Happy Halloween Everybody, Happy New Year

October 31, 2009

Today is MAGIC!!! There is electricity in the air, and if you are flying, be careful. There are lots of Holiday riders and their familiars up there. Be safe! Daughter #1 is flying here right this moment as we speak. I hope she took plenty of stuff to keep her stomach settled. She does not exactly like flying, especially on a broom.

I'll have to get the coffee pot a'brewing, and keep an eye on the sky here just in case she needs a bit of help landing. One year, she got so nervous that she when she landed, she hit the ground too hard and fell off her broom. Bag and baggage everywhere, and legs up in the air. KABOOM!!We had a bit of patching up to do that year. Uncle Moo is grumpy this morning, so I bet he is remembering that very same landing. We do so worry about our little ones.

Okay folks, I can't keep you in suspense any longer!! I will be kissing my sixties goodbye in just a few more days. That big ugly seven number is lurking right behind me, just waiting to trip me up! My whole life, I knew that this was coming. It was inevitable. But Wow! How did it get here so fast??? I don't know yet if I like it or not, but I don't suppose it matters much because I wasn't given a choice of getting older or staying younger.

I will just have to make the best of it. More learning, more traveling, more photos. That will be my agenda for the next forty years. That's if Vista and Windows 7 don't drive me crazy first!!!

Today, I am still quite achy from all the furniture moving that daughter in law and I did on Thursday. She came over to crack the whip (only kidding, she really is a sweetheart), and keep me on my toes until the wall unit in the bedroom was emptied, cleaned and removed from the house altogether. Moo and one of the dwarfs carried it out to the sidewalk and put a "Free" sign on it. It was gone in a less than an hour. Thank you Janet!!

My son in law, Eddie, came over that night and put in a new electrical unit and then moved the fireplace into place and plugged it in. Then he set up my new TV and got it working. YEAH!!! It all looks so nice. I will take some pictures later today. Thank you Eddie!!!

Also, today being Halloween, Miss Tootsie is getting excited. Not only does she get to go with us tonight on our big ride around the world, but first she gets to dress up in her pumpkin costume and do a bit of trick or treating. Moo, she's stopping at your room first!! Be prepared!!

Take note too, that I have just changed the slideshow at the top of my blog, and am now featuring the brand new November Daily Download kit. There is also another fantastic add on kit to go with it that you can pick up in our store for just a tiny little sum. This is another fantastic kit, and we all enjoyed making it for you. Here is a preview of the November add-on. Bet you can't wait to get it, huh?

I think now that I have chomped on your ear a bit, I will have myself another cup of coffee, and get ready for Miss Audrey's landing. Before I go, I will share a photo I uncovered of a Halloween past. This photo was taken in 1987, while I was getting ready for my big ride. In case you are wondering, the red face paint is so that my eyes and cheeks don't get too much windburn. Us ladies have to be very careful about our beautiful faces getting too much sunburn and windburn.

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I'm off now. I wish you all a VERY HAPPY SAMHAIN. Y'all have a really fantastic day and night now, you hear?

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Hugs, Edna B.

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New Laptop Lingo To Learn

October 30, 2009

Well good morning and a find day it is!! Actually it is quite gray and damp out, but I am in a good spirit at the moment. A couple of days ago, I went out bought me a new laptop, and am trying to figure out how to use it. Last night, I managed to get my beloved jigsaw puzzle game downloaded into it. Oh joy! Oh joy! Of course, it meant that I had to re-purchase the program, but who cares! At least now I have my puzzles to relax with.

Everything on this laptop is brand new and quite mysterious to me. It's like finding my way around in a foreign country withhout a guide. I know, I know, why don't I just open up the manual and it will tell me what to do. Right? Well, not quite. These companies are too cheap to include a manual in the box with these expensive toys. Not to fear though. I shall persist and I shall win.

Of course, I have no files on this laptop either. So therefore I have no photos or layouts to share. Well, I am at work now, so I just went outside to get a photo of a little rose bush that is desperately trying to stay a'bloom. The next trick to learn was how to get the photos into the laptop, and then how do I re-size and crop one of them. Not so easy for me because I don't have any programs installed yet either.

BUT! I did figure out how to do this, I think. I will find out when I try to post the photo here. If it doesn't look so good, I will erase it, and make my apoligies for no photo today. First thought, I shall give it a try.

My goodness, there is quite a learning process here, just to post a photo. NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!

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This morning I finished typing my whole blog post, and just as I was clicking on "Post to Blog" the internet shut off. Half the post was not able to be saved and nothing got posted. I have just got in from work, and I'm too tired to think straight so I won't retype the missing parts to this posting. I will just wish Y'all wonderful evening and I'll be back tomorrow.

Hugs, Edna B.

Ham Is Good For You

October 29, 2009

Well good morning, and a lovely morning it is indeed. Sunny, and not so cool. There are puddles everywhere leftover from yesterday and last night, but they will soon dry up. Today will be a short post, I think. Daughter in law is on her way here to help me to try to disassemble a wall unit. (Bookcase and entertainment stand) After that, I will be able to move the new fireplace into place and get the new TV hooked up.

My old bedroom TV has been trying for several years now to die out gracefully, and I have been babying it so that it would last long enough for a new set to arrive. Well, last night it tried, but just could not work so good. It's tired. Time to get moving here, and get the new one set up.

Some good news today - daughter Audrey will be here on Saturday morning for a whole week. She sent me her travel itinerary last night via email. This will be a grand Halloween. She can come broom riding with Miss Tootsie and me that night. And what a lovely ride it will be. So if your neighborhood dogs start barking, or the cows a-mooing and the wolves a-howling, go outside and look up to the sky. You just might catch a glimpse of us flying by overhead.

Sunday we will begin our next brand new Daily Download kit at the Magickal Scraps forum. Here is a peek at my title for the month of November. I thought it was quite fun.

