love what you did!
, i like the walk way, it will look beautiful with everything blooming around it, isnt he just so cute the perfect angel.

laura, glad things are working themself out, you have a wonderful day

shar, what are you up to???

rachel, where are you hidding?
carol, ruby, hello to you to
everyone else have a wonderful evening

Just peeping in for a minute. Finished painting the guest bathroom today, border up, looking good. I didn't go to the gallery, I think I might be getting a cold, just didn't feel well. Maybe tomorrow. It isn't pressing.

I rescued a bunch of paintings from an old guy's homeplace...long story and I might have already mentioned it. I was going to show his work (he died in 95) at the gallery during the month of march. His wife is invalid and is living with nephew who is the only relative. Anyway, I was going to try to rescue his art from the burn pile....most of them are really good. Any money will go to the old lady...I hope. At least she is being taken care of.
I showed some of them on Carol's Journey....and some of those folds wanted to buy some of the paintings and in return donated to the widow...so that is good. Maybe it will also work like that at the gallery. I don't need all of them at my house.....he also had frames, canvas, stretchers....all of that I donated to the local school and college. They at least got a tax write off by doing that.
I just could not bear to see them all thrown in a fire. The nephew didn't seem to care, but I did.

So maybe tomorrow to the gallery. Also need to run the vacuum..since boys will be here on Saturday.

Did laundry, things are ready to be packed....
I don't feel well enough to be excited. Maybe tomorrow.
Good night ladies....
This is about all I have to offer tonight, but I did enjoy all your posts.

OH.....ALMOST FORGOT....TOMORROW I WILL SEND A LIST OF YOUR SECRET PALS......YOU WILL KNOW THEN WHO EVERYBODY'S SECRET PAL WAS FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

TOMORROW NIGHT I WILL SEND A D MAIL TO EACH OF YOU SO THAT YOU WILL ALL HAVE A NEW SP ON SATURDAY......THIS ONE WILL BE FOR MARCH AND APRIL......
.
EVERYBODY READY?????

Shar

Oh, Shar...Drink some Sunny D right away. I hope you are better before your vacation.
you had a busy day for sure. CAN"T wait to see Secret pal.

Betty, didn't get to chat with you before so...can't believe it is still early for me. Anyway...
I am so excited to see, hear you have a great birthday Month of March off to a great start. Big smiles, you enjoy all of it too! And so you stayed away from Michaels...giggles, I am proud of you.
So glad you found your Easter swap item...bet you just look all over in the stores. So glad you got over your headache. Maybe change in the weather...your is as crazy as ours. LOL talking of weather.......Um...I hope that was your evening snack and not dinner, hmmmmm?

Gilli, I am always so happy to hear of your fun time with music. What a great idea you had. Sure is fun for everyone and so glad the children were happy with it...ever hear of the lil tune Blue Bird, Blue bird?...fun little song, sang it to my Gnephew....So when do your kids get a break for spring?

Waving hello to Rachel...What is keeping you busy?
Hey Dawn, hoping your having good days too...

Carol, Such fun for you and company, lots to think about, and smile in remeberance. It was really nice to know more about the secret garden and how your friends DH built it.

...And Shar, Such a loving way to show towards the elder and his wife...I hope there are alot of sales for his Paitings.

Well LOL I am going to be quiet now and go to bed.

Best...Good Progress in my morning meeting.
Worst, Having my baby girl be so sick. and I hope you all feel better too.
Learned, I really am missing my garden.

Well, now everyone is home once again. My day was pretty good. Very Productive and happily busy. See you tomorrow ...or in the morning.

Bitter cold out this morning, calling for snow mid morning in the city, who knows, we might escape earlier..the old adage, 'boss away, the mice will play'..speaking of mice, last night at Walmart there was a close-out sale on some kind of mechanical sonar sound system to rid mice/rats..very interesting, had them on for $18.99, thought that was a good deal, but I could hear old Roger say, 'a deal is a deal only if you need it?' with 2 furries here I've no mice so I quickly walked away..crazy what people purchase because items are discontinued or on sale...

Up early this morning, playing around, I always feel I get more enjoyment out of my day if I can sit and watch Creflo Dollar and Joyce Meyer ministries before I start my day..seems to put my head on right...

