Thank you so much for visiting my blog. God BLESS !

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!


What a windy, cold day here on the mountain! The kiddos and I took down the large tree in the family room and cleaned up the needles. We are moving the tv downstairs tomorrow. It will be nice to have the living room back. It's a great place to relax and read in. There are lots of large windows and sunlight...

We are staying in as always this evening. I read that Dick Clark will make his appearance again tonight, so we'll be watching him and the Times Square celebration.

Wishing you the best year ever! May you be healthy and prosperous and may your heart be filled with love xox

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Winter Blues?

I have read articles that discuss many people getting the "winter blues", especially during the holiday season. It certainly is understandable, isn't it? There is always the pressure of getting the decorations out, shopping and hoping to please everyone and paying bills while trying to provide gifts for loved ones, illness... and the many, many people who have lost loved ones and go through the holidays without them...

I think we are simply too busy to have time to get the winter blues. There is always something going on and much to do around here. We enjoy movies and play Texas Holdem, Apples to Apples and have fun planning our summer camping trips. Family time and memories are always a joy to make.

Sometimes though, when the clouds are looming and the trees are bare and everyday life is heavy on your shoulders, it is hard to keep your chin up and a smile on your face. When you start to feel down, maybe you can look at summer pictures to cheer you up. Bundling up and taking a walk is always nice, too! I love the vacation feature on my eBay store and it frees up time for me to be with my family.

If you think you are experiencing the winter blues, which include not feeling like doing everyday things, not cleaning, spending too much time sleeping, having very little desire to leave the house or maybe even have crying spells or very sad times, you may need to take a visit to your doctor. Take care of yourself and recognize the signs of "winter blues"...

Monday, December 29, 2008

MONDAY ~ Monday...

I'm just popping in to get my blog fix and touch base... We had a wonderful Christmas and yesterday, the weather was absolutely gorgeous here. We were outside most of the day and hubby boxed up the inflatables as I went through our bin of lights and tossed out the strands that don't work any longer. We raked leaves and I got one last hop on the mower and mulched up what was left on our yard. The bradford pear leaves finally fell and a few oak leaves still cling. I cleaned up the dried lillies and watched the sunset. ahhh the joys of gardening :) I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! I am off to put more things away and clean... Enjoy! xox

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Wonderful Christmas Story To Share


The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without so mething hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty, "Stew ... made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken."

George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and d rove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time

The front door of th e office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pee shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week ."

George handed the gun to the cop. Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee." the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "C huck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?," the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said, "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry.
The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.
The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord."

~ author unknown

My Pretty Doll


My pretty doll sold. I am so tickled and flattered that someone found her in my store and purchased her. I removed her out of my Etsy shoppe. I will miss seeing her. I had her sitting on top of a large fruit basket in the living room. I won't be making another one anytime soon. I put my eBay store on vacation for the next couple of days. I need to get some things in order here and help Santa get ready for Christmas :)

Primitive Star Bowl Fillers Ornies


These are so nice, prim and priced to sell! Please visit my eBay store for lots of gorgeous primitives at a great price.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Old Man Winter


Old man winter is here! It is so windy and cold outside now... I just went out to get some wood to put in our woodstove and it is chilly to say the least. Schools are delayed here tomorrow by two hours because it is supposed to dip down to zero with the wind chill. This summer, hubby and I bought rubber moulding to redo our camper ends. Our camper is a hybrid and the ends fold down and canvas tents cover our fold down beds. We bought several types of moulding to see what worked best and decided to keep the smaller moulding to redo our doors. What a difference it has made during these colder months. Stay warm dear friends and snuggle up on the couch with some hot chocolate and a good book or with your little one :)

Christmas Inflatables


Santa is stuck in the igloo... his feet are moving as if he was struggling to get out. LOL! This is the infamous inflatable that hubby was setting up when he sprained his foot and lower ankle stepping off of the sidewalk. His foot is perfectly fine now, but he had to stay off of it for 48 hours. We were fortunate that he had no breaks. I don't know if inflatables are popular where you live, but here in WV, people LOVE them. If they run out of room in their yards, they put them on their porch roof!
Here is my favorite one... We got this one 3 years ago...

