Enjoy Your New Camera, Mary Ann

May 31, 2010

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Good morning everybody on this beautiful Memorial Day. I'm still at work, so this will be a short post. Soon, the Mrs. will be waking and wanting her breakfast. Today, I want to post my layout for the Week 4 Journal Camp assignment. This one has to be about ourselves, and contain at least one photo and not less than six lines of journaling. Here is my layout.

As Nani pointed out last week, the new assignment tomorrow will be the toughy. A whole page of journaling, and no photos. In reality, this should not be so difficult, seeing as how it is so easy to sit and chat with each other for hours on end. But something tells me it won't be so simple. Hmmmmm! I'll just have to wait until tomorrow.

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Yesterday, I was able to get a new batch of photos that I can share with you soon. First I have to go through them to pick out the good ones and crop them to fit here. I do however, have a nice photo of one of the Mrs.' white peonies. She has some of the nicest flora in her yard.

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Before I leave you, I want to say "Congratulations" to my friend, Mary Ann. She just got the new Canon Rebel T2i, and I can't wait to see her photos. Enjoy, my friend! Happy clicking!

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Now I must get to work here. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a really fantastic day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

More Of Nature's Beauties To Share

May 30, 2010

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It's just gorgeous outside this morning, so I guess we are in for a fantabulous day here in my little part of New England. Too bad I have to sleep part of it away. Ah, but that's how it is with us working gals who keep things going all through the night. I'll still get to enjoy part of today, and then it's back to work tonight to do a 20 hour shift. After that, I'm off till next weekend.

I haven't been doing much designing these last couple of days. Mostly, I just caught up on some of my emails and blog reading, and chatted with a few friends. Plus I did a few jigsaw puzzles on my laptop. For those of you who enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, check out the E-games site. Just google it for the site address. They are called Puzzle Master. I'm not crazy about the puzzles that come with it, but I use a lot of my own photos and graphics to make new puzzles. There are free pictures all over the web that you can use to make new puzzles.

Remember the pink peonies that I mentioned were outside the kitchen window at work? Well, Friday I took some photos of them to share, and it's a good thing I did. Yesterday's thunder showers battered them quite a bit. Here's a photo of how gorgeous they were.

Also in that little garden outside the window is one really beautiful iris. It was growing next to a bush, but now the bush has grown larger and has almost swallowed up the iris. This blossom starts out as a rich deep chocolate brown, and then changes over to the purplish maroon color shown here.

While I'm sitting here typing, Tootsie is sitting beside me, and giving my arm a nudge every couple of minutes to let me know that she is being neglected. Pushy little thing, but I love her. When I get home from work in the morning, she dances all around till I pick her up and give her hugs and kisses. Is she spoiled? You betcha!!

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Well, I think I'll enjoy my coffee and play a bit with Tootsie. Pretty soon it will be nap time for Bonzo here. Want a freebie? Okay, you talked me into it. If you've wondered why a lot of my QP's are rather plain, it's so that you can add your own personalization to them. I hope you like this one. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"QP - 030"

It's Memorial Day Weekend

May 29, 2010

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Oh me, oh my. It's looking like another simply gorgeous morning here in our part of New England. Yesterday was just fabulous, and today is promising more of it. It's Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S.A. It's a time for remembering and celebrating the men and women who have made it possible for us to enjoy our freedom. It's a day to remember friends and loved ones who have passed on, and to place flowers and wreaths on their graves. It's a day to celebrate our freedom with family and friends.

All across America today, folks are setting up their barbecue grills. Folks everywhere will be gathering to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers and steaks. Some salad and chips, a few sodas and beers, along with a few mosquitoes and ants tossed in for good luck, and Voila! It's barbecue time!! This weekend kicks off the official start of the summer season here in the U.S.

Yesterday afternoon, I did all my errands on my way home from work, put away the groceries, picked up my Tootsie, and we were off to watch my grandson's baseball game. The weather was perfect, and I was able to get a lot of nice photos. And while our team did not win the game, we all had a great time. Tomorrow, I'll have some of the photos to share with you.

Today's photos are a bit different. While I was at work yesterday, I looked out the window saw a couple of little birds sitting on stems on a bush. I grabbed my camera and started clicking away. When I looked at the photos later, surprise! surprise! It was lunch time for the baby birdies.