Shar, OMG you CANNOT get ill right now, it's 'beach bunny' time..get into some meds and orange juice..quick/quick..love what you've planned with the art..his widow will be so excited to know it is being displayed and enjoyed, the money I'm sure will come 2nd to that..you are so 'sweet' to think of her needs...in the fire, these treasures, gee whiz, don't they know the heart and soul went into his paintings...no accounting for taste...

I was at an antique store and saw 2 antique frames, one of a soldier, I kept gazing at his handsome face, thought of all he went through for our country, thought perhaps he might have a young bride who pinned away, his family all dead now, so I've given him a name, he's on the wall next to my bed....then the other was a young man, a good portion of his right cheek was missing, thought similar thoughts, sent him to be repaired by a professional and now he adorns my wall as well...am often asked who my relatives are, we'll I just say they were souls wanting a home! Gita, can just imagine when I passed over and my boys are getting rid of all my belongings if they'll have a chat as to what to do with these 'relatives' not knowing their mother is a bit off and they are simply strangers..lol

Judy, sure hope your DD is feeling better today..sounds as though you've taken on all the work of those who have just been layed off..watch yourself you don't get caught up in 'burn out'..any news of holidays? Will you be doing something special with the children on March break?

Liz, everything will work itself out, don't worry, although it seems such a slow process am sure that they must take the correct steps to let her go and/or have her charged with theft.weekend is coming...and the best part..no visiting inlaws..lol

Well, off to have coffee...some earthly angel dropped in and I've muffins for breakfast..must tell them all though to leave their names, I don't know who to thank..funny, often when girls are going to town shopping etc. they drop in and let Sailor out..know she's getting older and it's a long day for her...

To start the morning off, Missy has something to say to each and every one of you...'time to stop, reflect and take time to smell the roses (or was that daisies)...

What a wonderful colourful picture to see this morning..it is snowing here..but looking at that picture I can almost feel the sunshine and smell the fresh air. Thnaks Betty

Gita..
you are so right about instilling in our children the importance of family history. ..but..as you say, they are so busy looking forward in their own lives, they don't have the interest or the time.

Judy..hope Breenie gets better soon

Sharon..have a wonderful sunny time..and stay well.

Betty..what a pretty quilt..and such a good price. You are the ultimate poster girl
for the saying "Buy yourself Gifts"
I bought myself a new V-Tech 5.8ghz cordless phone yesterday..I have one that is 2.4ghz..and the battery won't hold a charge for long anymore. I need one when I am outside in the garden. Since I retired I have more phone calls during the day. This new phone has call display window too..so I in the future I can get the call waiting feature. Never had a phone with a window before..LOL

Carol, don't we get excited with new technology toys..had a few flurries on the way in..boy was it cold out there..we decided to use my car because it was already warmed up, gave the driver seat to Suzanne..so she decided she'd fill my can up as a treat, so here she is, outside at the pumps where they have music playing and she's dancing, singing, I join in..wonder that some vehicle didn't call police to say a few ladies were drunk at the pumps..lol..

Started my morning with a ray of sunshine..came in and Wayne had brought me a gift (something he never does even at home) so that excited me..he bought me high end chocolates, large jar of coffee (so he won't have to use the perk) lol then the girls called me in and they had a strawberry cheesecake..so here I am, coffee in hand and cheesecake for breakfast..I ought to be flying high by tonight..

Keeping looking at the '60' on the birthday card..wow, where did all those years go..remember not so long ago seeing someone who was in same age bracket thinking how very old they look and here I am!!!

Should take out those 3 breadboards and work on them but there is only 2 1/2 hrs. left to work..by the time I get everything out it will be time to close the office for the weekend...

45 minutes left and it's weekend time...I'm just so excited..

Was visiting the vines thread and jpplunket posted this link..
worth watching..sometimes you must click twice...

http://sciencetrack.blogspot.com/2007/07/twining-motion-of-vines.html

Good Day all!

Well my girl staying home again today. Set her up with a big glass of water, gave her tylonol to bring down her fever and instructed her have some toast.
...Geesh, I haven't had to deal with anyone of us being so sick in i don't even know how long. We couldn't find the thermometer... Poor baby, She just called to say fever down and she is hungry so that is good. So will be finishing up so i an get out of here and go be with her.

Now, Carol...how fun, i love my cordless phone, don't know if i could ever get along without it...You will enjoy a chat amongst the Secret Garden.

Betty...Yes I agree with Carol, seeing your photo this morning is so refreshing.
A lovely way to start the day.

Shar, Hope you are feeling Better today!