Since hubby picked out the igloo, the kids picked out this one...

This is our side porch. The garland has white lights in it. The wind has played havoc on the bows, mini flag and even the candy canes :)



I love our old picket fence... needs to be painted, but painting is good for the soul. (Remind me of this in the spring when I am complaining about having to paint LOL)

Meet "Bear Bear". We bought him 14 years ago. He has a light inside and has greeted us with a gift on our porch every year...

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! We are hoping for snow... even a few flakes would be great :0) xox

Saturday, December 20, 2008

500 Million Problems For Madame Secretary

500M PROBLEMS FOR MADAME SECRETARY

By DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN


Published in the New York Post on December 19, 2008
Now that Bill Clinton has released the list of his 205,000 donors who have given close to $500 million to his library and foundation, it is clear why he resisted releasing the list while his wife was running for president.

Now, compelled by the Obama transition team to make it public as a condition of his wife's appointment as secretary of state, it becomes clear that the list is a virtual encyclopedia of conflicts of interest for the husband of a senator - to say nothing of the husband of an incoming secretary of state.

Particularly troubling are the massive donations from Arab governments in the Middle East.

Pardon us for looking such generous gift horses in the mouth, but it is hard to imagine so many governments, monarchs and businessmen in the Middle East giving money unless it was with some hope of a political return. Will that return now come with the appointment of Sen. Clinton as secretary of state?

How can Hillary Rodham Clinton mediate and negotiate conflicts in the Middle East impartially when her husband's library and foundation - over which he has total control - have been bankrolled by the very nations with whom she must negotiate?

The list reveals another key center of conflicts of interest in Kazakhstan, the former Soviet republic, now home to some of the world's greatest mineral deposits and ruled by a corrupt dictator, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who, according to The New York Times, has all but quashed political dissent.

Bill Clinton visited Kazakhstan and met with its president on Sept. 6, 2005, accompanied by Canadian mining financier Frank Giustra.

Soon after, Giustra was awarded a highly lucrative contract to mine uranium there. Now, lo and behold, Frank Giustra turns up having given the library and foundation between $10 million and $25 million and the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative of Canada gave $1 million to $5 million more.

And Clinton got $1 million to $5 million from Lakshmi Mittal, the fourth-wealthiest person on the Forbes billionaire list and a member of the Foreign Investment Council in Kazakhstan.

In addition, Clinton further fished in troubled waters by taking $1 million to $5 million from Victor Pinchuk, the son-in-law of the controversial former president of the Ukraine.

Given the complexities of US policy toward the former Soviet republics in Central Asia, it is hard to see how this massive and incestuous relationship cannot but complicate Hillary's independence.

One of the largest donors to the library and foundation was UNITAID, an international organization largely controlled by France, which donated more than $25 million. And the conflicts of interest are not all just foreign. Corporate bailout recipients and recipient wannabes donated to the Clinton fund. They include AIG, Lehman, Merrill, the Citi Foundation and General Motors.

And, almost as an afterthought, the list reveals a donation of at least $250,000 from Denise Rich, presumably in return for her ex-husband's presidential pardon.

How could a US senator possibly serve dispassionately while her husband was collecting money from these donors on this kind of scale? And how could we have almost elected a president without realizing these conflicts existed? And how on earth can a secretary of state function with these conflicts hanging over her head?

www.dickmorris.com

Oh Christmas Tree...


This is last year's pic, but it looks the same every year. I haven't taken any this year yet, but wanted to post a pic of our family room Christmas tree. It is my favorite of the two trees we decorate because it has handmade ornaments from the kids when they were little and sentimental ornaments from friends. I made the quilted ball ornaments on the tree years ago with a matching quilted tree skirt out of the same material. I hope this finds you well and happy and ready for Christmas.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sunny Day Here on the Mountain ~

Good afternoon ~ Today we had a 2 hour delay. We got a little sleet and snow last evening and thought for sure it would really amount to something after listening to the weather channel talk about a weather advisory until 11 am today. Shortly after the ice started falling, it changed to rain. To be safe, we had a two hour delay today and that is ALWAYS a welcome pleasure, as we get to sleep in and take our time going to the bus stop. I hope this finds you all warm and cozy with a nice hot cup of your favorite tea or coffee in your hand xox

Monday, December 15, 2008

Do You Cover Your Camper?