I think that is all the peeks you get today. We have to save some of the fun for later. Right now, I must get hopping here. Lots to do today. Oh gosh! I will be so glad when all the moving and changing is done for a while. I just want to get back to playing and designing on my PC. For now, Y'all have a fantastic day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

A Really Fierce Trick Or Treater

October 28, 2009

Good morning to you from rainy and gray New England. It's rather wet out there, and yup! This is the morning I have to go out and do errands. Go figure! Ah well, it won't be so bad. Daughter in law is coming over to keep me company while I flit around from store to store. Isn't that an adorable word? "Flit?"

I remember many moons ago when I was an executive secretary, my boss used to insist that we start every day by using a new word that we had learned from the dictionary. I must say, we did get to learn and use a lot of unusual words. And I have to admit, it was fun too.

When Uncle Moo plays the "game" with Tootsie, she gets to curl up her lip and snarl and growl like the really big fierce dogs. Last night I took a picture of her with just one of those looks on her face, and turned it into a Halloween layout for Uncle Moo. Wow, isn't she just the fiercest!!

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You know, I just love this little kid. There is never a dull moment around here because of her. She has such a marvelous sense of humor and is quite the character. This weekend, she is going to dress up in her pumpkin costume and do a bit of trick or treating. Basically, this means that we go to Moo's room and beg for more treats.

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Have any of you noticed how quickly this lovely month of October has been slipping away? We are almost at the end of the month and the October Daily Downloads. But no fret, Magickal Scraps has another spectacular kit coming for the month of November. I got to choose the colors and theme for this one, and it really was a bit of fun.

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We are also working on the Daily Download kits for January through April of next year. We each pick a month, and start working on the colors and theme for it. This way we don't have to rush and can come up with a really great kit for you. It also keeps us a bit ahead so that we have time to do challenges and other fun stuff. I have chosen the month of March, and already have a few pieces done.

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Before I leave you to get ready for my little jaunt out into the big bad world, I would like to share a photo of a wood painting that was given to my by one of my children many years ago. It's really very interesting. All the different elements, shades, etc are cut from different types of wood pieces, and then placed together to form a painting.

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Well, now I really must get going here. Janet will be showing up on my doorstep, and I will still be running around in my nightie! Y'all have a marvelous day now.

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Hugs, Edna B.

Memories And A Freebie

October 27, 2009

Good morning! It's very gray and rather damp and cool this morning. Miss Tootsie and I have just returned from her chemo appointment. That's three down and one to go for this round. She'll be really glad when today is over.

Next week, my friend Su will be celebrating her crone rituals, and a few of us have made little gifts to help her scrap some of these happy moments. Here are previews of my gifts to her. Of course, they are QP's, and given with my best wishes.

Last night, daughter Audrey called and said she will probably be arriving this Saturday for a week's visit. This will be nice, as I haven't seen her in quite a while. I think Uncle Moo is looking forward to seeing her too as he has already volunteered (grumbling) to pick her up when she gets here.

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I will never forget Audrey's first Christmas. She was only a few weeks old, and Moo was home on leave from the Army. He was just sixteen years old. When his leave was up, he put all his money on the Christmas tree for Audrey with a note saying that the money was to buy some oil to keep her warm. Memories.....sniffle sniffle....

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Wow, where do these memories come from? Every now and then I see or hear something or maybe just say or do something, and the next thing you know the memories come flooding back. Oh my, and I have so many. That might be one of the plus things about getting old. At least you have tons of memories to keep you going. Some are good and some are not so good, but they are the cornerstones of your whole journey through this life.

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Enough already! I will be digging out the tissue box shortly. Today I have some errands to do, plus I need to check and see where my new check order is. It's hard to pay the bills without them. I do have another Halloween QP for your freebie today. This one is just a bit different, but still quite nice I think. Now it's time to make the donuts, so Y'all have a fantastic day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"Halloween QP 09"

And here is your download link for "Halloween QP 09"

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Mother Nature's Little Green Surprise

October 26, 2009

This morning is sunny and very very crisp. (That means quite cool!) We've been getting a nice showing of our Fall colors this past week. This morning on our way home from Tootsie's chemo appointment, I managed to get a few photos. This one is the street leading up to the center of town, only a minute or so from home. Forgive the quality, but this was taken through the windshield. I just hold up the camera with one hand and start clicking away.

And here's another one, this one on my street on the front lawn of our Town Hall.

A couple days ago, I noticed that our topsy turvy tomato plant has some new little tomatoes growing in amongst the dead stalk and leaves. One last little burst of life. I could not resist stopping to take a few pictures of this beautiful little plant. Mother Nature just does not give up so easily.

Last night was a rather quiet night at work. This weekend the Mrs. celebrated her 92nd birthday, and it sort of pooped her out. Both days, she had lots of company, not to mention lots of presents to open. Then yesterday, the family all got together across the street in the open field to play kick ball and enjoy a cook out. So needless to say, last night she slept well. I hope her dreams were happy too.

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Time is flying by, and it's almost the New Year. (for witches, that's November 1st.) This weekend is Halloween, and if all goes well, my daughter Audrey should be arriving for a visit. It's a shame Snow Raven can't be here too. She was supposed to be making my cake. Oh well, I think I can do without the cake this time. My behind will thank me later.

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Yesterday while I was shooting a few pictures, I did manage to get one of Howie watching the Pat's game with Tootsie. I think the other dwarfs went into hiding when they saw me bring out the camera. Chicken!!!!!

I think that's all the news for today. It's time for me to get busy on a little mini kit that I am making for a friend. Tomorrow, I will try to have another freebie for you. Y'all have a beatiful day now.

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Hugs, Edna B.

EXTRA EXTRA!!

Miss Tootsie watches the Patriots play Tampa Bay at Wimbly Stadium in London. Note her beautiful little Patriots jersey. I don't have one, but she does, lucky girl!! (She's not really spoiled, she's just loved a bit extra.) Hope you're all enjoying the game. At the moment, the Patriots are way ahead. Let's keep it that way!!!