Liz, oh goodness...I feel your frustration, well guess all one can do is hope she gets caught. So what are you up to this weekend?? something fun?

Gita, I forgot to mention, how incredibly cool that you can interpret the languages. I bet it is both fun and frustrating...But just to be able to read a different language let alone traslate is so exhilerating!!...LOL, I only read english.

Well it is FRIDAY, woohoo...We got lots going on, Finding out who had who, How fun is this can we try and guess...I think I know who had betty!

This weekend Is Betty's Birthday,LOL you are so cute at your age discovery!!

Also, am having that double surprise party this weekend...MY DS has his regionals in wrestling...if he places he will go to State, that what he really really wants. So tonight will send him to jaccuzi and give him a good back rub, off to bed, he goes at 9:30!! He is so excited he picked up his knitting needles to calm himself down!! Took a picture for you Liz, yep he knows more about knitting than me, Heheh, got to compliment him on each row he does too, big smile!

Well, off to get this work done, be back later!
Hope you are having a good Friday.

Time to go home everyone..just like a kid..get so excited to have the time off..should be an enjoyable weekend..lots to do..lol
talk later

AND.....TA DAAAAAAAA....
Your secret pals for January/February were:

Rachel had Betty
Vicki had Liz
Cat had Ruby
Carol had Rachel
Gita had Dawn
Liz had Gilli
Betty had Laura
Laura had Jeannine
Judy had Ves
Gilli had Carol
Ruby had Judy
Jeannine had Gita
Dawn had Cat

ARE YOU SURPRISED, OR DID YOU KNOW BY NOW?????

Tonight I will send you a list of your new secret pals.
I hope you enjoyed the first round.....I know you will love the second because in it will be St. Patricks Day and Easter....and SPRING!!!

Later, ladies.
Shar

morning...

feeling not to bad today. had a busy day yesterday running around with my DD. she cooked me dinner and we put the children to bed and spent some time together which was nice.

I was wondering if there is a quilt pattern for beginners that uses larger pieces? i see so many but they are very fiddly and my eyesight would manage,
i dont want to just sew square together but dont want something too hard either. any ideas?

the other thing i was thinking of looking into was ribbon embroidery, has anyone done that, i may struggle with that too, but i thought seeing as its done with ribbon i could see it better.

house cleaning today.. yuk... lol

off i go

xx

Shar...thanks for all the effort you put into our swap..see our next could have the focus of spring..lordy, need something right now to think spring..blizzard going on outside..I'd rather not go out tonight and pick a different day even if it's in a few weeks..

Had my bath, hair all done, outfit ready to put on but I'm enjoying the fireplace on, good movie and in my p.j.'s..almost tempted to call those boys...

Laura, I taught a group who never sewed before to do little seat pads for their chairs and placemats..it was just cutting strips, putting them in sequence which is marked on the pattern, iron and sew the next..all did 100% and were thrilled..want me to look for that pattern?

Well, going to do my nails..always had long nails but with all this stained glass these past few months using glass saw, grinder, playing with glass and chemicals they all broke now I must try to make them look presentable, so off I go..

Laura on my way upstairs I got a brainwave...lol..I could always minimize on the photocopy then tell you what # to enlarge to get the pattern..then you'd have it almost right away..do you have an e-mail or somewhere I could fax it to???

Hi Laura, isn't that nice, glad you had a good visit, big smiles about that, and err,grrr, about the house cleaning, got to do the same, sigh.

Oh Betty sounds like a wonderful evening is in the making, you get all prettied up for your dinner.

...Well, hahahha, I am so glad didn't have to guess, cuz my guess for Betty was waaay off. Liz are ya rollin on that one??LOL.

And Thank you again Ruby!! remember my little story, well found out because my secret pal sent my package...received it on my birthday, but i was confused at first if it was intended to be for Betty's box...Same time Ruby questioned if i had gotten the gift for Betty's box...so I d-mailed her and said...hmmm, you tell me... yes, I really enjoyed the swap...Seeing all the exchanges and hearing how it made each of your days speacial, so much fun...Thank you Shar for running the whole thing...Now,ehhem, isn't there a picture you are suppose to share??

Well, I am off to start the weekend....
See you later, enjoy and be careful on the roads.

You talking about my newly painted bathroom that I spent much too much time on this week, Judy?

Ok...picture of bathroom.