The photos aren't my best given that they are taken through the window, and the reflections on the glass don't make for clear shots, but still they are worth sharing.

"Daddy, I'm hungry."

"Here's some lunch, son."

"Wait here, I'll get some more."

Wowee, I wish these had been better shots. I have been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this. Unfortunately it came at a time when I was not prepared. Maybe another time.

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Well, I have a bit of laundry to do now. Got to have clean clothes for work! After that, Tootsie will be looking for her lunch. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

My Grandchildren Make Me Proud

May 28, 2010

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It's a beautiful morning, and I'm at work here, so this will be short chat. The huge peony buds are starting to open, so I'm hoping to get a few photos of them today. First thing I'd like to say this morning is "Be well soon" to a friend who is in need of a hug and some sunshine. This is for you, my friend.

You know, I have this lovely rose bush that my daughter, Kerri, gave to me several years ago. For the first two years, it bloomed with gorgeous yellow roses. After that, I guess it went back to root stock because all the blossoms are now tiny white ones. But they smell lovely, and they're quite pretty. Here are a couple of close up photos of them.

My granddaughter Jessyca sent me a copy of the latest copy of her school magazine and the 2010 graduation paper. Her brother graduated this year. Congratulations Jeremy. I am so very proud of you. Last night, I spent an enjoyable evening reading the school magazine. Jessyca studies journalism, and writes several of the columns in it. You did a great job Jessye. Uncle Moo is going to read it tonight.

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I have a bit of shopping to do on my home this afternoon, and I want to try to make it to a baseball game if I get home early enough. My two youngest grandchildren both play and have games this week; and, one of my great grandsons also plays and has games this week. Their schedules overlap a bit now and then, but I love the game and I'd like to watch them play. Of course, I also want to get more photos too!!

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I hear the Mrs. stirring now, so it's time for me to get busy and start her breakfast. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a really marvelous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

Congratulations Moo!!

May 27, 2010
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Woo Hoo! It's so much nicer today than yesterday. The air was so heavy and hot yesterday. All day long, my nose was runny and my eyes were teary. I went through almost a whole box of tissues. For a while I thought I was getting a cold, but then I looked outside. What a surprise for me!! My car was completely covered in a film of what looked like dust or dirt, but in fact was pollen!! No wonder my nose is all stuffed up!! Look - here's my car.

You know, I just finished reading Kyra's blog, and she has quite a bit to say about the oil spill and how it is destroying our beautiful earth. You should go see what she has to say. I totally agree with her. If politics and greed did not come into play here, this mess could have been cleaned up a while ago.

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Since Mr. O has been in the Oval Office, we seem to be going downhill quickly. Our country is not doing so well, and our earth is suffering. My only hope is that enough people wake up and start making things right before we lose it all. Now, I really must get off this band box. I could spout off all day as I get very passionate about some things.

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I do have some good news for you. Remember when Moo quick smoking a while back? Well, today makes 200 days being smoke-free. Yeahhhhh! Congratulations Moo!!

Yesterday, Janet and I spent the afternoon and evening doing nothing but relaxing and having fun. No computer, instead we watched TV and chatted, and between us we ate half a container of large gum drops. Good old fashioned gum drops!!! Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm!

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Janet also brought dessert with her. After supper we had strawberry shortcake. Oh Lordy!!! Do I have to say how yummy this was? Seems we share a sweet tooth. Among our favorites are candy orange slices, spearmint leaves, and lots of chocolate, It's fun to be bad sometimes!

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Now I'm making myself hungry, but that's okay. It's almost noon and time to make us some lunch. First I have to remember to take my gummy vitamins. You should try them, they are awesome! And tasty too! Nuff said, till tomorrow Y'all have a super duper day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

It's Hot, Hot, Hot!!

May 26, 2010

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I think we're going to have another scorcher today. It's already 89 degrees and climbing. According to the weatherman, we will get a three day break from this heat starting tomorrow. You know, I really don't like the cold, but I don't like the sizzling heat either. I like the 55-80 degree climate best.