Hugs, Edna B.

p.s. Scrapped using Snow Raven's kit "Tootsie Doggie Football Fan."

Leaves, Peppers And Football Fever

October 25, 2009

I'm doing good today, not a raving lunatic yet. Although I do have to say I really did miss my laptop last night. I know, I know, do I want some cheese to go with my whine? What can I say, I like my techie toys, and I miss them terribly when I don't have them.

These past few days I tried to get a few pictures of some of the foliage color changes. I didn't really go out of my way, but if I was driving by and saw something especially pretty, I tried for some photos. Over the next few days, I'll share some of these with you. This morning, I have a bit from my Japanese maple tree. It is always changing colors, and even with no sun, it is really beautiful. What do you think?

Also, while I was playing with my camera yesterday, Moo was in the kitchen making stuffed peppers for supper. He does not like his picture taken, so when he saw me holding my camera, he would not look up, but I got some neat photos anyway. I put them together on a scrap layout to share with you. Mmmmmm! You can almost taste those peppers!!!

If any of you are football fans, Snow Raven has some great pictures on her blog that show London gearing up for today's Patriots game at Wembly Stadium. http://silversnowyraven.blogspot.com/.

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She even made an adorable "Tootsie Doggie Footbal Fan" kit just for Miss Tootsie. I'll have to see about getting some pictures of Tootsie in her Patriots shirt watching the game this afternoon, and then make a scrap layout with her new kit.

I think it is time now for me to get some lunch for Tootsie and me so that she can be ready for the Patriots game. She doesn't like football any more than I do, but maybe she'll be a good sport and at least let me get some photos. Meanwhile, Y'all have a really grand day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

Bad News From The Geek Squad

October 24, 2009

Good morning. Did we get our shots yesterday? Nope! We did go to the senior center 30 minutes before it started, and were # 86, 87 and 88 in the line. We got our papers, and sat down to fill them in. Then something on the papers did not look right, so I asked one of the nurses if this was in fact the H1N1 flu shot. She said no. They did not have any of that vaccine yet. I asked why they told me on the phone that they did, and she said someone must have misunderstood me. Sad excuse!!

Next, some information from Snowy's son, and a chat with Wayne (my own personal geek squad), I was feeling a bit better about my laptop. Seems the problem was a dead graphics card. So now I call Best Buy to talk with their geek squad (I don't know where this horrid name came from but they picked it).

More good news, "Yes, Ma'am, sounds like your graphics card is gone." So I asked "About how much is it to replace it?" Here comes the really bad news. He replies "Sorry but you have to replace the motherboard. The graphics card is integrated into the motherboard." Of course, my next question was "So approximately how much is this motherboard going to cost me?" Are you sitting down? His answer was "Approximately between $600 and $800."

Well now I'm getting a bit overheated and answer him "Are you crazy man? I could buy a whole new laptop for that!" He was such a cutie! He replied "Yes Ma'am, you could." It was time for me to say "Thank you" and hang up the phone. I am trying very hard to be calm about all of this, but inside I have heebie jeebies dancing. I am not looking forward to laptop withdrawal. You know, a laptop is such a luxury, but being spoiled as I am, I already miss the little darling, and I am not looking forward to a whole weekend at work with no laptop to play and design on.

Before I go on here, I want to apologize to Mary Ann for putting up a wrong blog address yesterday. I have an icon on my desktop that goes directly to her site, so I must not have corrected my written address list. Here is the corrected address: http://roeslergallery.webs.com/apps/blog.

Want some fun news? Last night was the monthly chat at the Magickal Scraps forum. We were to make a comic book page. Take pictures and speech bubbles and make the pictures talk. Well, I don't have a lot of pictures. Mine are mostly nature, so I used some fun graphics. The fact that Snow Raven loves peanut butter and is always saying that she is going to turn into a squirrel made this project a ton of fun. Here is my rendition. Hope you like it.

Next, I will give you a preview of my new kit "Paw Prints On My Heart" and a sampler to play with. This kit is available in the Magickal Scraps store starting today and is only $3.99. And don't forget, there is still a store-wide sale on, so this kit will be much cheaper. It has 18 background papers and 32 elements for memorable pet scrapping!

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I am off now to get some laundry done, and a bit of (ugh!) housework. Y'all have a fantastic day. Hugs, Edna B.

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"Paw Prints On My Heart"

And here is your download for "Paw Prints On My Heart" Sampler

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Tonight Is Chat Night At The Forum

October 23, 2009

Good morning everyone. It's still a bit gray and cool outside, but in a little while, Moo, Howie and I will head on out to stand in line and hopefully get our H1N1 flu shots. This vaccine seems to be quite scarce everywhere. I just don't understand it. The manufacturers have had quite a long time to prepare this stuff, I can't imagine what the hold-up is. Probably just another political squabble type thing.

Mary Ann, thank you so much for that lovely compliment. Coming from you, that really means a lot to me. For those of you who do not know my friend Mary Ann, she is quite the accomplished photographer, and has won awards for some of her work. You can visit her gallery here: http://roesllergallery.webs.com/.

Tonight is our group chat at Magickal Scraps forum. Snow Raven has given us a rather different type of project to do this month. We are to make a comic book page, using pictures, photos and speech bubbles to make them talk.

When I read this, I had an immediate idea pop into my mind and starting giggling while I got busy collecting any pictures that I might need. I cannot really tell you much more because Snowy does read my blog, and I don't want to spoil the fun. All I can say is that I had so-o-o-o much fun with this foolish project, and will definitely share it with you tomorrow.

As for my trusty laptop, it's not doing so well. Wayne (and Snowy's son) thinks it is probably the graphics card, which means I have to find me an HP repair shop and have the card replaced. Depending on the price here, I may have to consider a new laptop. I will wait and see. First I have some calls to make.

Tomorrow, my two newest kits will be available at the Magickal Scraps shop. I really hope you like them. Today I will show you the preview and give you the sampler for "Recycled." This was extremely fascinating to work on. With a little research, you would be amazed at the things that are made from our recycled waste products, and how much energy is really saved by recycling.