When we first started camping, we had a wonderful small popup that slept 6 people. We enjoyed it so much, that we sold it and purchased a larger camper. The difference is this one sleeps 8 and doesn't fit into our garage AND it has the all important tiny shower and toilet... the luxuries that we did not have with our popup. We were able to winter our popup inside our garage. Hubby researched on the net for information regarding the pros and cons of covering your camper. We did read a few valuable tips that included NOT to use a tarp or a cover that was not breathable. If you cover your camper with something other than a regular camper cover, you may create a mold problem, as there must be air circulation with your cover. The other valuable tip we found was to wait until the last possible moment to cover your camper and uncover it as soon as the ice and snow are no longer a threat. We also talked with a service technician at Camping World and he said that they had to redo many camper tops that were not cared for and covered. So, we purchased the cover for approximately 200.00 on eBay. Last year we looked like Lucy and Ricky Ricardo trying to get that huge cover up and over and around the camper using ladders and rakes and whatever worked. This year my DH came up with a better plan. He tied the straps on the cover to an extension cord and tossed them over the camper... worked like a charm! I had to get upon the ladder with the rake to lift the cover over the ac unit, but other than that, it was MUCH easier this way than last year. He called himself McGyver. LOL!! Happy camper covering!

Folk Art Dolls


I am listing these folk art dolls on eBay tonight. It is so hard for me to find time to craft, and I love making these dolls. A friend of mine gave me this pattern months ago. I made several of them with different fabrics.

They are stained muslin and their candle bags are stained muslin as well. Most of the dolls have red candles. These candles are wonderful and made of high quality bees wax. They are from beenblossoms. Her eBay store is listed in my favorite links on the right side of my blog.

Thank you for taking a peek and please be sure to visit my eBay store :)

Spreader of Love Award XOX



I was given this wonderful award from Pam of prims*by*pam. Thank you Pam :) Here are the rules to follow through when you receive the award:
1.Post a copy on your blog.
2.Mention who gave you the award.
3.Pass the award onto 6 others.
4.Leave a message on their blog letting them know the award has been bestowed upon them.
So here are the 6 that i would love to give this award to:
1. Wilma's Wimzees
2. Sugar Bush Primitives
3. Little Sisters Dolls
4. BirchBerry Farms
5. NannyGoatPrimitives
6. Primitive*Farmhouse
Now you can pass on the love..

Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Cutest Blog on the Block

I love going to thecutestblogontheblock.com. She has the CUTEST free blog templates and they are so easy to use on your blog. There is a wide variety on her site. She is very nice and helpful if you email her with a question. Check out her templates and I am certain you will not be disappointed ~

Folk Art Dolls With Candle Bags


Remember this? It is my folk art doll that I started making this past summer... I made six bodies on our way to Ocean City, Maryland this past summer. I am trying to finish them up this weekend to list on Sunday evening... I have their candle bags finished and 3 have clothes on :) They still need "hair"... I will list them on auction on eBay and then in my eBay store if they don't sell on auction.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

USPS Price Increase January 18th

Shipping Services January 18 Pricing Change

On January 18 prices for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International, and M-Bags change. As always, we do not impose fuel surcharges, hidden surcharges, or surcharges for residential or Saturday delivery.

The move to January price changes for shipping services is consistent with industry standards and provides a clear picture of the affordable services we offer. Highlights for domestic shipping services include new Commercial Plus pricing, with up-front discounts for high-volume Express Mail and Priority Mail users. On average, Commercial Plus prices for Express Mail are 14.5 percent less than retail prices; Priority Mail Commercial Plus prices average 7 percent less. We are also introducing a new, smaller Priority Mail flat-rate box. The new box is priced the same as the flat-rate envelope and provides a great option for customers sending smaller items that require sturdy packaging and the convenience of flat rate pricing.