Are you following Nani's Journal Camp? This week is much more difficult. We have to scrap ourselves. Sad to say, all these years that I have been the picture taker, I usually did not turn the camera on myself. Hmmm. I will have to do a bit of scrounging to see what I can come up with. Next week will be even more difficult. All journaling and no photo!! It's time to wake the brain up.

Today, while you are blog-hopping, do drop in and visit Deb at The Scrappin Cop. She has a really nice Americana kit posted as a freebie. It's a great kit and it's just in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. If you download the kit, don't forget to say thank you. http://thescrappincop.blogspot.com/

Today's photo is one of my lovely yellow irises. The iris is such a graceful beauty. Many years ago, I had a whole garden full of them, in all different colors. They really are gorgeous.

Today, Janet (DIL) is coming over, and hopefuly she will have more photos of her garden. She is taking to photography quite nicely. I know, I know, I'm always tooting my horn about my smart kids, but isn't that what mommies do? And besides, I really am quite proud of all of them.

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Last night, I had a marvelous time working on new QP's for my freebie folder. So, today you get another freebie. Me thinks it's time to start working on new kits too. Hmmm, there are so many nice kits around that it isn't easy to think of new themes.

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Now I think I will make some lunch for Miss Tootsie and myself. Tonight, we have stuffed peppers to look forward to. Mmmmmmmmm! That's all for this morning. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"QP -029"

A Busy Morning So Far

May 25, 2010

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It's quite lovely outside this morning, although I guess it's going to be a bruiser later in the day. Inside here, it's been a busy morning. One of our illustrious dwarfs spilled a large cooler filled with water over onto the floor, and it all came down through the ceiling. Nope, I was not a happy little camper this morning.

On top of all that, Miss Tootsie managed to pee on all my scatter rugs yesterday, and now I shall be busy washing them today. It's good that I have several of these scatter rugs. My carpet would be in bad shape without them. I wonder why she does this? Seems she can only be good for about 4 or 5 days, then she makes a point to pee on each one.

Last night I finished up a couple more QP's for my freebie folder. Then I relaxed and did a couple of jigsaw puzzles. I am so glad that someone figured out a way of putting them on the computer. You never run out of pictures for the puzzles, because you can use your own photos to make new puzzles.

I have a couple of photos to share this morning. At work, Sunday morning, I took some photos of grape leaves. Every morning, the leaves are trimmed with little drops of dew. They really are very pretty. Here are two of them to show you what I mean.

When the sun is shining on the leaves, the dew drops sparkle like diamonds. I have been trying for a while now to get some photos of this, and these are my best so far. Nature is really amazing!!

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I think now I will head on over to Journal Camp to see what this week's assignment is. My journeying leaves a lot to be desired, but I am trying to change that. Then maybe one of these days, I will pull out some of my older layouts and try re-doing them. Hmmm. Another project for me?

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Well, I'm off now. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

Giraffe Love

May 24, 2010

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Good morning, America. It's looking to be another absolutely gorgeous day today. It started out a bit foggy, but by the time I was on my way home from work, it was just lovely. A good day to go out and do some errands. Actually, we're running low on doggie food, so that's a great excuse to get out and about.

I thought I would be doing a lot of designing over the weekend, but it just did not happen. I did, however, finish another challenge. This one was the template challenge at Magickal Scraps. I used the template that Snowy made, and photos that Miss Audrey took on her trip to the zoo on Mothers Day.

Another photo I have to share is one I took yesterday morning when I got home. Moo's little friend Chippy was busy eating some of the peanuts that Moo had left out for him. Gosh, he is just the cutest little thing!!

Next, we have to get a couple of squirrel feeders to put over under the trees. They're pesky little critters, but they need food too, and maybe this way they will leave Chippy's peanuts alone.

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We did finally get the new refrigerator in yesterday. Moo and one of the dwarfs went to pick it up. After emptying and removing the old one, they brought the new fridge in and got it set up. Let's hope that nothing else goes on the blink for a while.

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That's about all the chatter for this morning. I want to do a bit of blog hopping now while I enjoy my cup of coffee. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a marvelous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

An Old Fashioned Beauty Bush

May 23, 2010

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Daylight is breaking here, and the birds are busy chirping and calling to each other. I really love starting my day listening to the birds. I find it very soothing. It's not raining, so I'm hoping for another beautiful day like yesterday.