It's almost time to get ready to go for our shots, so Y'all have a really grand day.

Hugs, Edna B.

"Recycled"

And here is your download link for "Recycled" Sampler

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Strange Happenings

October 22, 2009

I've been told that there are ghosts in my house, but up to now, they never bother me. But yesterday I went looking for a new book that I distinctly remember putting on the bookshelf in the living room. Guess what? It wasn't there. Well, I do misplace things, so I searched everywhere for the book. I took each book off the shelve, checked the cover, and put it back on the shelf. After searching for about three hours, I went back to the bookshelf one last time. Lo and behold, right there smack in the middle of the shelf was the missing book!!!!!

The last book that went missing, I finally ordered a new replacement. I had searched everywhere. Took everything away from my desk, printer, checked bookshelves, under the bed, everywhere. The new replacement book came about two weeks ago. Yesterday, I turned toward the printer, and yup! You guessed it! The original missing book was just sitting right there on the printer! Now where did that come from? Strange Stuff!

Now if that don't beat all, this morning I got to work and turned on my laptop so that I could post my blog, and guess what? It didn't work. There was a bit of sound in it, but that was all. No picture, no nothing. It was working perfectly last night. So now what? I hope this doesn't mean that I have to buy a new laptop. These computers are driving me crazy.

How about some lighter news? Last night I managed to upload two new kits to my store at Magickal Scraps, and they will be available for purchase Saturday, October 24th. These kits are "Recycled" and "Paw Prints On My Heart." Each kit has 18 background papers and 32 elements. Funny how that worked out. Price for each kit is $3.99, but the store sale is still on so they will be much less.

I will have Sampler kits and previews for you tomorrow and Saturday. Today, I am re-releasing "Goodbye My Friend" for those of you who may have missed it. It will be available for one week. The color pallete for both of these "Pet" kits is the same, so you can intermingle both kits quite nicely.

Before I left work today (which was early, thank you) I managed to get a few photos of a late blooming sunflower that I thought I might share with you. It is such a cheerful and happy looking flower. Agree?

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Now I am off to make sure everything is ready in the living room so that Wayne can get the TV set up and hooked up. Then hopefully, he can fix my poor little laptop. Maybe that is just wishful thinking on my part. Y'all have a fantastic day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

"Goodbye My Friend"

And here are your download links for "Goodbye My Friend"

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Run, Run, Run - Another Busy Day

October 21, 2009

Good afternoon! Miss Tootsie and I did not sleep well last night, and so we got up rather late this morning. After a quick cup of coffee and dispensing some meds, I had to dash out to the bank to pick up temporary checks because my new order of checks has not arrived yet. Bill collectors are just not very understanding if you are late paying them.

Halfway to the bank, a bell went off in my head. "Wowee, I forgot!!!!! I'm supposed to be home between 11:23 and 2:23 to wait for the mantle to be delivered. It is now 11:30. Yikes." A quick call to Moo to hold down the fort in case the delivery shows up, and then I quickly did my business at the bank and rushed home. Whew!! They haven't come yet. Now to feed Tootsie her lunch, and if I'm lucky, I can have a small bite of something too.

Yesterday afternoon and last night, I tried so hard to get the new kits uploaded to the service so that I could get them into the store, but it turned out to be disastrous. Try as I might, that server just wasn't letting me in. In the end, I sent the links to Snow Raven, and she uploaded them to the server.

Later today, I will see about getting them into the store. Right now, I am just a bit frazzled and rushed. First thing on my list of things to do is to wait for the delivery and see that it is set up okay. Tomorrow is a work day because I need Friday off so that I can try to get my H1N1 flu shot. So today is rather jam packed with stuff to do.

**I took a long break there, and now I'm back. Tootsie has had her lunch and is quite pleased with herself. The delivery men showed up and of course she did her little bark show. She tries to be such a protective little terror, but she's so cute no one is afraid of her.

Well, I have my new mantle now, and hopefully by tomorrow, I'll have the fireplace in place with the new TV sitting on top of it and working properly. Same for the living room. That will be set up also with the new console. It will be so nice to have some open space back again. Then I will have to take some new pictures of everything.

It's time for me to get a few things done around here, but first I can share a picture of Miss Tootsie enjoying her new little bed. This was taken last night while I was trying to get my things uploaded to the server.

I also have another Halloween QP freebie for you. This will #08, and was fun to work on. I hope you enjoy it too. Y'all have a fantabulous day now. (It's sunny and warm here today)

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Hugs, Edna B.

"Halloween QP 08"

And here is your download link for "Halloween QP 08"

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Getting Busy With Holiday Stuff

October 20, 2009

Br-r-r, it's a bit chilly outside this morning. So I think I will leave it out there and try to keep busy indoors. I am waiting for an order of new checks to come in the mail so that I can finish paying the bills. Hopefully they will come today or I will have to go to the bank and get some temporary ones. I don't want to be paying late charges.

Last night I wrapped up the new kit. Now I just have to zip up "Recycled" and get both kits uploaded into the store. And yes, there will be samplers of both kits for you to try out. Both kits have 18 papers and 32 elements. Now I really must focus on finishing up my challenges for this month.

Crooknees, I was very happy to learn that you were away visiting with family and not sick with a bug or something. It's good you are getting your flu shot soon. There is so much stuff starting to go around. This is not the healthiest season of the year.

Last night I also started knitting another scarf to be presented to someone as a gift. This is quite pretty in an odd way. The color is deep colonial blue with shades of aqua, royal blue and black going through it. I even sorted through some holiday things and wrapped a couple of gifts. It's a nice feeling to know that I am not so far behind in my shopping.

Next I will sit down and start writing out my Christmas cards. I like to have these ready to pop into the mail the beginning of December. Which reminds me, we have started a thread in the forum for card swapping. If you are a member of the forum and would like to get holiday cards in the mail, please make sure to pm your name and address to Snow Raven. (or whoever is going to put the list together) The list is only available to those participating.