The painting is not mine, but one I picked up at Hobby Lobby earlier for $5,
I knew it would match the bath and would fit in this spot....what a deal!

Um...sure Love to see your hard work Shar!
...HL painting nice touch!!

...........I am so laughing, anyone ever tell you your a brat?!
that is in a lovingly cute you kinda way...and with a capital B.

This message was edited Feb 29, 2008 5:51 PM

It is almost the end of February here in KY. We have had fun with our Secret Pals and now we start another round. You should have received by DMail the name of your new secret pal for March and April. Also I went ahead and re sent the info about everybody just so you didn't have to go on a search for the last one.

I have to tell you that I got two of the sweetest surprises ever during this swap too. Judy is dying for me to show you this, so I won't keep her waiting any longer.

Liz made this for me......such a sweet surprise, and a lovely piece of jewelry. It is made from a spoon, it is to wear for st Patrick's day...or since I am part Irish, I will enjoy wearing it wnytime. I have the perfect emerald green blazer that will be a great match. I am going to ask Liz to tell you how she made it....but I absolutely love it. Now, Liz, I was thinking....there's hearts for V'tines Day.....and it would be a perfect shape for an Easter Egg....and then there is 4th of July.....and Halloween....OMG, what ideas I have for this, but trouble is, I am not sure all that went into making it. So I will leave that to her. Anyway, my sweet Liz, thank you so much for thinking of me. I am very proud of this gift, because it is from you, my friend.

I'm home..rather tired, got a lovely surprise, kids had arranged for some of my cousins, SIL/MIL/BIL's to be there..got a room in one of the restaurants..

Blizzard so amazing anyone was able to make it..infact the waiter said they had a party of 12 and only 3 made it due to weather..we were 22 of us..my 2 brothers/sister were unable to make it however, they are all taking me out in Barrie Monday..so yet another party...

To say I was spoilt would be an understatement...what did I get??? want to know??? lol

Greg/Jeff and family got me a really good GPS

Lenny and Suzanne got me a pair of diamond earings

Roger's mom, brother, sister and SIL got me beautiful bouquet of flowers and a gift certificate for a nursery..oh happy days!

Larry and Janet got me some gardening books and project books

Kyle made a movie on the computer for me with special family photo's..did it all on his own..

Got $100.00 from Mike and Darlene

Linda and Dave got me a beautiful family album

Doug and Kathy got me lottery tickets and gift certificate

Diane/Paul gave me $100.00

So it's been quite a day, got spoilt at work, made to eat cake/cake/cake and tonight yet more...

So must go to bed, excitement is making me tired and tomorrow I've another group of friends dropping in..


I'll post some photo's tomorrow..

And Judy, I won't quite make a whole month of celebration but I'll sure get in a couple of weeks...

Here's my tasty cake, had enough for all of you (must tell you, I told everyone that this was my 2nd '60th' birthday party ... the other spend with wonderful friends...

Shar, they are beautiful..I received one as well, mine has beach sand and miniature shells, so pretty...

Linda my cousin and SIL told me about something she bought..Liz, you'll go crazy when you hear this idea, but tonight I'm just too tired to explain it properly..will do so in the morning...

Now in addition to that lovely piece of jewelry, I got another surprise and it was mailed from Birmingham. I don't know anybody in Birmingham, so I called my daughter....Ash, did you send me something in the mail....
No Mom.....

Called friend in Savannah.....Lu, did you send me something in the mail?
No....sure didn't.

Suddenly it hit me......for whatever reason, there is one very quiet someone who doesn 't say much, but sure does say the right thing at just the right time, like she might have esp or something. A lot of you do that, but CAT seems to do it at the most appropriate times...and how could she ever know that was just what I needed right at that moment.

But she did....she knew and there it was. And now it hangs in my window to catch the sunlight.
Cath, thank you so much. I will keep it forever.

You are all so very special, and you have carried me through a couple of rather dreary months. I never waded through the winter months alone, I wasn't sure I could make it. That is one reason why I wanted to plan and follow through with the SP thing....it gave me a focus, and it is always fun for me to have something to do that makes people smile.
Thanks to all of you, but most especially tonight, thank Liz, and Cath.
You have all my good wishes.

How pretty, you are spoilt Shar..hope you are feeling ok today, forgot to check in on you...getting these trinkets of love and affection is sure to make one smile and appreciate the goodness that life can still offer...

Oh maybe another photo

Last one I promise..