Prices for Express Mail and Priority Mail are designed to maintain the Postal Service’s competitive position as the best shipping value in the market, especially for packages weighing less than 5 pounds. The new prices also make Parcel Select, our “last mile” ground product, an even better value for high-volume shippers. For international mailers, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International are the best value in global shipping.

View this information and the price chart at:

http://www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm?from=home_ftpromo&page=newshippingprices

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Beautiful ODD Day ~

Today we had to run to town and our weather was a bit odd to say the least. It was in the 50s today with drizzle. As we passed over the Shenandoah River, there was a fog so thick over it, that you could not see the river. It followed the river as far as you could see and was above the bridge. If I had a camera and could multi task, I would have taken a picture. It was beautiful. So, our weather station is telling us now that towards the end of the week, our warmer weather is going to turn our rain to icy conditions. Of course, this will happen when we are snoozing and will have to wait up and watch our local channel for school delays and closings. We love the snow when we are all home. We have round plastic saucers that we slide down our front yard on. It has a slight slope and is fun to slide down. I hope you had a blessed day :)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Quilted Tree Skirts


This is such a pretty quilted tree skirt. It's not too late to purchase a tree skirt to put under your pretty Christmas tree this year! Be sure to check out all of the tree skirts I have to offer by clicking on my eBay store link to the right. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for checking out all of my items. My eBay store is filled with primitives, handmade primitives, wholesale primitives that are priced to move, eBay auction templates, quilts, bedding, and much, much more!

Steelers Beat The Cowboys!


Oh we were so relieved to see Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys! Now the Redskins still have a chance... Hubby LOVES the Steelers and I am a Redskin fan, but will cheer for Pittsburgh when they are not playing the Steelers :)

Vintage Quilt Christmas Tree




... My newest Vintage Quilt Christmas tree on an eBay auction now. This tree is made from vintage tumbling block design quilt. It has mica flakes on it which are more visible in person. Thank you for stopping by :)

Tennessee Ridge Primitives

A great blog to check out that offers free primitive patterns is Tennessee Ridge Primitives' blog. The addy is http://extremeprimitives.blogspot.com/ Her patterns are very easy and they do not require alot of different craft items to complete, which equals more profit for you. She also has an eBay store and has been an established, popular seller of patterns on eBay for years.

Check out this eBay auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/50-Primitive-Christmas-PATTERNS-Snowman-Santas-ON-CD_W0QQitemZ110322821503QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFolk_Art?hash=item110322821503&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A3%7C294%3A50

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

eBay Shipping Tips


I sold a flag bunting and was quickly reminded of my carelessness in weighing my items and had to revise my listing. Many times, you can weigh an item and it may be right under the weight of 13 oz. or 1 lb., however, when you consider the weight of a priority mail box, it will easily put your item over a lb., which means you must charge for 2 lbs. The same goes for an envelope. You must remember to consider the weight of your tissue paper, thank you notes and the envelope itself when weighing your items.

EBay has currently made the rule that you must list your shipping information in your auction listing. I have always done this because I want my buyer to know exactly what their shipping will be for the product in which they are purchasing. Because of eBay's new search engine, we are easily found by the buyer if our combined shipping weight and item price is one of the lowest listed. Having the lowest shipping and item price searched will place your listing at the top, if it is auction listing format.

If you offer free shipping to your buyers, your items will get more exposure and if you are a power seller, your final value fees are reduced during a limited time. Many buyers forego this option because what happens is the item price is raised, which will increase your listing fee. For example, if your item is 14.99 and your shipping is 5.05, you will be charged a listing fee for 14.99. If you offer free shipping and must raise your price to include shipping, you will have to pay the higher listing fee to eBay. Is it a good trade off? It may be if you use lower priced items to offer free shipping for.