The furniture delivery called yesterday and said that my new mantle will be delivered tomorrow between 11:23 and 2:23. Don't you just love it? It's the only company that I know of that gives you specific minutes in your time window. Another company would have just said between 11 & 3. This store has a nice sense of humor. They also have nice furniture. Too bad my place wasn't a bit bigger. I could go back and find some more goodies.

I just took a few minutes to administer our meds (mine and Tootsie's) and now she is looking at me as if to say "Well - so where's my treat?" She's a bit exasperated with me and flopped her little body down on the floor where she can watch the door. Maybe if Uncle Moo comes in, she can wangle a treat from him. This is one smart little girl.

Well it's time to get busy here. Have to attempt uploading stuff to the store. I do have another Halloween QP freebie for you. Enjoy. Y'all have a grand day now.

Hugs, Edna B.

"Halloween QP 07"

And here is your download link for "Halloween QP 07"

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October Snowfall

October 19, 2009

Woo Hoo!!! I opened the door to leave for work last night, and guess what????? SNOW!!!!! The middle of October, and everything is being covered up with a blanket of snow. So first the car had to be cleaned off, and then the windows defrosted. Here I have a picture of the snow in my yard when I was leaving the house.

On the way to work, the snow would come down heavy at times, and then lighten up a bit. Sometimes there was a bit of rain mixed in with the snow. Just enough to make everyone drive more slowly. I barely made it to work on time, even though I left early.

I tried to get a decent picture of the road through my windshield, but it is difficult when you are driving. First of all, it is dark out so the flash will come on and make reflections on the window. Second, the car is moving, and the pictures cannot be focused because I have to keep my eyes on the road. So, I just hold the camera up with one hand and click away. Sometimes I can get lucky and get a pretty good picture. It did not work so good last night, but I can show you at least one. It will give you an idea of the weather.

It's not the best picture, but you can get the idea. This morning, most of the snow was gone from the roads, with just some left in the yards and fields. By tomorrow, most all of it should be gone. Unless we get more!! Did I say that? Put hot pepper in my mouth and make me stand in the corner!!!!!

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Yesterday, Snow Raven had some really good news to share with us. Her partner, Morgana, who has been among the missing all year, contacted her with some wonderful news. She and Morien are doing okay, and have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Lily Amber. I'm wishing them much happiness.

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Last night, I did get to work on my new kit, "Paw Prints On My Heart," and also to knit a while on a scarf that I am making as a gift for one of my friends. I haven't done any knitting for a while so my hands were quite stiff for a bit till they got used to the knitting movements. I need to do more of this sort of thing to keep my hands working well.

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Gosh, time is flying by and next thing you know the holiday will be upon us, and I won't be ready. I think I am about half done with my shopping. Later on, I will have to take everything out and sort it into piles or bags. Then I will have a better idea of what is left to do. It would be nice to have everything done and out of the way by the end of next month. Wouldn't that be nice? Keep dreaming , Edna.

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Crooknees, I have not heard from you lately, and are hoping you are well and haven't caught any of the flu bugs that are going around. I miss your cheerful smile. Now I am off to do a bit of laundry. Seems Miss Tootsie isn't feeling so well this morning, and has had a bit of an accident on her blanket. No big deal. Soap and water to the rescue. After a nice warm bath, she is having a nap in her new little bed. Y'all have a marvelous day now.

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Hugs, Edna B.

Yucky Weather Today

October 18, 2009

Cold, wet, and windy!! In other words, just plain yucky weather this morning. And more like it on the way. Oh joy, oh joy!! I'm not sure if even the ducks are happy with this cold wet stuff. But I suppose it could be worse. It could be snow. Winter doesn't officially start for another two months, but it is already starting. Must be an omen for a long and cold season ahead of us.

I have this foolish talking clock that drives people crazy. I'm used to it and it keeps me company, but Audrey has threatened to do it bodily harm. I have to keep my eye on her when she is here. The clock is 45 minutes late, and every morning at 10:45 it says "10:01" over and over for maybe 15 or twenty times. (at least that is what is seems like) In a couple more weeks, it will be 15 minutes early because of daylight saving time. No problem.

Last night I went online to find some quotes so that I could do my quote challenge. I found some nice ones, but the very first one I found was extremely funny. It said: "I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween." author unknown. I thought that was hilarious. Then I thought maybe I would scrap it, but ran into problems trying to make nude skeletons. Weird, but they are already sort of nude. No fun here. No, I will keep searching for just the right one.

My new calendar photos came from the printer yesterday, and I was very pleased with them. Now I just have to get the frames and wrap them. Yeah!!! One chunk of my holiday shopping done!

Today, I will go online and order a few more of my holiday items. I just love this online shopping. It makes it so much easier for me to get things done. Especially this time of year when the weather isn't always very nice.

Now Miss Tootsie and I will go and have a short nap. Before I leave you, I will show you my layout for the Brush Challenge. This time we had to use tree brushes to make our layout. It features one of my favorite poems, "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer, and brushes by Brush Portfolio. Y'all have a great day now.

Hugs, Edna B.

Shopping Can Be Embarrassing

October 17, 2009

Today is a bit crisp, but sunny. My little garden is looking quite haggard. Wouldn't it be nice if we could put a heater blanket beneath the soil so that the flowers could bloom in the colder weather? On second thought, maybe they need that long winter sleep in order to put on a fine display come next Spring and Summer.

Yesterday, I did a bit of shopping. At my first stop, I found some lovely warm fuzzy socks for my daughter Laura, and some slippers for me. I also found a new little bed for Miss Tootsie, a book and a cutting board. Nice going. Then I went on to do my banking and food shopping. Next stop was at the library, but alas, I forgot to bring the books with me that I was returning.

Seems my day is beginning to peter out on me. I got home, and one of the dwarfs came out to help me carry in my bundles. They can be so helpful sometimes. While putting things away, I noticed that the bags containing all the goodies from my first stop were missing. I checked the car several times, looked everywhere I could think of and then called the store. Maybe I left them at the register or worse yet, in the carriage.