At work, the Mrs. has this very large Beauty Bush in her front yard, and it is quite full now with delicate, light pink blooms. It's really quite lovely. Last evening I took a few photos of it to share with you. This first photo shows how large the bush has grown.

And here is a close-up to show the tiny pink flowers. Isn't this a beautiful bush?

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There have been a lot of nice sales this past month for scrap supplies, and I picked me up a few goodies, so hopefully, I shall be busy this week designing, designing, designing. Well, at least that's the plan. LOL.

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The daylight outside the window here is getting lighter, and I can see the huge pink peony buds that are right in front of the window. They usually take a few days to open, so maybe by the end of the week I will be able to get some nice photos of them.

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I think I shall have me a cup of coffee now. On my way to work last night, I picked up an extra cup of coffee to put in the refrigerator here so that I could have it this morning. There's nothing quite like a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee to start off the morning right. (No, this is not a paid advertisement. I just like their coffee.)

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Well, I think that's about it for this morning. I do have a QP freebie for you. Hope you like it. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"QP - 028

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NANA

May 22, 2010

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Well, good morning, and a grand one it is!! The sun is shining and it's warm out. I think it's going to be like this for a few more days too! Woo Hoo!! This is my kind of weather. Not too hot, and definitely not cold!

Today is a special day for one our ladies at Magickal Scraps. Happy Birthday, Jean. Actually, at the forum, she is known as Nanabanana. So Nana, go out and have some fun today. May sunshine and happiness follow you all day long.

Here is a peek at the birthday kit that I made for Nana. (It's okay to show you now because she already has it!)

Today might be the day we get a new refrigerator. A friend of Moo's has offered one to him, and now Moo is off to pick it up. One of the dwarfs has gone along to help him. Today is also laundry day for Moi. It's that time of week where I need to have my clothes ready for work. Tonight's a work night. How does it get here so quickly every week?

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I have a couple more of Audrey's photos to share with you today. Have I said how proud I am of my girls and their photos? Both Audrey and Janet have been surprising me with absolutely beautiful photos. I'm just a very lucky lady to have so many wonderful, smart kids. Here are a couple of Audrey's beautiful rose photos.

I think I have to leave you now. I hear a truck in my driveway, and it might be Moo back with the refrigerator. I'll be back tomorrow. Till then, Y'all have a grand day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

We're Off To The Beauty Salon

May 21, 2010

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Ah, tis another beautiful morning. Tootsie and I slept a bit late, and now we have to hurry some because she has an appointment in about an hour at the beauty salon.

My post today will be short, as I need to be getting ready to leave. But I wanted to share some beautiful photos that my first born sent to me. Audrey, I am really quite proud of you. Your photos were just gorgeous.

On Mothers Day, Audrey, Mac and Miss Bea went out to dinner, and then off to the zoo to take some photos. They were just in time to see some of the animals partaking of their daily siesta. (naptime) Here are two of those photos. Enjoy!!

There are so many beautiful photos to share, but I will save them for another day. Mac and Audrey's son John, graduated Naval Basic training in Illinois on April 30th. I used two of her photos from their trip to Illinois to make my layout for Week 3 in Journal Camp. We had to use two photos, helper tags and five lines of text.

Now I really must get a move on here, or we will be late for Tootsie's appointment. Tomorrow I shall share more beautiful photos with you. Till then, Y'all have a marvelous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

A Bit Of Whimsy For You

May 20, 2010

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This morning is quite sunny, thank you. I guess the rains came and went and somehow I missed them. It was drizzly with lots of light rain here and there, but nothing too bad. Today though, seems like a good day to do a bit of work in my little garden. Yup, sounds like a plan.

There are some pretty yellow irises blooming now with lots of weeds mixed in. Hmmm. Looks like I really do need to do a bit of work here. If only I could wiggle my nose and make it all nice!! Here's a photo of one beautiful yellow iris.

Here's a close-up of that yellow fuzz in the center.

Pretty, yes? (I deepened the color in Photoshop so it would show up better.) In another month we should have lots of orange tiger lilies everywhere. There should be some pink Asian day lilies too.