Don't forget to make your items presentable when your buyer opens up their box or envelope from you. I purchase inexpensive tissue paper to line the box with and wrap my items in tissue paper and sometimes put raffia around them and I always include a handwritten personal thank you. Everyone enjoys a warm fuzzy and your buyers will appreciate opening up their items as if they were gifts. If you can afford to purchase items to drop in their box as a token of appreciation, be careful to choose lightweight freebies, or you will find yourself paying higher shipping if it tips the scale over what you are charging the buyer.

I hope my tips have helped you and I'll try to post more tips in the future. I enjoy sharing what I have learned to sell successfully on eBay over the last four years with anyone that would love to learn.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Cyber Monday

Today is proclaimed as "Cyber Monday". For me, much of my shopping is on the internet and I love WalMart's free site to store shipping option when shopping on their website. I think we are finished shopping for each other. I didn't purchase anything on sale today, besides shopping for a few gifts on eBay, but I did purchase a car seat booster at a great price.

For those of you with more than one vehicle and only having one car seat that you have to move from one car to another, you know that it is difficult at times to say the least, especially when your hands are frozen and you have to cram the seat belt behind this and that and adjust it just right... Or how about when you get ready to go somewhere and you have JUST enough time to get there and you forgot that you needed to move the car seat? I know... I am blessed to have this as a simple worry in my life :0) Regardless, it was time to start shopping for a booster seat anyway. I found a really cute one at a great price at WalMart.

It was a $50 Graco and it will grow with her into a booster seat. Her other car seat does not have that capability, but a simple booster will suffice when she is large enough to have one. I thought this was a really great price and recommend it to those of you who have children that are not quite ready for a booster, but will soon and for any of you who will be getting a little Christmas money from Santa to purchase a seat for a second or third car.

Did you get any wonderful deals this Cyber Monday?

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Weekend Is Over

It's always sad when the family is home for the holidays and then Monday rolls around... back to normal, back to work... back to school. We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend that I would love for it to never end. But, we know that time does not stand still.

I wanted to share our nativity set with you before I headed off to bed. I have had it for many years. It is from Home Interiors. I have it on Grandma's hutch in the dining room.

I used to put it in the living room, but when the kiddos were little, I noticed there were a couple of fingers missing here and there. I was sad that they were broken off, but decided maybe it was my fault for not explaining ENOUGH that this was definitely a look at piece and not a pick me up and carry me around piece.

I've had it in the closet for years because I simply didn't want it damaged, however, being in the closet in the box is no place for enjoyment, so I explained to our youngest once more what this setting was and why it was so important not to play with it and carry parts of it around. There are a few items that are not attached. I had thought about hot gluing some of the items to the manger and may do so before I put it away after the holidays. I love looking at it and it is a reminder to us all why we celebrate Christmas.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Youtube West Virginia Video


Taylor took most of the pictures and I took a few here on the mountain. The pictures are from Cass, Blackwater Falls, Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, Morgantown and Harpers Ferry. I hope you enjoy the video as much as we love living in the beautiful state of West Virginia.

Our Snowman Family ~


Years ago I used to attend parties for home decor, candles, you name it. I sold Longaberger baskets and was invited to many gatherings and truly enjoyed them. I purchased this snowman family and set them out every year. They usually stay out through the end of January, just in time to bring out the Valentine decor.

The Day After Thanksgiving...


Sometimes we decorate after we eat our Thanksgiving meal, but this year we decided to play Texas Holdem and then take a nap. Of course, I lost, as I bet the same whether I have high cards or low cards, or even cards that don't match up to anything that is being displayed by the dealer. Yesterday morning we woke up rejuvenated and put our two trees up. We put a primitive decorated tree in the living room and in the family room, we put a large tree up and adorn it with special ornaments that we handmade and what the kids made in elementary school. We use all white lights and really enjoy sitting around the trees in the evenings, enjoying the lights. When do you put your Christmas tree up?