Nope!! Finally, the store manager agreed to see what he could do to help find the missing items. This morning - oh the pain of embarrassment!!! Quite accidentally, I stumbled onto the missing bags. They had been set down in a very obscure place (not by me), maybe to open a door or whatever, and then forgotten about. Well, I was very happy to see them, but now I had to call the store manager and give him my apologies and thank him for his help.

Tonight I am back to work. So now, I must make sure there is no laundry to do, clothes for tonight are set out, and make some lunch for myself and Miss Tootsie. She is trying to get used to her new little bed. After staying in it for about thirty minutes, she has decided to lay on the floor instead. Ah, well. I tried.

I have a couple of lovely photos to share today. These are some orange and lavender mums that are really quite lovely. Enjoy them. Y'all have a wonderful day now.

Hugs, Edna B.

We Are All Shot Up

October 16, 2009

It's a gray, rainy morning here. The weatherman says we may also have some snow coming. Seems to me that Winter is trying to move in awfully fast here. We never even had a chance to enjoy Autumn. Our trees never achieved the gorgeous color show that comes with the cooler October air. Instead, winds have blown away lots of the leaves, a lot of the remaining ones have been quietly dying. We still have a lot of green and coloring trees, but not as many as we usually do.

Well, yesterday, we did eventually get our flu shots. (and pneumonia shots as well) I kept calling the clinic until they said the vaccine had come in, and then we hopped into our vehicles and quickly made our way to the clinic. As quick as we were, there were at least five people ahead of us, with a line beginning to form behind us.

One lady had a couple of restless, whiny kids with her, and when she looked exasperated I jokingly told her she should trade them in for a couple of puppies while she still could. Needless to say, she did not like my sense of humor. The nurse did, though. She was the one who had to crawl around the floor to jab them with the needle.

I know, I know, I am so bad sometimes. I really do love children. But I have no patience any more for unruly ones. I believe you can spoil a child with lots of love, but at the same time teach them discipline and right from wrong. Sometimes though, this is not an easy task.

Today, I have a little kit for you. I call it "Magick In The Air." This will tie in nicely with all the freebie Birthday kits and QP's that you collected earlier this month. Now I have to get started on today's "To Do" list. This includes going out in the rain (YUK!) to do some necessary shopping. Y'all have a marvelous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

"Magick In The Air"

And here are your download links for "Magick In The Air"

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Time For Flu Shots - If We Can Find Them!!

October 15, 2009

It's a chilly morning here, but not too cold yet. Moo and Howie and I went out this morning to the CVS Minute Clinic to get our flu shots, only to be told that they were all out. I am absolutely amazed at how many places have run out of the serum and have no plans on getting more. Yet these same places are still advertising that it is available. I called everywhere I could think of yesterday to find out where to go to get this flu shot, and the only place I came up with was this CVS Minute Clinic - yup! the one who doesn't have any either.

Hopefully, this morning's trip won't be a total loss. The nurse at the Minute Clinic did tell us that she was hoping to get in another 100 doses later this afternoon. It is being transferred from another clinic. So we will just have to keep calling till we know it's in, and then quickly hop on over to get in line. Let's just hope that another 100 people don't get ahead of us.

I also called our Board of Health about the H1N1 flu shot and whether or not it will be available, and where it can be found. We were told that it will be offered only to seniors over 65 next week for one hour only. It's a first come, first served basis, so we will have to be quick for that.

I cannot afford to get really sick with the flu. I don't like being sick, and it also would mean having to miss work. Plus, with all the people here in my house, it would make the rounds to everyone. Not a very pretty sight - eight little (some big) dwarfs all coughing, barfing and moaning for a week or more. Oh dear, let's not even think of that scenario!!

Yesterday and last night, I froze my patootee off, so I finally turned on the electric fireplace. This warmed things up nicely, and before I went to sleep, I turned it off. I did not want to climb out from under the blanket this morning. It was quite chilly, and for a lark I checked the thermostat to see what the heat was set on. Surprise!! Surprise!! It wasn't turned on at all!!! Well, I fixed that little problem immediately. Now I can walk around here without snuggies and a jacket.

Today, I have some photos to share that I took Monday at work. The bees have been busy gathering whatever they can from the season's late bloomers. And these little guys don't mind posing for the camera either. I hope you enjoy them.

I'm off now to see to lunch, and catch up on the laundry. Y'all have a fantastic day, and stay warm.

Hugs, Edna B.

The New Masterpiece Is Done

October 14, 2009

Gosh, it's another 6 am start here. I don't think I like this early morning stuff. Maybe I will have to go back to staying up later at night, then Miss Tootsie will be able to make it till 7 or 8 am. I am trying to enjoy a cup of coffee but it's a bit nippy in here and the coffee gets cool fast. The house is comfortable, but for some reason the heat doesn't work so good in my little part of the house.

I must say, I have been having the grandest time for myself working on this latest piece of creative art. Yesterday, I figured out the missing parts, and spent a few more hours gathering them up and fitting them into my layout. Now I shall have to post it in the forum so that the ladies can decided who is who.

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Now that I've had my fun, it's time to get back to some more serious projects. i still have the gemstone/mineral project to work on. This month we have to do the letters F, G, H, I & J. So far, I only have the first two done. Plus there are still a few challenges left to do and a few kits to finish up.

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I also need to get out to do some shopping, and get a flu shot. I'm not really crazy about getting ready to venture out but once I'm out there, I manage to enjoy myself and get quite a bit accomplished. It's all in the head, so I've been told.

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Today I have Halloween QP 06 for your freebie. This one is not so crazy, just rather plain and simple. I also have a small kit coming for you soon. And no, it will not be Halloween oriented. Now, I must get dressed and make some headway with my "To Do Around The House" list.

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First thing on my list will be to call and find out what day the new mantle for my electric fireplace is being delivered. Then I will call and make arrangements with Wayne to set up the new TV. Right now, it is still in the box, and taking up too much room in my living room.