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Have any of you been visiting my friend Kyra's blog lately? Oh I hope so. She has been offering some really beautiful quick pages as freebies. If you like fairies and fantasy, you'll love these. http://smiekeltje.blogspot.com/. Don't forget to say hello and thank you.

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For your freebie today, I thought I would offer a bit of whimsy. I just love these little dolls. I really can't say why, but I do. They are just the sweetest little sad sacks!! I'm off now. Soon it will be time for lunch. After that, I think Miss Tootsie and I will go outside to work a bit in the garden. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"QP - 027"

It's Trim A Tree Week

May 19, 2010

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It's a bit gray outside this morning. The weather can't seem to decide whether to smile on us with sunshine, or dampen the day with rain. Well, we know we have quite a bit of rain coming, maybe later today or tonight. Take your time!!

Tootsie and I have been up a while, but I decided to do my blog hopping early, and then play a while on my PC before posting here. I know, my bad! Well actually, I have also been looking through photos to decide which ones to use for my Week 3 layout for Journal Camp. Like I said before, this assignment will be a bit more tricky for me than the first two.

I think I've decided which photos to use, but now I have to work on the story part of the layout. On the other hand, there are two other photos that I might rather use. Oh dear, such a problem to have this early in the day.

A couple of days ago, the light company sent their tree trimmers out to trim away parts of trees that are interfering with their electrical lines. My property has lots of trees, so of course my trees were on their "Trim" list. I went out to watch and was fascinated by the shred machine. I guess that's what you call it - they put the tree limbs in one end, and they come shooting out the other end right into a waiting truck. Here's a couple of photos to show you what I mean.

And here's a close-up of the shredded limbs coming out of the shoot and going into the truck.

So maybe you don't find this so fascinating, but that's okay because I did. (and I have the camera!! lol.)

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I'm watching a program on TV that shows what you have to do to your house if you want to sell it. They literally remove all of your own stuff, and re-furnish it quite plainly after they re-paint and remodel the whole inside. In some cases, they even re-do the outside of the house. Gosh, I wonder what they would do if they came to my house!! I hate to even think of it.

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Well, it's time now for me to rustle up some lunch for Tootsie and me. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

Golden Chains & Rhodi Bling

May 18, 2010

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Good afternoon!! Today I'm having a lazy day. Tootsie and I slept in a bit this morning, and after some blog hopping, I went to check on the new lesson assignment for Journal Camp. You just know that this one will be lots more difficult than the last two. At least for me as I'm not so good at journaling. But isn't that why I'm taking this class? It's one more challenge for me to work on.

I have a couple of neat photos to share with you today. At work, there is a lovely tree out back called a Golden Chain tree. It has the prettiest yellow flowers that hang down in clumps sort of like wisteria, except that the little flowers are different. Have a look here.

Last night, Moo went to visit Howie at the hospital. On his way home, he stopped to pick me a gorgeous pink rhododendron. Of course, I took some close-up photos of it, and that's when I discovered the beautiful diamond dust in the center of it. Have you ever noticed this "Rhodi Bling" before?

I have lots more photos to share, but I'm saving them for other days. Right now, I'm looking at my little girl's dirty face and thinking that maybe it's time to take her to the beauty salon for a complete beauty treatment. Milk bath, fragrant shampoo, hair cut, the works!! Maybe we can get her an appointment for this week. That would be nice.

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I have also been working on a birthday gift for a friend, which of course I can't show you yet just in case she's reading this. I've also been making some new elements that I will be packaging up and offering to you as freebies soon.

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Want to know what we had for lunch? Last night Moo made us a boiled dinner with a ham. I had lots left over, so for lunch I scrambled it all up in the frying pan. Mmm Mmm Mmm!!! That has got to be one of my favorite meals!!!

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Now that I have some of you drooling, I shall have me some play time and work on a jigsaw puzzle. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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Nod, I'm thinking of you. Be well my friend.

I Love To Hear Those Birds Chirping

May 17, 2010

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Here's hoping for another gorgeous day like yesterday. It's sunny, and the birds in the trees are chirping away. What a nice way to start a day!!