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Sweets from Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey Writes:

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.
And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy\girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Hannukah/Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life. Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Snowy Rainy Day ~

Today was such a nice day. We got the best of all weather worlds. We watched the snow fall, rain fall and then the sunshine came out. Tomorrow will be a busy day, the day before Thanksgiving. We will be shopping for Christmas gifts and getting the last few odds and ends for our Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. Shopping on "black Friday" is not my cup of tea. I did it many, many years ago and vowed to always try to have my Christmas shopping finished before Thanksgiving and that works great for me. While everyone else is standing in lines and driving around the parking lots 5 times to get a "good" spot, we are home decorating for Christmas. When do you decorate and shop for Christmas?

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Grandma Bonnie Passes Away

For those of you who know me well, know that I have over 300 Longaberger baskets and that my home is accented with Longaberger pottery, wrought iron, bedding, border, pillows and more. I used to be a Longaberger consultant and have done many fundraisers for our local fire department and elementary school by doing basket bingos for them and donating my commission to their cause.

Dave Longaberger died a few years ago and things changed when Tami took the reins. Much of their merchandise is now outsourced and the baskets are the only remaining items that are Made in the USA. Because of the quality shift and the economy, I stopped selling Longaberger, but my admiration of the "days with Dave" will always linger.

It is with sadness, but with celebration of her life, that I tell you that Grandma Bonnie has passed away. This is a letter that Tami wrote, which is posted on their website at www.longaberger.com.


Dear Friends,

It is with sadness that I share with you the passing of our beloved Grandma Bonnie. Bonnie Jean Gist Longaberger was 100 years old. She was a remarkable woman whose zest for life, resiliency in the face of adversity and enduring love of the simple pleasures had a tremendous influence on all of us who are part of the Longaberger family and The Longaberger Company.

Until recent years, Grandma Bonnie remained very active in the community and within our company. Many of you might recall her attending past Bees. For many years, she enjoyed her daily lunches at the Senior Center in Dresden, talking with neighbors and, of course, spending time with the family. She made us all laugh with her stories and memories, and she made raising a family of 12 look easy and downright fun. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother to all of us, and a good Christian woman. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on.

I think what is most memorable about Grandma Bonnie is her approach to life. She had a commonsense attitude and enjoyed simple living. She never complained. She always believed in forging ahead, and she did it with a wit and sense of humor that made us chuckle out loud. She was one of the strongest – and funniest – women I ever have known. This comment, often echoed by Grandma Bonnie, sums it up quite nicely:

“A person should have a good sense of humor, and if that doesn’t work, they should rely on the Lord.”

Grandma Bonnie was born July 16, 1908. She and my grandfather, J.W., married in 1927 and raised their 12 children at their Dresden home next to the workshop where J.W. handcrafted baskets, later teaching many of his children to do the same.

Grandma Bonnie became very proud of my father, our company and all of you. It amazed her that Longaberger baskets could be made with such love and care, and be cherished by so many from so far away. To this day, she embodies our values and our spirit. She has had an immeasurable impact. The memories of her serve as an inspiration to us all.

Arrangements are pending at Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home in Dresden. Burial will be privately observed by our family. Those who wish may make contributions in Grandma Bonnie’s memory by making checks payable to the Grandma Bonnie Fund, c/o The Longaberger Foundation, 1500 E. Main St., Newark, Ohio, 43055. This fund was established in 2002 to alleviate hunger for individuals and families in need, especially in Muskingum County, Ohio, Grandma Bonnie’s lifelong home. Condolences may be sent to bonniesympathy@longaberger.com.

On behalf of the entire Longaberger family, we want to thank you so much for your caring and concern. Words cannot express how much it means to us.

Tami

The Kiss

The Kiss.....
She is pregnant, he had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire. When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, noticed her in the distance looking at the fireman. He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do. As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her unborn babies and kissed him just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

...and some think animals are dumb...

Saturday, November 22, 2008

To A Keeper


TO A KEEPER ~
One day a mother died.
And on that clear, cold morning,
in the warmth of her bedroom,
the daughter was struck with
the pain of learning that sometimes
there isn't any more.

No more hugs,
no more lucky moments to celebrate together,
no more phone calls just to chat,
No more "just one minute"

Sometimes, what we care about the most goes away.
never to return before we can say good-bye,
Say "I Love You."