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I'm off now to make a second cup of coffee and face the day. Y'all have a wonderful day now.

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Hugs, Edna B

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"Halloween QP 06"

And here is your download link for "Halloween QP 06"

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Beautiful Yellow Legs And Wrinkles

October 13, 2009

This morning I really wanted to sleep till at least 7:30, but here it is 6:15, and I'm sitting here at my PC with a cup of coffee. Maybe I can catch a nap later today. It's just as well I'm up though. Tootsie has an appointment this morning to have bloodwork done, and she needed a bath and a little time to dry off.

Because of her disease, she cannot hold the back end of her body up very well, so when she pees, she tends to get it all over her back legs. She is in and out of the sink constantly to wash it off her legs, but unfortunately the color stain does not come out so good. As a result, she has yellow hind legs. I do my best to keep it at a light yellow with all the constant bathing.

This really isn't such a big deal though. Think about it. I used to always have beautiful healthy looking skin. Now it is all wrinkly, and rather old looking. But does my Tootsie care? Absolutely not!! She thinks I'm beautiful and loves me anyway. Wrinkles, gray hair and all.

Ever notice that when you love someone, you always see that bright, beautiful person you fell in love with when you look at them. For instance, when you look at your spouse of 30, 40, 50 years or more, you do not see wrinkles and gray hair. You see that beautiful face that you love. Yes, you know the changes are there, but they are not important in your mind's eye.

It's the same when you look at your adult children. Oh, I know the years are beginning to show up on their faces and bodies, but to me they still look young and vibrant. I guess it has to do with looking at people and pets through loving eyes. Maybe I haven't said this all quite right, but I think you know what I mean.

Okay Edna, enough psychology!! Let me tell you about all the fun I had yesterday playing on my laptop. I spent hours working on just one layout and had the most delightful time. If you could only see some of the simple things that delight me, you would never guess that I am an educated person. Yup, I worked hard for and earned a masters degree that I am proud of.

However, I just absolutely love Paper Dolls. I love taking pieces or objects, and making a scrap layout. I love playing with colors. Working with my hands to create things is exciting. So sometimes when I start a new layout or QP, I have so much fun getting into it that hours go by.

Last month, I made a QP (which you will get this month as a freebie) showing us ladies of the Magickal Scraps forum celebrating our birthday. Alas, I did not have enough of us featured in it. So yesterday I started another layout, only this one will give you an idea of what happens on our monthly chat nights. It is not finished yet, but I can give you a peek so that you can see how come I was having so much fun. I'm the short pretty one in the right hand corner with the blue patch on my dress.

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Oh my goodness, this still tickles my funny bone!!! But something is still missing. Maybe a picture to hang on the wall, or something. I will figure it out.

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I also have some new Halloween QP's for you. Some with my skeleton friends, some without. This is a wonderful month for creating layouts and backgrounds for photos. Today's QP features a lovely creepy background from Dover, and a gorgeous "Dolly" from Granny Art. I just love those Dollies. Hope you like it. I will also take my leave here, and have another cup of coffee before it is time for us to go. Y'all have a fantastic day now.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"Halloween QP 05"

And here is your download link for "Halloween QP 05"

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A Lovely Fall Morning

October 12, 2009

Once again, I am writing from work while the little Mrs is still sleeping. I am looking out the window, and the morning glories are still blooming beautifully. It's such a pretty sight to look out and see flowers still blossoming. There's even a rose bush still producing beautiful flowers. The air is crisp and cool, and it's just a lovely Fall morning.

I must confess that last night I did not accomplish any work on my laptop. Not being in a designing mood, I just did jigsaw puzzles in between my work. And I was able to watch some old re-runs of Law and Order on TV.

At the moment, I do not have any photos to share this morning. Not even a new layout. Shame on me!! BUT!! I can tell you that you should hop on over to Kyra's blog and scoop up her two new Halloween QP's. They are just adorable. Don't forget to say thank you when you download them. http://smiekeltje.blogspot.com/

I stopped by Snowy's blog this morning to see how she is making out with her phone and internet woes. Seems that her phone has been changed over, but now she is waiting for the internet to go out. It seems to be happening in bits, so she is very lucky so far. Meanwhile, she has been turning out some really beautiful kits for the upcoming Holiday season.

Well, I have searched the hard drive on this laptop, and have found one lost little QP for you. I call it "Rainbow Rose" and I hope you can use it. Y'all have a great day.

Hugs, Edna B.

"Rainbow Rose" QP

And here is your download link for "Rainbow Rose" QP

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Br-r-r-r! Time To Dig Out My Jacket

October 11, 2009

Br-r-r-r! This morning I had to defrost my car windows before I could leave work. They were covered with ice!!! Next thing you know, I'll have to start wearing my winter jacket. I usually just wear a sweatshirt jacket, but this morning it did not keep me very warm on my way home. Good thing cars come with heaters.

This week I finished my ABC challenges with the letters X, Y and Z. For my "X" my layout is "Xmas Memories." Santa Claus used to come to my house every year on Christmas Eve. If for some reason Christmas Eve fell on a Friday night (my Santa was Jewish and went to Temple on Friday nights), then my substitute Santa filled in. Guess who my substitute was? Yup! Good ole Uncle Moo. (That's me and him inside the ornament!)

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For the letter "Y" I used the word "Youth." Once we get to an advanced age, we understand just how precious youth really is. The lovely lass featured in this layout is Audrey, from birth to adulthood.

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Next we have the letter "Z." This is not an easy letter to work with. However, while looking through some of my photos, I noticed a trend. I like to take close-ups whenever possible. So that brings us to my word for this letter. "Zoom." I zoomed in on the original photo to make the background paper, then included the original so you could see the "Zoom" effect.