Today I must post my layout for Week 2 of Journal Camp. We were to use three photos, a title, and some little name tags to tell a story. Nani gave us a template and the little tags, thank you. So here is my layout.

I was rather busy last night after the little Mrs. went to bed. I even got another QP finished. Feels good to be building up my stock of freebies. I also have a couple new photos to share. Saturday evening, there was a huge bumble bee buzzing in and out of the rhododendrons, so of course I took my camera outside to play for a few minutes. Here are my first "bug" photo of the year!

I don't have much time left to chat this morning, as it's time to check on the Mrs. again and then get ready to go home. I will leave you with the last part of "Pansy Patch." So till tomorrow, Y'all have a marvelous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"Pansy Patch" Part Three

Bye Bye Blues

May 16, 2010

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It's a lovely morning, and the sun feels warm. It put me in the mood to do a bit of shopping on my way home from work this morning. Moo and Tootsie and I drink a lot of spring water, and there was a good sale on it, so I bought a couple more cases. Can't have too much spring water!!

Well, I guess my blue funk is dissipating, because I have been doing a bit of designing again. I made a batch of new papers, some new QP's, and I finished another challenge. This one was about making a book cover layout for a mystery novel. I chose to do a cover for a Perry Mason mystery because those were my favorites.

I also took some photos last night at work. There's a really beautiful large beauty bush that is just starting to blossom. It has an almost "fairy-like" look to it.

Next, I took a close-up of the center of a huge pink day lily that was in a bouquet at work. Every now and then I like to try my hand at the macro stuff.

Today, I want to finish my layout for the Week Two assignment at Journal Camp. Then I shall be about up to date with my scrap projects. What a nice feeling!!! Now I'm off to do my blog hopping, and play with Tootsie. After that, I feel a nice little nap coming on. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"Pansy Patch" Part Two

A Day For Thoughts

May 15, 2010
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The sun is shining this morning, and there's a soft breeze. Once it warms up a speck, I just might go out and pull up some weeds to make room for my new flowers. My irises are all budded, so pretty soon I will be able to take more photos of my garden.

Last night, I did manage to work on some new QP's. This lack of interest in things does not come from the moon's phases or a horoscope reading, as some might think. It comes from a sense of loss. I suppose there are lots of folks like me who just don't adjust well to all sorts of change. People and places change, and when they do it affects everyone and everything around them. My comfort zone has been uprooted, and it leaves one with a sense of homelessness. Nuff said.

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Today's photo is a reflection on life's changes. It's titled "Loss."

When I was working on my Master's Degree, one of the things I majored in was Personal Loss. At that time, there were no support groups to help one get over the loss of a loved one or worse yet, a missing child. Since I was in need of this type of group, I focused my efforts on trying to help others with the same needs.

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One of my own babes was missing and I was floundering in a sea of devastation. That's what it feels like. You don't know what to do or where to turn for help. You can't understand why there is no help. You go on day by day, and routinely do whatever you are supposed to do to keep functioning. The pain just gets bigger and bigger. But that is another whole story, and fortunately for me, it had a happy ending that took thirteen years to find me.

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I am a survivor, and I will bounce back from the blues. I have people (and Tootsie) who need me. Being needed is the first step to healing. So for all of you who are experiencing any sort of personal loss, look around you and be thankful for those who still need you. And talk to God. He is a great listener and healer.

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Time to come off my soap box. I have a new freebie for you. This is a little kit I made for the May color challenge at our forum. It's called "Pansy Patch. I have broken it up into three parts so that the downloads are not too huge. Today, you can have Part One. I hope you use it.

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I'll be off now to start my day. Soon it will be lunch time, plus I need to make sure all my laundry is done. Tonight is a work night. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"Pansy Patch" Part One

You Have To Kiss A Few Frogs

May 14, 2010

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Good morning to you on this gray and drizzly day. There's not a lot happening here. It will probably be a nice lazy day for me and Tootsie. A good day to lie about and read library books and watch TV.

I'm not really in a designing mood. I seem to have picked up a bit of negativitiy and just don't have it in me to design. What a bummer!! Maybe a nice big fat orange will taste good right about now and help to change the mood.