So while we have it . . it's best we love it . .
And care for it and fix it when it's broken
and take good care of it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage .... and friendships. .

And children with bad report cards;
And dogs with bad hips;
And aging parents and grandparents
We keep them because they are worth it,
Because we cherish them!

Some things we keep --
like a best friend who moved away
or a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that
make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important,
and so are the people we know
And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone today
who thought I was a 'KEEPER'!

Thank you very much
For being a special part of MY Life!

Send a Card to a Recovering American Soldier


When you do your Holiday cards this year, take one card and send it to the address below. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get. When you are making out your Holiday card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Friday, November 21, 2008

Give to the Troops

Send a Postcard to the Troops

Sears ~ Christmas Shopping This Year



Sears - Christmas shopping this year...

I know I needed this reminder, since Sears isn't always my first choice. It's amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and Sears hasn't withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?

How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up for active duty.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears at least once, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement & feedback it well deserves.

This is TRUE and can be verified at http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/sears.asp

Thursday, November 20, 2008

CANVAS GRANDMA AND GRANDPA FLAG


This is a really cute canvas flag that would be a great Christmas gift for grandparents. It is the only one left and is available in my eBay store. You can click on the link on the right and see all of the wonderful primitive items that are available.

Deer Jerky Recipe


As promised, I am posting our deer jerky, or beef jerky recipe. You can buy seasonings in the store to mix in with your meat, but this is a good flavor for deer meat. Of course, it is filled with sodium and may not be the best choice if you have high blood pressure...

This mix will be good for one pound of meat. Marinate the meat overnight for the best flavor. If you do not like your jerky hot, reduce the amount of pepper you put in your mix.

3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt
8 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons of ketchup
1 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1/2 teaspoon of onion salt

Mix thoroughly and put the meat in it... sit it in the fridge overnight to marinate.

Christmas Banners Canvas Scrolls On Sale ~





These pretty canvas Christmas banners are now on sale in my eBay store for 11.99. They are very nice and can be used as a door decor or on a wall. They would make a great gift as well. Click on the link to the right to my eBay store to find these banners and many more Christmas items including snowmen, angels, and much more~

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What Love Means to a 4-8 Year Old



What Love Means to a 4-8 Year Old ....

Touching words from the mouth of babes. A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined See what you think:

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'
Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'
Billy - age 4

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'
Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'
Danny - age 7

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'
Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'
Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6

'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'
Cindy - age 8

'My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'
Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'
Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'
Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'
Lauren - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)
Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'
Mark - age 6

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8

And the final one... The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

Poem Written By Judge Roy Moore From Alabama

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama . Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama ! The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray

We've kept God in our
temples,how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not
angry,that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~~Judge Roy Moore~~

This says it all. May we all forward this message and offer our prayers for Judge Moore to be blessed and for America to wake up and realize what we need to do to keep OUR America the Beautiful. Pass this on and let's lift Judge Moore up in Prayer. He has stood firm and needs our support.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tuesday Dreams...


It was snowing earlier with the sun shining brightly! I am taking the screens out of the windows today and washing windows. I tried to cheat outside and hosed off most of the dirt and grime, but still need to do it with cleaner and paper towels... hehehe! I just don't know how we can ever get crafting, cleaning, yardwork and FAMILY time all in our days... I guess that is why I get nothing of anything done. I just popped on to say hello and am going to go back to dusting the family room and watching Paige play on her hobby horse... dreaming of a maid to come in and clean everything for me... Enjoy your day and be blessed xox

Monday, November 17, 2008

Raggedy Monday ~


No jumpin' back in bed for me today... I had so much to do I couldn't take a snooze this morning. I had to lug the broken piece of equipment out onto the side porch alone, as I received an automated call from UPS telling me they could be by at anytime to pick it up and I only had 3 chances to have it picked up. I managed to turn it and twist it enough to get just a tad more duct tape around it and I put the whole 79 lbs of it on the side porch.