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I have just finished chatting with an old friend, AK, who lives in Florida. Years ago, she was my next door neighbor. Gosh, if you met her, you would never forget her. She must be over six feet tall, very very thin and always had very long, straight black hair. She is part Indian, either Navajo or Cherokee (I forget now). Ak is always bubbling over with fun and laughter no matter how yucky she is feeling. So today's phone call was a really nice treat.

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Well, I think that's it for today's chat. Kyra has sent me some addresses for new resources, so I want to go check them out before I take my nap. Tonight is my long shift. Y'all have a really magnificent day now.

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Hugs, Edna B.

A Present For Me

October 10, 2009

Here it is 5 o'clock in the morning, and instead of snoozing, I am sitting here ready to chat with you. Last night, I put on a TV show about forensic science which I really enjoy, and then fell asleep. This seems to happen a lot now that I have entered my "Golden" years. It's probably why I love all the re-runs so much. Sooner or later, I get to see the whole program.

Yesterday afternoon, Moo came home from shopping with a big grin on his face. He had picked up a little present for me. It was just a little bobble-head witch filled with bubble gum, but she really is cute. Puts a smile on my face whenever I look at her silly grin. See for yourself.

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It's hard to be cranky with this little beauty grinning up at me. Isn't my little Beanie Baby puppy ever so precious? I don't really collect them anymore, but a while back I was enamored with them and have hundreds of them to show for it. Hopefully, one of my grandchildren will want my collection.

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Kim, if you're reading this, I have not forgotten your request. I am working on another kit called "Paw Prints On My Heart." Once it is done, I will also re-release an older kit, "Goodbye, My Friend." I am also working on a Christmas kit, and a couple of CU kits.

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Yesterday afternoon and last night I spent several hours working on my 2010 calendar. I choose twelve of my favorite photos from the current year, and put a calendar month on each one. Then I have them all printed, sort them into sets, and wrap them up along with an acrylic stand-up frame. Voila!! Instant gift!!

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Last night I finished, and was able to upload them to the print shop and place my order. Here's hoping that I did not overlook any mistakes. Last year, I had to re-do the month of May and have it re-printed. I will keep my toes and fingers crossed.

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Last Sunday night we had a really gorgeous full moon. When I got to work, I tried several times to get a decent photo of it, but this is not easy to do without a tripod. At least for me it isn't easy. I did get one fairly decent photo though, which I will share with you. I was hoping that Audrey was able to get a nice shot of the Virginia moon, but she hasn't sent one, so maybe it was not to be. Here is my "Moon Over Massachusetts."

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I think I will also share a photo that I took on the morning of the millennium. This is about the time I started getting more interested in the pictures that I took. When I had my film developed, there was an ad for a photo contest in the envelope with my photos. I thought "why not?" and picked out my favorite photo and sent it in.

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It was chosen as a semi-finalist, along with thousands of other photos, and published in the International Library of Photography" in a volume titled "A Fresh Perspective." For weeks, I walked around proud as a peacock. All this was before I dug into digital photography and Photoshop. Now I look back and see that I have come a long way. To be honest though, thinking about it still brings a smile to my eyes. Here is "Daybreak 2000."

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I think by now that I have chatted the corner of your ear off, so I will amble on back to my little bed and think about another short snooze before I have to face the day. It's only 6 am, so maybe I will be able to catch some winks. Y'all have a fantastic day now.

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Hugs, Edna B.

Recycling - Try It! You'll Like It!!

October 9, 2009

This morning my new TV console is being delivered. I have been up and waiting since 5:45 am. They gave me a time window of 6:30 am to 9:30 am, and they are usually here at the beginning of this window. However, it is now 7:05 am, I have finished my coffee, and they are not here yet. Unfortunately for me, they only way I can see if they arrive is to keep walking out to the living room to look out the window. Perhaps I can lose a couple of pounds this morning with all this bouncing back and forth. Hmmmmm.

Last night I worked on finishing up the color kit challenge. I got a bit carried away with this project, so I now have a full kit which will be uploaded to the store soon. That means a new sampler for you too. Want a sneak peek?

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There are 18 background papers and 32 elements. A lot of the elements are items that have been made from recycled materials. You would be surprised at what man is able to make with recycled trash. You would also be surprised at the amount of energy that is saved by recycling. The lounge chair in the kit was an actual chair made from 1739 recycled aluminum cans and weaved together with plastic pull tabs by artist Carlos Alberto Montana Hoyos.

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Some other interesting facts are:

*One recycled aluminum can saves enough electricity to operate a TV for three hours.

*One recycled glass bottle saves enough money to light a 100 watt bulb for four hours.

*Every ton of recycled paper saves approximately four barrels of oil, 4200 kilowatt hours of energy and enough energy to heat and air-condition the average North American home for almost six months.

*It takes 1,050 recycled milk jugs to make a six foot plastic park bench.

*Recycling half the world's paper would free 20 million acres of forest land.

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Well, guess what? The delivery men have just brought my new console, and it is a beauty. I will have to take more pictures once it is settled in place, and the TV is set up on it. Hey Kyra, maybe we can all dance in our new space today. She and hubby Jan are thinking of putting on the music and dancing in their spacey dining room which will soon be filled with new furniture. Today is definitely a good day.

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I also have another Halloween QP freebie for you. This one is called "Having A Party." I spent the most time on this one, trying to finagle little bony fingers around drink glasses and such. Then, of course, it needed just the right party accessories. Not too many, just enough to keep them a party mood. These three friends are gearing up for a fabulous Holiday filled with parties, dancing, music and good food - all shared with wonderful friends. Cheers!!

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"Having A Party" QP

And here is your download link for "Having A Party" QP

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Now it's time for me to make a bit of order in my bedroom. Every day I look at the mess, and sometimes I even move some of it and maybe put some things away. But I do still procrastinate about most of the work there. It's not as much as fun as playing on the PC. However, just looking at it isn't working very well. The stuff just won't go away by itself. What's a girl to do? Don't tell me. I know. Get in there and just do it!!! I shall try a bit harder today. Really. Y'all have a grand day now.

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Hugs, Edna B.