My youngest daughter's social worker just called to say that my daughter was doing just fine and sitting next to the phone listening to my voice. She says that Laura Jean is ready for some new outfits. The staff at Seven Hills keeps her looking so nice that it is a pleasure to shop for Laura Jean. Today her hair is done with one long braid off to the side of her head. WooHoo!! Like mother, like daughter! I have a box of new clothes ready to send to her, so I think it's time to get my fanny off to the post office.

Miss Tootsie is lying here next to me rolling around and doing her "ooh" and "aah" and "why don't you play with me" act. Every now and then, she stops and just looks up at me, panting with her little tongue hanging out of her mouth. Okay, okay! Just let me finish my post, and I'll play some more with you. You just gotta love this little kid.

Yesterday, I bought another bird book. I'm still trying to put names on some of the birds that I have photographed. You know, it's like the saying "You have to kiss a few frogs to get to the prince." All books are not written equally. Each one has some information that the others don't have.

My new book "Birds of North America" calls itself "The Complete Photographic Guide To All Species." While browsing through it, I found what I think is my black bird. Remember this photo?

It's either an American Crow or a Fish Crow. They are nearly identical except that the Fish Crow has shaggy feathers around the neck area. I tend to think it's the Fish Crow, but I'm still not positive. Ah well, I'll keep looking. If nothing else, these books are really interesting.

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Well, it's almost lunchtime, so I think I'll stop now and play a bit with Tootsie, and then make us some lunch. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a terrific day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

From Buds To Beauty

May 13, 2010
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Ahhhh, the sun is shining this morning, so today's the day to get out and do errands. Tomorrow is supposed to be another gray rainy day. I think even the ducks are getting tired of all the rain.

I'm sitting here watching the Ellen DeGeneres show on TV. She has to be one of the most entertaining performers out there. I am not a big fan of talk shows, but I really do enjoy her show. Probably because she is so down to earth.

Sad to say, yesterday and last night, I did not do much in the way of designing. Every now and then I take a day and just relax with jigsaw puzzles. I have quite a few of them on my laptop, and I find it extremely relaxing to do them.

I do have some photos to share today. They are a mini-series showing a beautiful rhododendron emerging from a large bud.

I think I might even use these photos for my week two Journal Camp layout. Maybe. Seems most of my photos are of nature.

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Today I have errands to do, and I really must return my library books. There's not much to watch on TV, as all the regular stations have interrupted the regular programming and are broadcasting about the arrests being made in connection with the Times Square car bomb. This of course, means that it's time to shut off the TV and maybe turn on some music while I get ready to go out.

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My attorney called this morning to say that by next week we should be going to court for Howie's guardianship hearing. In the meantime, Howie is happy just being Howie, and keeping the nurses and aides quite busy looking after him. Moo still goes to visit him several times a week and takes him on short walks on the hospital grounds.

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Now it's time for me to get started on my day. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

So Many Different Hats To Wear!!!

May 12, 2010

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Oh dear, another gray and rainy day here in New England. I don't know about you, but I just don't seem to be able to gather a lot of energy on this type of day. This might be a good day to drink one of my energy drinks that I have been saving. You think?

The last time I had one of those energy drinks, I took me a nice long nap about an hour later. So much for the big surge of energy!! It wore me right out!! Maybe I will just save them for Moo. He is on the go a lot more than me. God bless him, I don't know where he gets his ambition. Must be from our parents. They would never stop until they dropped!

Well, last night I finally finished up my part of the June DD kit, and I made you another QP freebie. I also finished up a project that I have been working on with a friend. She has been putting together a yearbook for her 50th high school class reunion, and I helped her with the cover.

Speaking of class reunions, my 50th was three years ago. Where have all the years gone? I have been so busy raising a family, holding down jobs, running businesses, and now playing on my computer. And I still wear a lot of different hats! Worker, nursemaid, mommy and let's not forget "dwarf keeper." LOL!

Enough off my rambling. For my photos today, I have one of a Black Vulture that I took while I was in Florida. He's quite a formiddable looking bird.

Next, I have a sneak peek at what is coming next month in the daily download kit.

Last, but not least, I have your QP freebie. Now I am off to make another cup of coffee, and maybe put in a load of wash. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"QP - 026"