It started out a gorgeous, sunny day. As the afternoon rolled in, so did the clouds and rain. The UPS man had not arrived yet, so I had to go out there and lift the box up and prop it on my bench to protect it from the rain. Fortunately for the poor UPS guy, I remembered to confine Bear right before he pulled into the driveway. :)

I sold quite a bit on eBay this weekend, fortunately, so I had several packages packed and ready to go for the mailman today. I even slipped a few bills out the door, too.

I have jerky to make with the tenderloin. I am going to use my old standby recipe on this batch and will post it shortly in case someone would like to try it. We are going to grind the other meat up and use a jerky gun to make the strips for the rest of the meat. Everyone loves the jerky and it is very healthy for you.

I sure do miss the group at times... I think the group gave me much inspiration to spend more time at the sewing machine. I hardly have anything crafted to list, and have so many things I want to make. It's almost rediculous to think I can fit all that I have to do into a day.

I posted a pic of one of my first Raggedy Ann dolls. I used to enjoy making them, but I can make bowl fillers faster and I don't get as bored making them as I do making bowl fillers.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Another Vintage Quilt Christmas Tree


I just finished another pretty vintage quilt Christmas tree. The tree is covered in mica flakes and has a rusty wire wrapped around it with dangling rusty hearts. There are rusty safety pins and bells on it as well and it is topped with a large rusty bell. A cute hang tag is attached by a green and red homespun tie and is attached with a small rusty safety pin. This tree was just listed on eBay as a buy it now item.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Hang Tags With Christmas Homespun Ties


Stop in and check out my hang tags. They are stained and have pretty green and red homespun ties on them.

New Exercise Equipment


We were eating dinner and someone started pecking on the side porch door. I opened the door and the UPS man was standing there, all eyes on Bear. ROFL!! We were expecting him to be here on the 14th. I ordered hubby exercise equipment for his birthday and it came early. Bear was running around and of course, "greeted" the UPS guy. He had thrown Bear a treat to distract him until he could get HELP. He asked if Bear was mine and I told him yes and explained that when we know someone is coming, we confine him. The poor guy told me that Bear had really scary eyes. Bear is a very tall dog, a mutt lab shep mix and who knows what else, and is somewhat intimidating to people that first meet him. I held Bear while the UPS guy could get down the steps and he entered through the back door of his truck and left. I couldn't help giggling, as Bear to me will always be a big baby, but rest assured, he did not allow any space between me and the UPS guy ;)

By the way, the equipment has a chipped piece in it and the main bar is bent, so now I have to return it via UPS... if he'll come back!

Dogwood Trees and Birds


I had every intention of going outside with my camera today to sneak a shot of the cardinals eating the red berries off of my dogwood that sits outside my window, but this morning, all of the berries were gone. Yesterday, they enjoyed plucking the berries off and eating them. There were several male and female cardinals bouncing from one branch to another, enjoying the bright red berries. If you are planning on planting a tree near your home, but you are not sure what type to plant, I would suggest a dogwood tree. A dogwood gives such pleasure in the spring, with blooms as large as your palm and in the fall, they turn a gorgeous deep red, leaving red berries behind for the birds to enjoy. Because they do not get large, you can plant a dogwood near your porch, deck or just outside your window. They are beautiful planted as specimen trees as well. I have approximately 14 white, pink and red dogwoods planted all over our yard. Birds love to make nests in them and you can get a bird's eye view of the little ones from inside your home. Dogwoods are definitely a bird's best friend.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Primitive Country Quilted Tree Skirts


Time to purchase a tree skirt before they sell out... These gorgeous tree skirts are still available, but not for long. I have sold many of the Tea Star Skirts and they have a limited supply available. These are from Victorian Heart and are absolutely gorgeous. I have several patterns available in my store.

Happy Wednesday AKA Hump Day

Good morning ~ Getting ready to work on eBay templates... I was fortunate enough to sell all of them to a very dear lady that didn't want to pick just a few, so I have been plugging away at them for her. She has been very patient with me. The sun is shining today and I hope to get outside and work on trimming more of our perennials back. I have many peonies and still have a few to trim. I hope you all have a blessed day :) xox

Veteran's Day